- A
snmp-server group GROUP v3 priv
Creates an SNMPv3 group with the 'priv' keyword to enable encryption.
- B
snmp-server user USER GROUP v3 auth sha PASSWORD priv aes 128 PASSWORD
Creates a user with SHA authentication and AES 128 encryption.
- C
snmp-server community PUBLIC ro
Why wrong: This is for SNMPv1/v2c community strings, not SNMPv3.
- D
snmp-server host 10.1.1.1 version 3 priv USER
Why wrong: This configures a trap receiver, not the user/group authentication.
- E
snmp-server enable traps
Why wrong: Enables trap generation, but is not required for SNMPv3 authentication/encryption.
Question 136 of 2,152
SNMPv3 Configuration Commands: Group and User for authPriv
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of snmp troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO configuration steps are required to enable SNMPv3 with authentication and encryption on a Cisco router? (Choose TWO.)
Quick Answer
The answer is that you must first define an SNMP group with the security level and then create a user bound to that group using the `snmp-server user` command with authentication and privacy parameters. This is correct because SNMPv3’s security model separates group-based access control from user credentials; the `snmp-server group` command establishes the authPriv security level for the group, while the `snmp-server user` command assigns the specific SHA authentication password and AES 128 encryption password to that user. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this tests your understanding of SNMPv3 configuration commands group user relationships, often appearing in a multiple-choice scenario where distractors include `snmp-server community` (for v1/v2c) or `snmp-server host` (for trap destinations). A common trap is forgetting that the group must exist before the user is created. Memory tip: think “Group first, then User—auth before Priv” to sequence the two required steps correctly.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
snmp-server group GROUP v3 priv
Option A is correct because the `snmp-server group GROUP v3 priv` command creates an SNMPv3 group that enforces the `priv` security level, which requires both authentication and encryption for all users in that group. This is the foundational step to enable SNMPv3 with auth and encryption, as the group defines the minimum security model (noAuthNoPriv, authNoPriv, or authPriv) that users must meet. Without this group configuration, users cannot be assigned the necessary privileges for encrypted communication.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
snmp-server group GROUP v3 priv
Why this is correct
Creates an SNMPv3 group with the 'priv' keyword to enable encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
snmp-server user USER GROUP v3 auth sha PASSWORD priv aes 128 PASSWORD
Why this is correct
Creates a user with SHA authentication and AES 128 encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
snmp-server community PUBLIC ro
Why it's wrong here
This is for SNMPv1/v2c community strings, not SNMPv3.
- ✗
snmp-server host 10.1.1.1 version 3 priv USER
Why it's wrong here
This configures a trap receiver, not the user/group authentication.
- ✗
snmp-server enable traps
Why it's wrong here
Enables trap generation, but is not required for SNMPv3 authentication/encryption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between the group-level security level and the user-level auth/priv parameters; the trap here is that candidates think only the user command is needed, forgetting that the group must first be configured with `priv` to allow the user to use encryption.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SNMPv3 uses the User-based Security Model (USM) defined in RFC 3414, where the `snmp-server group` command ties a security level (noAuthNoPriv, authNoPriv, or authPriv) to a group, and the `snmp-server user` command binds a specific user to that group with authentication (SHA/MD5) and encryption (AES/DES) keys. In real-world deployments, failing to match the user's auth/priv algorithms with the group's security level (e.g., using `auth` in the group but `priv` in the user) results in authentication failures or unencrypted communication, a common misconfiguration in enterprise networks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
SNMP Troubleshooting — This question tests SNMP Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: snmp-server group GROUP v3 priv — Option A is correct because the `snmp-server group GROUP v3 priv` command creates an SNMPv3 group that enforces the `priv` security level, which requires both authentication and encryption for all users in that group. This is the foundational step to enable SNMPv3 with auth and encryption, as the group defines the minimum security model (noAuthNoPriv, authNoPriv, or authPriv) that users must meet. Without this group configuration, users cannot be assigned the necessary privileges for encrypted communication.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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