Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (300-425 ENWLSD) Practice Exam
Prepare confidently for the Cisco 300-425 ENWLSD exam with Exam Sage’s comprehensive practice test designed specifically for this advanced wireless certification. This practice exam is crafted to help networking professionals deepen their understanding of enterprise wireless network design and verify their readiness for the official Cisco certification.
What Is the 300-425 ENWLSD Exam?
The Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSD) exam tests your knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and optimizing Cisco wireless enterprise networks. This certification is essential for network engineers and architects who want to demonstrate expertise in wireless infrastructure, security, RF design, and wireless network management using Cisco technologies.
What Will You Learn?
By practicing with our ENWLSD exam, you will master critical wireless design concepts including:
Advanced Cisco wireless architecture and deployment models
Wireless site survey and RF design best practices
Security protocols and wireless policy implementation
Cisco wireless controller and access point configurations
Integration of wireless with enterprise network infrastructure
Troubleshooting wireless connectivity and performance issues
Deployment of advanced wireless features like Cisco CleanAir, ClientMatch, and fast roaming
Topics Covered
Our practice questions cover the full breadth of the official ENWLSD exam blueprint, including:
Wireless fundamentals and technologies
Enterprise WLAN design principles
Cisco wireless infrastructure components
Wireless security design and authentication
Radio frequency (RF) design and optimization
Wireless network services and QoS
Advanced wireless features and Cisco DNA Center integration
Why Choose Exam Sage for Your ENWLSD Exam Prep?
Exam Sage offers carefully researched, up-to-date, and realistic practice questions that mirror the difficulty and scope of the official exam. Each question includes detailed explanations to help you understand concepts fully and learn from every answer. With Exam Sage, you get:
Authentic practice exams designed by experts
Clear explanations to reinforce learning
A convenient online platform accessible anytime
Regular updates reflecting the latest exam objectives
Gain confidence, identify knowledge gaps, and improve your exam readiness with Exam Sage’s Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (300-425 ENWLSD) Practice Exam — your trusted resource for Cisco certification success.
Sample Questions and Answers
1. Which two factors most significantly affect indoor wireless signal propagation?
A. Access Point IP Address and SSID
B. Building materials and antenna type
C. SSID length and DHCP configuration
D. VLAN configuration and channel width
Answer: B. Building materials and antenna type
Explanation: Indoor signal propagation is heavily influenced by physical obstructions such as concrete walls or metal surfaces and the type of antenna used (omnidirectional vs directional).
2. What is the primary function of a site survey in wireless network design?
A. Assign IP addresses to clients
B. Determine the physical layout of cabling
C. Identify optimal AP placement and coverage
D. Assign VLANs for segmentation
Answer: C. Identify optimal AP placement and coverage
Explanation: A wireless site survey helps determine where access points should be placed for optimal coverage, performance, and minimal interference.
3. Which standard provides support for Multi-User MIMO in wireless networks?
A. 802.11n
B. 802.11a
C. 802.11ac Wave 2
D. 802.3af
Answer: C. 802.11ac Wave 2
Explanation: 802.11ac Wave 2 introduces MU-MIMO, allowing multiple clients to be served simultaneously, improving throughput.
4. What tool is commonly used during a predictive wireless site survey?
A. Telnet
B. Cisco DNA Center
C. Ekahau or AirMagnet
D. SNMP Walk
Answer: C. Ekahau or AirMagnet
Explanation: Predictive surveys use software tools like Ekahau or AirMagnet to simulate RF coverage based on building plans before deployment.
5. Which two elements should be considered when selecting antennas for a deployment? (Choose two)
A. Client device color
B. Gain and polarization
C. DHCP lease time
D. Antenna type and coverage pattern
Answer: B, D
Explanation: Antenna gain affects range and signal strength, while the type (e.g., patch, yagi) defines the coverage pattern.
6. What is the recommended signal strength (RSSI) for voice over WLAN at the client?
A. -90 dBm
B. -67 dBm
C. -75 dBm
D. -50 dBm
Answer: B. -67 dBm
Explanation: For high-quality voice applications, a minimum RSSI of -67 dBm ensures sufficient signal strength.
7. What frequency bands does 802.11ax operate in?
A. 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz only
B. 5 GHz only
C. 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
D. 900 MHz only
Answer: C. 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
Explanation: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E) operates in all three frequency bands, improving capacity and performance.
8. What is the primary benefit of using 20 MHz channels in 2.4 GHz designs?
A. Higher throughput
B. Improved data encryption
C. Less adjacent-channel interference
D. Faster roaming
Answer: C. Less adjacent-channel interference
Explanation: The 2.4 GHz band has limited non-overlapping channels. Using 20 MHz avoids overlap and interference.
9. Which parameter defines how far an AP can send a beacon signal?
A. SSID
B. Beacon Interval
C. Transmit Power
D. Channel Width
Answer: C. Transmit Power
Explanation: Increasing transmit power increases the range, but must be balanced to avoid interference.
10. What is the purpose of a wireless heat map?
A. To track user locations
B. To visualize RF coverage strength
C. To monitor DHCP leases
D. To create VLAN tags
Answer: B. To visualize RF coverage strength
Explanation: Heat maps display the strength and quality of wireless signals across a floor plan.
11. Which Cisco tool can assist in RF spectrum analysis?
A. Prime Infrastructure
B. Cisco DNA Center
C. Cisco CleanAir
D. Webex
Answer: C. Cisco CleanAir
Explanation: CleanAir detects and identifies sources of RF interference in real-time.
12. What is a key feature of Mobility Express in Cisco wireless design?
A. Supports Layer 3 roaming only
B. Requires a wireless controller
C. Allows an AP to act as a controller
D. Supports only 2.4 GHz
Answer: C. Allows an AP to act as a controller
Explanation: Mobility Express enables a designated AP to serve as a lightweight controller for smaller deployments.
13. What wireless architecture is best suited for a campus with thousands of users?
A. Autonomous APs
B. Cloud-managed APs
C. Centralized controller-based
D. Wireless bridge
Answer: C. Centralized controller-based
Explanation: A centralized WLC (Wireless LAN Controller) supports scalability, policy enforcement, and performance.
14. Why is channel planning crucial in high-density environments?
A. Prevents routing loops
B. Avoids IP conflicts
C. Reduces co-channel interference
D. Enables DHCP snooping
Answer: C. Reduces co-channel interference
Explanation: Effective channel planning minimizes signal overlap and improves performance.
15. What is the primary advantage of using directional antennas outdoors?
A. Broadcast multiple SSIDs
B. Prevent rogue AP detection
C. Focus signal in a specific direction
D. Increase SSID visibility
Answer: C. Focus signal in a specific direction
Explanation: Directional antennas extend range and reduce interference in targeted areas.
16. What does the dBi rating of an antenna represent?
A. Antenna frequency
B. Device battery life
C. Antenna gain relative to isotropic radiator
D. Data encryption level
Answer: C. Antenna gain relative to isotropic radiator
Explanation: dBi indicates how effectively an antenna radiates compared to a reference point.
17. What does DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) help mitigate?
A. SSID spoofing
B. AP overload
C. Interference with radar systems
D. VLAN hopping
Answer: C. Interference with radar systems
Explanation: DFS ensures APs avoid radar-sensitive frequencies by changing channels automatically.
18. What is the optimal cell overlap in a voice WLAN design?
A. 0%
B. 50%
C. 20–30%
D. 80%
Answer: C. 20–30%
Explanation: This overlap ensures seamless handoffs and roaming without dropped calls.
19. What is the maximum EIRP allowed in the U.S. for 2.4 GHz indoor wireless use?
A. 1 dBm
B. 30 dBm
C. 36 dBm
D. 100 dBm
Answer: C. 36 dBm
Explanation: FCC regulations allow up to 36 dBm EIRP, including antenna gain, for indoor 2.4 GHz.
20. What Cisco platform provides intent-based wireless design and management?
A. Cisco IOS
B. Cisco Prime
C. Cisco DNA Center
D. Cisco SD-WAN
Answer: C. Cisco DNA Center
Explanation: DNA Center offers intelligent wireless management based on policies and telemetry.
21. What is a key challenge with outdoor wireless mesh designs?
A. High licensing cost
B. Complex DHCP configuration
C. Line-of-sight and environmental obstacles
D. Lack of 5 GHz support
Answer: C. Line-of-sight and environmental obstacles
Explanation: Mesh deployments often suffer from obstruction and interference in outdoor environments.
22. What is the minimum number of non-overlapping channels in 2.4 GHz band (US)?
A. 11
B. 8
C. 3
D. 5
Answer: C. 3
Explanation: Only channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping in the 2.4 GHz band.
23. Which metric defines client signal quality as seen by the AP?
A. RSSI
B. SNR
C. Tx Rate
D. EIRP
Answer: A. RSSI
Explanation: RSSI reflects the received signal strength from the client at the AP.
24. What is the maximum theoretical throughput of 802.11ac Wave 2?
A. 100 Mbps
B. 1 Gbps
C. 6.9 Gbps
D. 10 Gbps
Answer: C. 6.9 Gbps
Explanation: Wave 2 supports up to 160 MHz channels and MU-MIMO for high throughput.
25. Which wireless design factor helps minimize roaming delays?
A. Large cell overlap
B. Static channels
C. Fast BSS Transition (802.11r)
D. SSID hiding
Answer: C. Fast BSS Transition (802.11r)
Explanation: 802.11r supports faster handoffs, especially important for real-time applications.
26. In which situation is Layer 3 roaming required?
A. When clients move between channels
B. When clients remain on the same AP
C. When clients move across different IP subnets
D. When DHCP lease expires
Answer: C. When clients move across different IP subnets
Explanation: Layer 3 roaming enables client continuity across different subnets without session drops.
27. What metric does a wireless controller use to determine the best AP for a client?
A. SSID length
B. DHCP scope
C. Client RSSI
D. Beacon interval
Answer: C. Client RSSI
Explanation: The WLC often uses RSSI to direct clients to the strongest AP.
28. Which component is crucial for designing high-availability wireless networks?
A. Redundant APs and controllers
B. VLAN hopping
C. Single DHCP server
D. Hidden SSIDs
Answer: A. Redundant APs and controllers
Explanation: Redundancy prevents single points of failure in enterprise deployments.
29. What frequency reuse strategy is typically recommended in 5 GHz designs?
A. Use channel 6 only
B. Use 20 MHz-wide non-DFS channels
C. Use all available DFS channels
D. Use overlapping 80 MHz channels
Answer: B. Use 20 MHz-wide non-DFS channels
Explanation: Non-DFS channels reduce the risk of unexpected channel changes due to radar detection.
30. Which design consideration is critical for warehouse wireless deployments?
A. Aesthetics
B. Omni antennas only
C. High AP mounting height and directional antennas
D. Channel bonding in 2.4 GHz
Answer: C. High AP mounting height and directional antennas
Explanation: Warehouses often require directional antennas and high mounting to cover aisles efficiently.
31. What is the primary benefit of implementing band steering in a dual-band wireless network?
A. It increases the number of available channels.
B. It forces all clients to use the 2.4 GHz band.
C. It encourages capable clients to use the 5 GHz band.
D. It balances the load equally between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Answer: C. It encourages capable clients to use the 5 GHz band.
Explanation: Band steering detects dual-band clients and encourages them to connect to the 5 GHz band, which is typically less congested and offers more non-overlapping channels, leading to improved performance.
32. In a wireless design, what is the recommended minimum SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) for reliable data connectivity?
A. 10 dB
B. 15 dB
C. 20 dB
D. 25 dB
Answer: C. 20 dB
Explanation: A minimum SNR of 20 dB is generally recommended to ensure reliable data transmission in wireless networks, providing a good balance between performance and coverage.
33. Which Cisco feature allows for the automatic adjustment of AP transmit power and channel assignments to optimize coverage and performance?
A. RRM (Radio Resource Management)
B. CleanAir
C. FlexConnect
D. Mobility Express
Answer: A. RRM (Radio Resource Management)
Explanation: RRM dynamically manages the radio resources by adjusting AP transmit power and channel assignments to mitigate interference and optimize coverage.
34. What is the purpose of using a predictive site survey in wireless network design?
A. To test the actual signal strength in a live environment.
B. To simulate RF coverage using floor plans and software tools.
C. To configure APs with default settings.
D. To monitor network traffic patterns.
Answer: B. To simulate RF coverage using floor plans and software tools.
Explanation: Predictive site surveys use modeling tools and floor plans to simulate and plan RF coverage before physical deployment, saving time and resources.
35. Which antenna type is most suitable for covering a long, narrow hallway?
A. Omnidirectional antenna
B. Patch antenna
C. Yagi antenna
D. Dipole antenna
Answer: C. Yagi antenna
Explanation: Yagi antennas are directional and provide a focused beam, making them ideal for covering long, narrow areas like hallways.
36. In a high-density wireless deployment, what is a recommended practice to minimize co-channel interference?
A. Use the same channel for all APs.
B. Increase AP transmit power to maximum.
C. Reduce AP transmit power and use smaller cell sizes.
D. Disable 5 GHz radios on all APs.
Answer: C. Reduce AP transmit power and use smaller cell sizes.
Explanation: Reducing transmit power and designing smaller cells helps to minimize co-channel interference in high-density environments.
37. What is the function of Cisco’s CleanAir technology?
A. It encrypts wireless traffic for security.
B. It provides seamless roaming between APs.
C. It detects and mitigates RF interference from non-Wi-Fi sources.
D. It manages IP addressing for wireless clients.
Answer: C. It detects and mitigates RF interference from non-Wi-Fi sources.
Explanation: CleanAir technology identifies and classifies sources of RF interference, such as microwave ovens or Bluetooth devices, and helps mitigate their impact on the wireless network.
38. Which protocol is used by Cisco APs to discover and join a wireless LAN controller?
A. SNMP
B. CAPWAP
C. FTP
D. TFTP
Answer: B. CAPWAP
Explanation: The Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) protocol is used by Cisco APs to communicate with and join a wireless LAN controller.
39. What is the effect of increasing the channel width from 20 MHz to 40 MHz in the 2.4 GHz band?
A. It doubles the number of non-overlapping channels.
B. It reduces the number of non-overlapping channels, increasing potential interference.
C. It has no effect on channel overlap.
D. It eliminates the need for channel planning.
Answer: B. It reduces the number of non-overlapping channels, increasing potential interference.
Explanation: In the 2.4 GHz band, increasing channel width to 40 MHz reduces the number of non-overlapping channels from three to one, leading to higher chances of interference.
40. What is the primary purpose of implementing 802.11k in a wireless network?
A. To provide faster encryption methods.
B. To enable dynamic frequency selection.
C. To assist clients in making better roaming decisions.
D. To increase the maximum data rate.
Answer: C. To assist clients in making better roaming decisions.
Explanation: 802.11k helps clients by providing information about neighboring APs, enabling them to make informed decisions when roaming.
41. Which wireless design factor is most influenced by building materials like concrete and metal?
A. Channel width
B. RF attenuation
C. Frequency band
D. SSID broadcast
Answer: B. RF attenuation
Explanation: Building materials such as concrete and metal significantly absorb or reflect RF signals, causing attenuation and reducing signal strength.
42. What is the main benefit of using 802.11r in wireless design?
A. Increased encryption strength
B. Load balancing
C. Fast roaming
D. Dynamic channel allocation
Answer: C. Fast roaming
Explanation: 802.11r enables faster handoffs between APs by allowing client devices to pre-authenticate with neighboring APs, improving mobility performance.
43. Which parameter is typically used to define the coverage boundary of an access point?
A. RSSI threshold
B. Signal-to-noise ratio
C. Channel utilization
D. Beacon interval
Answer: A. RSSI threshold
Explanation: The RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value is used to determine how far the AP can effectively transmit and maintain a connection with clients.
44. What is the function of 802.11k neighbor reports?
A. Allow clients to roam quickly
B. Reduce interference
C. Provide clients with information about nearby APs
D. Encrypt wireless communication
Answer: C. Provide clients with information about nearby APs
Explanation: 802.11k improves roaming decisions by giving clients details about neighboring APs, such as channel and signal strength.
45. Why should overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) be avoided in a wireless design?
A. They improve network availability
B. They can increase co-channel interference
C. They reduce roaming latency
D. They increase available bandwidth
Answer: B. They can increase co-channel interference
Explanation: OBSS causes multiple APs to operate on the same channel, leading to collisions and degraded network performance due to co-channel interference.
46. In a hospital setting, what wireless design requirement is most critical?
A. High channel reuse
B. Interference with medical devices
C. Maximum throughput
D. Bandwidth throttling
Answer: B. Interference with medical devices
Explanation: Medical devices may be sensitive to RF signals, so interference avoidance is paramount in wireless designs for hospitals.
47. What is the recommended overlap percentage between AP coverage areas in a design for client roaming?
A. 10–15%
B. 20–30%
C. 50–60%
D. 70–80%
Answer: B. 20–30%
Explanation: A 20–30% overlap ensures smooth client roaming between APs without signal loss or connectivity issues.
48. Which 802.11 standard introduces support for MU-MIMO?
A. 802.11n
B. 802.11ac
C. 802.11g
D. 802.11b
Answer: B. 802.11ac
Explanation: Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) is introduced with 802.11ac and allows an AP to transmit to multiple devices simultaneously, improving performance.
49. What tool is most suitable for measuring RF spectrum activity during a site survey?
A. Packet sniffer
B. Spectrum analyzer
C. DHCP server
D. Network switch
Answer: B. Spectrum analyzer
Explanation: A spectrum analyzer helps identify RF interference sources and evaluate frequency usage in the environment.
50. Which wireless survey type provides the most accurate assessment of signal strength and interference in a live environment?
A. Predictive
B. Passive
C. Virtual
D. Heatmap
Answer: B. Passive
Explanation: Passive surveys capture RF signals without connecting to the network, allowing a complete view of signal strength and interference.
51. What frequency band generally provides longer range and better wall penetration?
A. 2.4 GHz
B. 5 GHz
C. 6 GHz
D. 60 GHz
Answer: A. 2.4 GHz
Explanation: Lower frequencies such as 2.4 GHz travel further and penetrate walls more effectively than higher frequencies.
52. What Cisco wireless architecture centralizes management and control of APs?
A. FlexConnect
B. Lightweight AP with WLC
C. Autonomous AP
D. Mesh AP
Answer: B. Lightweight AP with WLC
Explanation: In this model, the wireless LAN controller (WLC) handles all control functions while the APs manage the radio interface.
53. Which type of antenna provides the broadest coverage area in all directions?
A. Patch
B. Parabolic
C. Omnidirectional
D. Yagi
Answer: C. Omnidirectional
Explanation: Omnidirectional antennas radiate equally in all horizontal directions and are ideal for general-purpose coverage.
54. Why is co-channel interference a problem in high-density deployments?
A. It prevents beacon frames from being sent.
B. It causes packet duplication.
C. It increases contention for the same medium.
D. It limits the number of clients per AP.
Answer: C. It increases contention for the same medium.
Explanation: When APs use the same channel, they must take turns transmitting, which reduces performance and increases latency.
55. Which factor most directly affects AP placement in an enterprise building?
A. SSID naming
B. RF coverage area
C. DHCP lease time
D. Username policies
Answer: B. RF coverage area
Explanation: APs should be placed based on signal coverage, interference sources, and client density to ensure optimal performance.
56. What is the key benefit of using the 5 GHz band over 2.4 GHz in enterprise environments?
A. Better wall penetration
B. Longer range
C. More non-overlapping channels
D. Lower data rates
Answer: C. More non-overlapping channels
Explanation: 5 GHz has many more non-overlapping channels than 2.4 GHz, reducing interference and improving throughput.
57. What is the purpose of dynamic channel assignment in a controller-based wireless architecture?
A. To enable client load balancing
B. To automatically assign non-overlapping channels to APs
C. To switch client devices between VLANs
D. To enforce security policies
Answer: B. To automatically assign non-overlapping channels to APs
Explanation: This feature ensures optimal use of the available spectrum by assigning channels that minimize interference.
58. Which wireless deployment model allows local switching of data while maintaining centralized management?
A. Autonomous
B. FlexConnect
C. Lightweight
D. Cloud-managed
Answer: B. FlexConnect
Explanation: FlexConnect enables APs to switch traffic locally even while managed by a central WLC, which is ideal for remote sites.
59. Which AP mounting location is generally optimal for indoor ceiling-mounted deployments?
A. In corners of rooms
B. On metal shelves
C. Directly above client devices
D. Near HVAC units
Answer: C. Directly above client devices
Explanation: Ceiling-mounting APs directly above the client area provides optimal coverage with minimal obstructions.
60. What happens if APs are placed too close together in a design?
A. Clients experience seamless roaming
B. Coverage holes occur
C. Co-channel and adjacent channel interference increases
D. Performance improves
Answer: C. Co-channel and adjacent channel interference increases
Explanation: APs placed too closely can interfere with each other, reducing overall performance due to channel overlap.
61. What does “cell breathing” refer to in wireless design?
A. Expanding or shrinking AP coverage area by adjusting transmit power
B. Replacing APs with newer models
C. Switching frequencies dynamically
D. Roaming between two APs
Answer: A. Expanding or shrinking AP coverage area by adjusting transmit power
Explanation: Cell breathing helps manage coverage and interference by changing AP transmit power dynamically.
62. Why is using DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) important in 5 GHz networks?
A. To enable faster roaming
B. To avoid interfering with radar systems
C. To reduce packet loss
D. To improve beamforming accuracy
Answer: B. To avoid interfering with radar systems
Explanation: DFS ensures that APs do not interfere with radar frequencies used by weather and military systems.
63. Which two 5 GHz channels are non-DFS and available worldwide (in most countries)?
A. 36 and 40
B. 100 and 104
C. 116 and 120
D. 144 and 149
Answer: A. 36 and 40
Explanation: Channels 36 and 40 are typically non-DFS and available globally, making them suitable for safer deployments.
64. What is a drawback of using only 2.4 GHz in dense client environments?
A. Faster speeds
B. More channels
C. More interference and congestion
D. Less interference from non-Wi-Fi devices
Answer: C. More interference and congestion
Explanation: 2.4 GHz suffers from heavy interference and limited channels, which impairs performance in dense environments.
65. What wireless design strategy helps ensure high availability in case of AP failure?
A. Channel bonding
B. Redundant AP coverage
C. Disabling SSID broadcast
D. Single-channel architecture
Answer: B. Redundant AP coverage
Explanation: Overlapping AP coverage ensures clients can connect even if one AP fails, improving reliability.
