Managing Industrial Networks for Manufacturing with Cisco Technologies

400 Questions and Answers

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The Managing Industrial Networks for Manufacturing with Cisco Technologies (IMINS2) Practice Exam is a comprehensive resource designed to prepare professionals for the Cisco 200-401 certification. This exam focuses on integrating IT and operational technology (OT) to manage and secure industrial networks in manufacturing environments.

Developed for engineers, technicians, and system integrators, this practice test mirrors the format and complexity of the official IMINS2 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation to enhance your understanding of industrial Ethernet, protocols, and network security in critical manufacturing operations.

Topics Covered:

 

  • Fundamentals of industrial networking and Ethernet

  • Cisco architectures for industrial environments

  • Industrial protocols (Modbus, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP)

  • VLANs, IP addressing, and switching in factory networks

  • Network security and segmentation strategies

  • Wireless connectivity and mobility in industrial settings

  • Troubleshooting and monitoring industrial networks

  • Best practices for high availability and redundancy

This exam is ideal for control engineers, plant IT staff, and professionals working in automation, manufacturing, and industrial networking. It equips candidates with the practical skills needed to implement and maintain secure, resilient industrial network infrastructures using Cisco solutions.

Sample Questions and Answers

How does Cisco SD-WAN improve industrial network performance?
A. Optimizes traffic routing across multiple WAN links
B. Provides VPN security only
C. Controls VLAN assignments
D. Provides firewall services
Answer: A. Optimizes traffic routing across multiple WAN links
Explanation: SD-WAN routes traffic based on application needs and link conditions.

What is the function of Cisco TrustSec in an industrial network?
A. Enforces access policies based on security group tags (SGTs)
B. Aggregates Ethernet links
C. Provides DHCP services
D. Prevents ARP spoofing
Answer: A. Enforces access policies based on security group tags (SGTs)
Explanation: TrustSec dynamically segments network traffic based on identity.

Which Cisco technology helps detect anomalies and threats in network traffic?
A. Cisco Secure Network Analytics
B. Cisco ASA Firewall
C. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
D. Cisco DNA Center
Answer: A. Cisco Secure Network Analytics
Explanation: It uses behavioral analytics and machine learning for threat detection.

Which Cisco protocol helps ensure continuous router availability in case of failure?
A. Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
B. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
C. Dynamic ARP Inspection
D. VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
Answer: A. Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
Explanation: HSRP provides router redundancy for high availability.

What is the role of VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) in Cisco networks?
A. Propagates VLAN information between switches
B. Prevents loops
C. Controls wireless clients
D. Provides DHCP services
Answer: A. Propagates VLAN information between switches
Explanation: VTP synchronizes VLAN configuration across switches.

How does Cisco Port Security help protect industrial networks?
A. Limits the number of allowed MAC addresses per port to prevent attacks
B. Encrypts traffic
C. Manages IP addresses
D. Provides wireless access
Answer: A. Limits the number of allowed MAC addresses per port to prevent attacks
Explanation: This mitigates MAC flooding and unauthorized device access.

What is Cisco NetFlow used for in industrial networks?
A. Collecting and analyzing IP traffic flow data
B. Assigning IP addresses
C. Encrypting data
D. Preventing ARP spoofing
Answer: A. Collecting and analyzing IP traffic flow data
Explanation: NetFlow helps monitor bandwidth usage and detect anomalies.

Which Cisco device provides centralized management of wireless networks in factories?
A. Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC)
B. Cisco ASA Firewall
C. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
D. Cisco DNA Center
Answer: A. Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC)
Explanation: WLC manages wireless access points and policies.

What feature of Cisco DNA Center enables zero-touch device provisioning?
A. Network Plug and Play (PnP)
B. DHCP Snooping
C. Dynamic ARP Inspection
D. VLAN Trunking Protocol
Answer: A. Network Plug and Play (PnP)
Explanation: PnP automates onboarding of new network devices.

Which Cisco product is designed to protect industrial control systems (ICS) specifically?
A. Cisco Secure Firewall Industrial Edition
B. Cisco ASA Firewall
C. Cisco DNA Center
D. Cisco Wireless LAN Controller
Answer: A. Cisco Secure Firewall Industrial Edition
Explanation: Tailored firewall with protocols and features for ICS protection.

How does Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) enhance network security?
A. Centralizes authentication and policy enforcement for users and devices
B. Aggregates multiple Ethernet links
C. Provides time synchronization
D. Monitors network flows
Answer: A. Centralizes authentication and policy enforcement for users and devices
Explanation: ISE enforces who and what can access the network.

What Cisco technology helps segment and isolate OT traffic from IT traffic?
A. Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)
B. EtherChannel
C. Dynamic ARP Inspection
D. DHCP Snooping
Answer: A. Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)
Explanation: VRF creates separate routing tables to isolate traffic.

Which Cisco tool provides network topology visualization?
A. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
B. Cisco ASA Firewall
C. Cisco Identity Services Engine
D. Cisco Secure Network Analytics
Answer: A. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
Explanation: Prime Infrastructure offers mapping and monitoring of devices.

What is the benefit of Cisco SD-Access for manufacturing networks?
A. Automates segmentation and policy enforcement based on user/device identity
B. Encrypts all network traffic
C. Routes traffic between VLANs manually
D. Provides firewall functions
Answer: A. Automates segmentation and policy enforcement based on user/device identity
Explanation: SD-Access simplifies network segmentation through software.

Which Cisco feature helps secure industrial wireless networks?
A. WPA3 and 802.1X authentication
B. VLAN Trunking Protocol
C. EtherChannel
D. Dynamic ARP Inspection
Answer: A. WPA3 and 802.1X authentication
Explanation: These provide strong encryption and authentication for wireless clients.

 

What Cisco protocol is commonly used for network device discovery in industrial networks?
A. Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
B. Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)
C. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
D. Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
Answer: A. Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
Explanation: CDP is a Cisco proprietary protocol that helps devices discover neighbors and their capabilities.

Which Cisco technology helps ensure that unauthorized devices cannot connect to the network?
A. 802.1X Port-Based Network Access Control
B. VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
C. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
D. EtherChannel
Answer: A. 802.1X Port-Based Network Access Control
Explanation: 802.1X uses authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized device access.

What is the main function of Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) in industrial environments?
A. Provides policy-based automation and network virtualization
B. Manages IP address allocation
C. Encrypts wireless traffic
D. Prevents ARP spoofing
Answer: A. Provides policy-based automation and network virtualization
Explanation: Cisco ACI simplifies network management through centralized policies.

How does Cisco’s Embedded Event Manager (EEM) help in industrial networks?
A. Automates network device responses to events and conditions
B. Provides firewall protection
C. Manages wireless clients
D. Handles IP address allocation
Answer: A. Automates network device responses to events and conditions
Explanation: EEM scripts allow automated actions on network devices for better reliability.

Which Cisco Industrial Ethernet switch feature allows for fast recovery in ring topologies?
A. Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP)
B. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
C. Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)
D. Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
Answer: A. Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP)
Explanation: MRP is designed for fast failover in ring topologies common in industrial networks.

What is the primary benefit of using Cisco SD-Access in manufacturing networks?
A. Simplifies segmentation and security through identity-based policies
B. Provides faster DHCP lease times
C. Increases wireless signal strength
D. Enables port aggregation
Answer: A. Simplifies segmentation and security through identity-based policies
Explanation: SD-Access abstracts network segmentation using software policies rather than IP addresses.

In Cisco industrial networks, what does the term “fabric” refer to?
A. The interconnected network of devices managed by SD-Access
B. Physical cabling infrastructure
C. Wireless access points only
D. Firewall configurations
Answer: A. The interconnected network of devices managed by SD-Access
Explanation: The fabric is the logical network under SD-Access that enforces policies and connectivity.

What is the role of Cisco DNA Center Assurance in network management?
A. Provides AI-powered network health and performance monitoring
B. Assigns IP addresses automatically
C. Provides firewall protection
D. Manages VLAN trunks
Answer: A. Provides AI-powered network health and performance monitoring
Explanation: DNA Center Assurance uses analytics to proactively identify and solve network issues.

Which Cisco technology helps integrate IT and OT network management?
A. Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA)
B. Cisco ASA Firewall
C. Cisco Wireless LAN Controller
D. Cisco Nexus Switches
Answer: A. Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA)
Explanation: Cisco DNA provides a unified platform to manage both IT and OT networks.

What Cisco protocol can be used to securely automate device configuration?
A. NETCONF
B. DHCP
C. VTP
D. RSTP
Answer: A. NETCONF
Explanation: NETCONF provides a secure method for configuring network devices programmatically.

What security feature protects Cisco industrial networks from unauthorized ARP replies?
A. Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
B. DHCP Snooping
C. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
D. VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
Answer: A. Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
Explanation: DAI validates ARP packets to prevent spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks.

What is the function of Cisco Flexible NetFlow in industrial networks?
A. Collects detailed traffic statistics for analysis and troubleshooting
B. Provides VPN connectivity
C. Manages IP addresses
D. Encrypts wireless traffic
Answer: A. Collects detailed traffic statistics for analysis and troubleshooting
Explanation: Flexible NetFlow provides granular visibility into network traffic.

Which Cisco product is designed to provide industrial-grade wireless connectivity?
A. Cisco Industrial Wireless 3700 Series Access Points
B. Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series Switches
C. Cisco ASA Firewall
D. Cisco Identity Services Engine
Answer: A. Cisco Industrial Wireless 3700 Series Access Points
Explanation: These access points are ruggedized for industrial environments.

How does Cisco TrustSec simplify network security in manufacturing?
A. By assigning Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify and control traffic
B. By encrypting all traffic by default
C. By providing firewall services only
D. By routing VLAN traffic
Answer: A. By assigning Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify and control traffic
Explanation: TrustSec uses identity-based tags to enforce policies dynamically.

What is the purpose of Cisco’s Network Plug and Play (PnP) in industrial networks?
A. Simplifies device deployment and configuration automation
B. Controls wireless clients
C. Aggregates multiple Ethernet links
D. Monitors traffic flows
Answer: A. Simplifies device deployment and configuration automation
Explanation: PnP reduces manual configuration errors and accelerates deployment.

What Cisco feature ensures high availability of routing in industrial networks?
A. Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
B. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
C. VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
D. Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
Answer: A. Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
Explanation: HSRP provides a failover router to maintain network uptime.

What technology does Cisco recommend to protect network devices from unauthorized firmware changes?
A. Secure Boot
B. Spanning Tree Protocol
C. DHCP Snooping
D. EtherChannel
Answer: A. Secure Boot
Explanation: Secure Boot verifies the integrity of the firmware before loading.

Which Cisco protocol supports time-sensitive networking (TSN) for industrial automation?
A. IEEE 802.1Qbv (Time-Aware Shaper)
B. DHCP
C. Spanning Tree Protocol
D. VTP
Answer: A. IEEE 802.1Qbv (Time-Aware Shaper)
Explanation: TSN standards prioritize time-critical traffic in industrial networks.

What Cisco security feature controls access to switch ports by limiting MAC addresses?
A. Port Security
B. Dynamic ARP Inspection
C. DHCP Snooping
D. VLAN Trunking Protocol
Answer: A. Port Security
Explanation: Port Security restricts the number of MAC addresses on a port to prevent attacks.

Which Cisco tool provides policy-based automation and orchestration of network devices?
A. Cisco DNA Center
B. Cisco ASA Firewall
C. Cisco Identity Services Engine
D. Cisco Prime Infrastructure
Answer: A. Cisco DNA Center
Explanation: DNA Center automates network operations and policy enforcement.

What is the primary function of Cisco Prime Infrastructure?
A. Centralized network management and monitoring
B. Routing traffic between VLANs
C. Encrypting data traffic
D. Providing DHCP services
Answer: A. Centralized network management and monitoring
Explanation: It provides visibility, configuration, and troubleshooting tools.

Which Cisco technology enables secure segmentation in industrial environments?
A. Cisco TrustSec
B. VLAN Trunking Protocol
C. Dynamic ARP Inspection
D. Hot Standby Router Protocol
Answer: A. Cisco TrustSec
Explanation: TrustSec uses Security Group Tags to enforce segmentation policies.

What is the function of Cisco EtherChannel technology?
A. Aggregates multiple physical links into one logical link for bandwidth and redundancy
B. Encrypts wireless traffic
C. Provides routing between VLANs
D. Monitors IP address assignments
Answer: A. Aggregates multiple physical links into one logical link for bandwidth and redundancy
Explanation: EtherChannel increases throughput and provides failover.

Which Cisco protocol is used for IP address assignment?
A. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
B. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
C. Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
D. Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
Answer: A. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
Explanation: DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices.

Which Cisco product is best suited for managing large-scale industrial wireless networks?
A. Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC)
B. Cisco ASA Firewall
C. Cisco Identity Services Engine
D. Cisco Catalyst Switch
Answer: A. Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC)
Explanation: WLCs manage, secure, and optimize wireless networks centrally.

How does Cisco Secure Network Analytics (Stealthwatch) help industrial networks?
A. Detects network threats and anomalies using behavioral analytics
B. Provides VPN connectivity
C. Assigns IP addresses
D. Manages VLAN trunks
Answer: A. Detects network threats and anomalies using behavioral analytics
Explanation: It identifies malicious activities through network behavior analysis.

What Cisco technology provides network segmentation using virtual routing tables?
A. Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)
B. EtherChannel
C. Dynamic ARP Inspection
D. DHCP Snooping
Answer: A. Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)
Explanation: VRF enables multiple routing instances to isolate network traffic.

Which Cisco protocol is designed for fast convergence in Layer 2 networks?
A. Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)
B. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
C. VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
D. Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)
Answer: A. Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)
Explanation: RSTP converges faster than traditional STP to maintain network stability.

What is the purpose of Cisco’s Network Plug and Play (PnP)?
A. Automates device provisioning and configuration
B. Provides firewall protection
C. Encrypts all data traffic
D. Controls wireless access
Answer: A. Automates device provisioning and configuration
Explanation: PnP allows rapid and error-free deployment of network devices.

Which Cisco feature can help mitigate MAC address flooding attacks?
A. Port Security
B. Dynamic ARP Inspection
C. DHCP Snooping
D. Cisco TrustSec
Answer: A. Port Security
Explanation: Port Security limits the number of MAC addresses on a port to prevent flooding attacks.

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