CiscoProfessional level350-401

350-401 exam dumps: 629 free Cisco ENCOR (CCNP Enterprise Core) practice questions

Free 350-401 practice questions for the Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies exam, with the correct answer and a full explanation for every option. Read the first 10 below, browse all 629 by number, or take a timed practice exam.

Question bank last updated February 2025

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Free 350-401 practice questions

Questions 1 to 10 of 629

Pick an answer before you open the explanation. Each question also has its own page with a permalink.

350-401 Question 1

Select 2

An enterprise is designing a new campus network and wants to ensure scalability, high availability, and easy management. The design team has chosen a three-tier hierarchical architecture. Which of the following are the primary functions of the core layer in this architecture?

A
Providing high-speed switching to ensure fast transport between distribution layers
B
Aggregating access layer devices and providing policy-based connectivity
C
Ensuring fault isolation at the access layer
D
Delivering redundancy and failover capabilities to maintain network uptime
E
Connecting the enterprise network to external networks, such as the internet

Show answer and explanation

Correct answers: A, D

Explanation

The three-tier hierarchical design divides the enterprise network into core, distribution, and access layers. The core layer's primary focus is on high-speed, reliable switching and redundancy to ensure efficient data transport between distribution layers. It does not handle policy enforcement or device aggregation, which are responsibilities of the distribution layer, or external connectivity, which is typically handled by the edge layer.

A. Correct.
Correct: The core layer serves as the backbone of the network, focusing on high-speed switching and fast transport between distribution layers.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Aggregating access layer devices and enforcing policies are functions of the distribution layer, not the core layer.
C. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Fault isolation is a feature of the access layer, where devices are closer to end users and localized failures can be contained.
D. Correct.
Correct: Redundancy and failover capabilities are critical functions of the core layer to ensure the network remains operational even during failures.
E. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Connecting to external networks is typically a function of the edge or border layer, not the core layer.

350-401 Question 2

Select 3

An enterprise network is undergoing a redesign to adopt a hierarchical campus architecture model. The network architect plans to implement modularity and scalability to improve performance and ease of troubleshooting. Which of the following design considerations align with the hierarchical campus architecture model?

A
Implementing a core layer that provides high-speed connectivity between distribution layers.
B
Collapsing the core and access layers to reduce hardware costs.
C
Designing the distribution layer for policy enforcement and inter-VLAN routing.
D
Placing end devices directly in the core layer to minimize latency.
E
Using the access layer to aggregate end devices and provide network access.

Show answer and explanation

Correct answers: A, C, E

Explanation

The hierarchical campus architecture consists of three layers: the access, distribution, and core layers. Each layer has specific roles to ensure modularity, scalability, and ease of troubleshooting. The core layer provides high-speed backbone connectivity, the distribution layer enforces policies and routes traffic, and the access layer connects end devices. This layered approach improves network performance and simplifies management.

A. Correct.
Correct. The core layer is responsible for high-speed connectivity and acts as the backbone of the hierarchical architecture.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Collapsing the core and access layers contradicts the hierarchical model and reduces modularity and scalability.
C. Correct.
Correct. The distribution layer is designed for policy enforcement, inter-VLAN routing, and acting as an intermediary between the access and core layers.
D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. End devices should not be placed in the core layer as it is designed for high-speed backbone connectivity, not endpoint access.
E. Correct.
Correct. The access layer is responsible for aggregating end devices, such as PCs and IP phones, and providing them with network access.

350-401 Question 3

Single answer

A company is redesigning its enterprise network to ensure better scalability and simplified management. Which architecture design approach would best suit this requirement?

A
Three-tier architecture with core, distribution, and access layers.
B
Flat network design with all devices in a single broadcast domain.
C
Single-layer architecture using only access switches.
D
Hub-and-spoke topology without redundant links.

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The three-tier architecture is the most suitable design for enterprise networks as it ensures better scalability, fault isolation, and simplified management. The core layer provides fast transport, the distribution layer handles routing and policy enforcement, and the access layer connects end devices. This hierarchical design aligns with industry best practices and supports the needs of modern enterprises.

A. Correct.
The three-tier architecture provides scalability, segregation of roles, and simplified management by dividing the network into core, distribution, and access layers. This is the industry standard for enterprise networks.
B. Incorrect.
A flat network design causes scalability issues due to large broadcast domains and difficulty in isolating faults or managing traffic. It is not suitable for modern enterprise environments.
C. Incorrect.
A single-layer architecture lacks scalability and redundancy, making it unsuitable for enterprise networks that require high availability and performance.
D. Incorrect.
Hub-and-spoke topology without redundant links would result in a lack of fault tolerance and scalability, making it impractical for most enterprise network designs.

350-401 Question 4

Select 3

A network engineer is designing an enterprise network for a branch office using a three-tier hierarchical model. The design must ensure high availability, scalability, and ease of troubleshooting. What are the primary functions of the distribution layer in this architecture?

A
Aggregating traffic from access layer switches and forwarding it to the core layer
B
Providing direct connectivity to endpoints such as user devices and printers
C
Implementing routing policies and filtering traffic between different access layer segments
D
Serving as the backbone for high-speed packet forwarding across the network
E
Enhancing network redundancy through features like link aggregation and load balancing

Show answer and explanation

Correct answers: A, C, E

Explanation

In the three-tier hierarchical model, the distribution layer serves as a bridge between the access and core layers. It aggregates traffic from access layer switches, applies routing policies, and enhances network redundancy through mechanisms like link aggregation and load balancing. These functions ensure scalability, high availability, and ease of network management. Connectivity to endpoints is handled by the access layer, while high-speed backbone operations are the responsibility of the core layer.

A. Correct.
Correct: Aggregating traffic from the access layer and forwarding it to the core layer is a key function of the distribution layer in the three-tier model.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Direct connectivity to endpoints is typically handled by the access layer, not the distribution layer.
C. Correct.
Correct: The distribution layer implements routing policies and filters traffic between access layer segments, which is one of its core responsibilities.
D. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Serving as the backbone for high-speed packet forwarding is a function of the core layer, not the distribution layer.
E. Correct.
Correct: Enhancing network redundancy through link aggregation and load balancing is an important function of the distribution layer to ensure high availability.

350-401 Question 5

Select 3

An enterprise network is being designed to support high availability and scalability for its critical services. Which design principles should the network architect prioritize to meet these requirements?

A
Implement modular design by segmenting the network into layers such as access, distribution, and core.
B
Use a flat network topology to simplify the design and reduce costs.
C
Deploy redundant links and devices to prevent single points of failure.
D
Integrate security mechanisms such as firewalls and access control lists into the network design.
E
Ensure minimal redundancy to save on hardware and operational costs.

Show answer and explanation

Correct answers: A, C, D

Explanation

Designing an enterprise network for high availability and scalability involves applying key principles such as modular design, redundancy, and integrated security. Modular design ensures the network is scalable and easy to manage, redundancy eliminates single points of failure to enhance availability, and security mechanisms protect the network's integrity. Flat topologies and minimal redundancy, while cost-saving, do not meet the requirements for a robust enterprise network.

A. Correct.
Implementing a modular design by segmenting the network into layers ensures scalability and simplifies troubleshooting, making it a core design principle for enterprise networks.
B. Incorrect.
Flat network topologies lack scalability and resilience, making them unsuitable for enterprise networks that require high availability and scalability.
C. Correct.
Redundant links and devices eliminate single points of failure, ensuring high availability in the network, which is essential for critical services.
D. Correct.
Integrating security mechanisms is a fundamental design principle to protect the network and its services, complementing availability and scalability by ensuring secure operations.
E. Incorrect.
Minimizing redundancy compromises availability and resilience, which are critical for enterprise networks, making this approach unsuitable.

350-401 Question 6

Select 3

An enterprise network is being designed to ensure scalability, resiliency, and optimized performance across multiple branches. The network architect decides to deploy a hierarchical design model. Which design principles align with this approach?

A
Implementing a core, distribution, and access layer architecture
B
Prioritizing a flat network for easier management
C
Ensuring redundancy in critical network paths
D
Centralizing all traffic through a single data center
E
Using modularity to simplify troubleshooting and scaling

Show answer and explanation

Correct answers: A, C, E

Explanation

The hierarchical design model in an enterprise network focuses on scalability, resiliency, and performance. Key principles include implementing a core, distribution, and access layer architecture, ensuring redundancy in critical paths, and using modularity to simplify network management and scaling. Flat networks and single points of traffic concentration introduce limitations and do not align with these principles.

A. Correct.
Correct: The hierarchical design model is based on a core, distribution, and access layer architecture to ensure scalability, performance, and efficient traffic management.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect: A flat network is not recommended for an enterprise as it can lead to scalability and performance issues, especially in larger networks.
C. Correct.
Correct: Redundancy is a key principle in enterprise networks to ensure resiliency and high availability, especially in critical paths.
D. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Centralizing all traffic through a single data center creates a bottleneck and does not align with the principles of scalability and fault tolerance.
E. Correct.
Correct: Modularity simplifies troubleshooting and scaling by allowing the network to be divided into smaller, manageable components.

350-401 Question 7

Select 3

A company is redesigning its enterprise network to improve scalability, availability, and manageability. Which combination of design principles should be implemented to achieve these goals?

A
Modular design with hierarchical layers
B
Flat network topology for simplified routing
C
Redundant links and devices to prevent single points of failure
D
Centralized traffic flow through a single core switch
E
Scalable addressing through proper IP subnetting
F
Elimination of network segmentation to simplify management

Show answer and explanation

Correct answers: A, C, E

Explanation

Enterprise network design relies on principles such as modular design (to improve manageability and scalability), redundancy (to ensure availability), and scalable addressing (to support future growth). Avoiding flat topologies, centralized traffic bottlenecks, and eliminating segmentation ensures the network remains resilient, scalable, and secure. These principles collectively enhance the network's ability to handle increased size and complexity while maintaining performance and reliability.

A. Correct.
Modular design with hierarchical layers is a core design principle that improves manageability, scalability, and performance by separating the network into layers such as access, distribution, and core.
B. Incorrect.
Flat network topology is not recommended in enterprise networks because it limits scalability, increases broadcast traffic, and reduces fault isolation capabilities.
C. Correct.
Redundant links and devices are essential to ensure high availability by eliminating single points of failure, which is critical for enterprise networks.
D. Incorrect.
Centralized traffic flow through a single core switch creates a bottleneck and introduces a single point of failure, which goes against scalability and availability design principles.
E. Correct.
Scalable addressing with proper IP subnetting ensures efficient use of IP address space and supports future growth, making it a key part of a scalable network design.
F. Incorrect.
Eliminating network segmentation reduces security and limits the ability to isolate traffic, making it unsuitable for enterprise network design.

350-401 Question 8

Select 3

An enterprise network is being designed to support high availability, scalability, and efficient traffic flow. Which design principles should be prioritized to meet these requirements?

A
Hierarchical design with core, distribution, and access layers
B
Flat network design to simplify configuration
C
Scalability to support future growth
D
Centralized single-point-of-failure design for easier troubleshooting
E
Redundancy to ensure high availability

Show answer and explanation

Correct answers: A, C, E

Explanation

Enterprise networks are designed to support business-critical applications, requiring a focus on structured, scalable, and redundant architectures. Hierarchical design ensures efficient management and traffic flow, scalability supports future growth, and redundancy guarantees high availability. Flat designs and single points of failure should be avoided as they compromise these objectives.

A. Correct.
Hierarchical design with core, distribution, and access layers helps organize the network into layers, enhancing scalability, efficient traffic flow, and management of high availability.
B. Incorrect.
Flat network design is not recommended for enterprise networks as it can lead to scalability and performance issues while increasing the risk of network outages.
C. Correct.
Scalability is a key design principle in enterprise networks to ensure the network can accommodate growth, new applications, or additional users without major redesigns.
D. Incorrect.
Centralized single-point-of-failure design contradicts the principle of high availability, as a single failure can bring down the entire network.
E. Correct.
Redundancy is critical for maintaining high availability, ensuring that the network can continue functioning even in the event of device or link failures.

350-401 Question 9

Single answer

An enterprise is planning to upgrade their network design to support scalability, redundancy, and future cloud integration. They currently have a flat 2-tier architecture and want to ensure better segmentation and layer independence. Which network design would best suit their requirements?

A
Retain the 2-tier architecture and increase the number of switches at the access layer.
B
Adopt a 3-tier architecture with core, distribution, and access layers.
C
Implement a fabric-based architecture for better automation and scalability.
D
Migrate entirely to a cloud-based network design to eliminate on-premises infrastructure.

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The 3-tier architecture is the best fit for the enterprise's requirements because it introduces a hierarchical structure that supports scalability, redundancy, and segmentation while maintaining a balance between complexity and functionality. The other options either fail to address the stated needs or go beyond the scope of the current requirements.

A. Incorrect.
Retaining the 2-tier architecture does not address the need for better segmentation and scalability. Adding more access switches could increase complexity without solving the core issues.
B. Correct.
A 3-tier architecture provides clear separation between core, distribution, and access layers, enhancing scalability, redundancy, and layer independence. It is a suitable choice for the stated requirements.
C. Incorrect.
A fabric-based architecture is highly scalable and supports automation, but it may be overkill for the current requirements if the enterprise is not ready for a full transformation.
D. Incorrect.
Migrating entirely to the cloud may not be feasible for an enterprise that still needs on-premises infrastructure, especially since the requirements do not specifically call for a cloud-only solution.

350-401 Question 10

Single answer

An enterprise is designing a high-level network architecture for a new campus environment. They need a scalable design that separates the core functions of routing and switching while providing simplified management and fault isolation. Which high-level enterprise network design model should they choose?

A
2-tier architecture
B
3-tier architecture
C
Fabric-based architecture
D
Cloud-based architecture

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The 3-tier architecture is the best choice for large enterprise campus environments due to its division of core, distribution, and access layers. This separation facilitates better fault isolation, scalability, and simplified management, which are critical for enterprise-grade networks.

A. Incorrect.
2-tier architecture is commonly used in smaller or medium-sized networks where scalability and separation of core functions are less critical. It merges distribution and core layers, which is not ideal for large environments requiring fault isolation and scalability.
B. Correct.
3-tier architecture separates the core, distribution, and access layers, making it highly scalable and ideal for large enterprise environments. It enables better fault isolation and simplifies management in complex networks.
C. Incorrect.
Fabric-based architecture is used for modern designs focusing on automation, virtualization, and programmability. While it offers advantages, it is not explicitly mentioned as the best fit for traditional campus environments in this scenario.
D. Incorrect.
Cloud-based architecture is a design model that integrates private, public, or hybrid cloud resources. It is not the best solution for on-premises campus environments requiring traditional routing and switching separation.

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What the 350-401 exam covers

Official Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies exam domains and weightings.

Architecture
15% of exam
Virtualization
10% of exam
Infrastructure
30% of exam
Network Assurance
10% of exam
Security
20% of exam
Automation
15% of exam

350-401 practice questions 1 to 100 of 629

Every question has a page with the answer and explanation. Numbers are stable, so you can bookmark or share them. The bank is split into 7 pages of up to 100 questions.

350-401 exam dumps FAQ

Are these 350-401 dumps real exam questions?

No. These are original practice questions written to the Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies exam objectives, not questions copied from a live exam. Memorising leaked questions violates Cisco's candidate agreement and stops working the moment the question pool rotates. Use this bank to check your understanding of each domain and to find the topics you still need to study.

How many 350-401 practice questions are there?

629 questions, each with the correct answer, an explanation of the answer, and a note on why every other option is wrong. The first 10 are on this page and every question has its own page linked below.

Are the 350-401 exam dumps free?

Yes. Every question, answer and explanation on this page and the linked question pages is free to read without an account. A free HydraNode account adds timed practice exams, scoring and progress tracking across attempts.

How do I take a timed 350-401 practice test?

Sign in and start the Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies exam on HydraNode. A session gives you 75 questions drawn from this bank in 120 minutes, then a score report with a per-question review.

What topics does the 350-401 exam cover?

The official exam domains are: Architecture; Virtualization; Infrastructure; Network Assurance; Security; Automation.

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