Designing Cisco Wireless Enterprise Networks Practice Exam
Prepare to ace the Designing Cisco Wireless Enterprise Networks (ENWLSI) exam with Exam Sage’s comprehensive practice test! This carefully crafted exam simulation is designed to help networking professionals and students master the concepts and skills needed to design, implement, and troubleshoot Cisco wireless enterprise networks effectively.
What is the Designing Cisco Wireless Enterprise Networks Exam?
The ENWLSI exam is a key step for Cisco certification candidates aiming to validate their expertise in deploying wireless networks in enterprise environments. It covers essential topics such as wireless network design principles, infrastructure configuration, security, troubleshooting, and advanced wireless features. Passing this exam demonstrates your ability to architect robust and scalable wireless networks aligned with business requirements.
What You Will Learn
Our practice test helps you gain practical knowledge and confidence by covering the full scope of the ENWLSI exam objectives, including:
Wireless network design and site surveys
Cisco wireless infrastructure components and architecture
Wireless security protocols and best practices
Radio frequency (RF) principles and interference mitigation
Cisco wireless controller (WLC) configuration and management
Troubleshooting common wireless network issues
Advanced features like FlexConnect, CleanAir, and client roaming
Why Choose Exam Sage for Your Cisco Wireless Exam Preparation?
Exam Sage offers high-quality, realistic practice questions developed by experts with up-to-date knowledge of Cisco’s wireless technologies. Each question includes detailed explanations to reinforce your understanding and help you learn from mistakes. With Exam Sage, you can:
Practice anytime, anywhere with our easy-to-use platform
Track your progress and identify areas for improvement
Build confidence with questions reflecting real exam difficulty
Access continuous updates aligned with Cisco’s exam changes
Prepare smart, study effectively, and boost your chances of success with Exam Sage’s Designing Cisco Wireless Enterprise Networks practice exam. Start your journey toward Cisco certification today!
Sample Questions and Answers
1. Which IEEE standard provides the basis for 802.11ac Wave 2 technology?
A) 802.11n
B) 802.11ac
C) 802.11ax
D) 802.11ad
Answer: B) 802.11ac
Explanation: IEEE 802.11ac is the standard that introduced Wave 2 features, such as MU-MIMO and wider channel bandwidths for high-throughput WLANs.
2. What is the primary purpose of a wireless controller in a Cisco Wireless LAN architecture?
A) To authenticate users via 802.1X
B) To centralize wireless policy management and control access points
C) To route client data packets between VLANs
D) To provide DHCP services
Answer: B) To centralize wireless policy management and control access points
Explanation: Cisco Wireless Controllers manage AP configurations, security policies, and client connectivity, centralizing control for the wireless network.
3. Which Cisco protocol allows seamless roaming between Cisco wireless controllers?
A) CAPWAP
B) LWAPP
C) EAP
D) RADIUS
Answer: A) CAPWAP
Explanation: CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) is the protocol Cisco uses to manage APs and enable seamless roaming between controllers.
4. In designing a Cisco wireless network, which component provides redundancy and load balancing for controllers?
A) Mobility Express
B) FlexConnect
C) Cisco 9800 Series Wireless Controllers with High Availability (HA)
D) Lightweight Access Points
Answer: C) Cisco 9800 Series Wireless Controllers with High Availability (HA)
Explanation: Cisco 9800 controllers support HA clustering for redundancy and load balancing in enterprise networks.
5. Which WLAN security method offers the strongest protection in Cisco wireless networks?
A) WPA2-Personal
B) WPA3-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication
C) WEP
D) WPA2-Enterprise without authentication server
Answer: B) WPA3-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication
Explanation: WPA3-Enterprise with 802.1X provides enhanced security with mutual authentication and strong encryption.
6. What is the function of the Cisco CleanAir technology?
A) To provide seamless roaming
B) To detect and mitigate RF interference in the wireless spectrum
C) To improve authentication speeds
D) To increase data throughput
Answer: B) To detect and mitigate RF interference in the wireless spectrum
Explanation: CleanAir uses spectrum analysis to identify sources of interference and mitigate them for optimal WLAN performance.
7. When designing a wireless network for a high-density environment, which antenna type is generally preferred?
A) Omnidirectional antenna
B) Dipole antenna
C) Directional antenna
D) Patch antenna
Answer: C) Directional antenna
Explanation: Directional antennas focus RF energy in a specific direction, reducing interference and increasing capacity in high-density deployments.
8. What is the key benefit of using FlexConnect in a Cisco wireless deployment?
A) It allows APs to switch traffic locally without controller involvement
B) It improves mesh networking capabilities
C) It enables client VPN termination
D) It supports wireless guest access only
Answer: A) It allows APs to switch traffic locally without controller involvement
Explanation: FlexConnect enables APs to locally switch data traffic even when controller connectivity is lost, supporting branch or remote office deployments.
9. Which Cisco wireless feature enables Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming for mobile clients?
A) Fast BSS Transition (802.11r)
B) Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)
C) Cisco Prime Infrastructure
D) ClientLink 4.0
Answer: A) Fast BSS Transition (802.11r)
Explanation: 802.11r allows quick and secure handoff of clients roaming between APs in both Layer 2 and Layer 3 environments.
10. In Cisco WLAN design, what is the purpose of Radio Resource Management (RRM)?
A) To manage IP addressing for wireless clients
B) To dynamically manage channel and power assignments for APs
C) To encrypt wireless traffic
D) To configure SSID settings
Answer: B) To dynamically manage channel and power assignments for APs
Explanation: RRM optimizes wireless coverage and capacity by automatically adjusting channel and power settings to reduce interference.
11. Which Cisco wireless component is responsible for client authentication in an enterprise wireless network?
A) Access Point
B) Wireless LAN Controller
C) RADIUS Server
D) DHCP Server
Answer: C) RADIUS Server
Explanation: The RADIUS server handles authentication requests for users, typically via 802.1X in enterprise WLANs.
12. What role does the Mobility Domain ID play in Cisco wireless roaming?
A) It defines a group of controllers and APs that support seamless roaming
B) It is used for VLAN assignment
C) It identifies the wireless SSID
D) It manages IP addressing
Answer: A) It defines a group of controllers and APs that support seamless roaming
Explanation: Mobility Domain ID groups controllers/APs to enable secure and seamless roaming of wireless clients.
13. Which wireless design principle helps minimize co-channel interference?
A) Use of 40 MHz channels everywhere
B) Channel reuse with spatial separation
C) Setting all APs to maximum transmit power
D) Using the same channel for all APs
Answer: B) Channel reuse with spatial separation
Explanation: Proper channel reuse combined with physical spacing reduces co-channel interference in dense wireless deployments.
14. What is the purpose of Cisco’s ClientLink technology?
A) To improve battery life of wireless clients
B) To optimize client connectivity by beamforming and improving signal quality
C) To enable faster roaming
D) To provide wireless guest access
Answer: B) To optimize client connectivity by beamforming and improving signal quality
Explanation: ClientLink enhances the wireless signal for legacy and low-powered clients using beamforming.
15. Which WLAN architecture allows access points to continue serving clients even if the controller is unreachable?
A) Centralized WLAN
B) Mesh WLAN
C) FlexConnect
D) Autonomous AP
Answer: C) FlexConnect
Explanation: FlexConnect APs can locally switch client traffic and keep serving clients without controller connectivity.
16. What is the default management VLAN on Cisco wireless controllers?
A) VLAN 1
B) VLAN 10
C) VLAN 100
D) VLAN 0
Answer: A) VLAN 1
Explanation: By default, VLAN 1 is the management VLAN unless changed during configuration.
17. Which 802.11 amendment improves performance in dense environments by scheduling transmissions?
A) 802.11ac
B) 802.11r
C) 802.11ax
D) 802.11e
Answer: C) 802.11ax
Explanation: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) introduces OFDMA and scheduling to improve performance in dense networks.
18. When designing a Cisco wireless network, which factor is most important for AP placement?
A) Number of clients expected per AP
B) Cable length to switch
C) AP brand
D) Type of power supply
Answer: A) Number of clients expected per AP
Explanation: Proper AP placement depends heavily on expected client density to avoid coverage gaps and interference.
19. Which Cisco tool assists with wireless network design by simulating coverage and capacity?
A) Cisco DNA Center
B) Cisco Prime Infrastructure
C) Cisco Wireless LAN Controller GUI
D) Cisco Wireless Site Survey (Cisco WCS)
Answer: D) Cisco Wireless Site Survey (Cisco WCS)
Explanation: Cisco WCS assists in planning and validating wireless network design including coverage and capacity.
20. In Cisco wireless design, which security protocol provides mutual authentication and dynamic encryption keys?
A) WPA2-PSK
B) WPA3-Personal
C) 802.1X with EAP-TLS
D) WEP
Answer: C) 802.1X with EAP-TLS
Explanation: EAP-TLS provides certificate-based mutual authentication and dynamic key management.
21. What is a primary advantage of using Cisco’s CleanAir technology over traditional wireless troubleshooting?
A) It allows remote configuration of APs
B) It identifies RF interference sources automatically
C) It increases client data rate
D) It manages VLAN assignments
Answer: B) It identifies RF interference sources automatically
Explanation: CleanAir provides detailed spectrum analysis to detect and locate sources of RF interference.
22. Which wireless network design approach is best for large outdoor campus deployments?
A) Use omnidirectional antennas in all APs
B) Use directional antennas and proper channel planning
C) Use autonomous APs only
D) Use low-power APs to minimize interference
Answer: B) Use directional antennas and proper channel planning
Explanation: Directional antennas focus coverage and reduce interference, ideal for outdoor campus areas.
23. What is the maximum number of SSIDs a Cisco wireless controller supports per radio in modern controllers?
A) 4
B) 8
C) 16
D) 32
Answer: B) 8
Explanation: Most modern Cisco controllers support up to 8 SSIDs per radio, balancing broadcast overhead and functionality.
24. What role does the DTLS protocol play in Cisco wireless networks?
A) Encrypts control and data traffic between APs and controllers
B) Provides client authentication
C) Manages DHCP leases
D) Enables wireless guest access
Answer: A) Encrypts control and data traffic between APs and controllers
Explanation: DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security) secures CAPWAP tunnels between APs and controllers.
25. Which Cisco wireless solution provides embedded controller functionality in APs for small deployments?
A) Cisco FlexConnect
B) Cisco Mobility Express
C) Cisco DNA Center
D) Cisco WLC Cluster
Answer: B) Cisco Mobility Express
Explanation: Mobility Express is a controller embedded in APs, suitable for small and medium deployments without dedicated controllers.
26. What is the benefit of band steering in Cisco wireless networks?
A) Forces all clients to connect on 2.4 GHz
B) Redirects dual-band clients to the 5 GHz band to reduce congestion
C) Disables 5 GHz radios during peak times
D) Increases client power output
Answer: B) Redirects dual-band clients to the 5 GHz band to reduce congestion
Explanation: Band steering balances load by pushing capable clients to less congested 5 GHz spectrum.
27. What type of wireless client device would most benefit from Cisco ClientLink beamforming technology?
A) Legacy 802.11b clients
B) 802.11ax clients
C) Wired clients
D) Bluetooth devices
Answer: A) Legacy 802.11b clients
Explanation: ClientLink improves performance for older 802.11b/g clients by focusing the signal.
28. Which wireless deployment mode allows wireless APs to forward client traffic locally and authenticate clients locally when the connection to the controller is lost?
A) Centralized mode
B) FlexConnect mode
C) Mesh mode
D) Autonomous mode
Answer: B) FlexConnect mode
Explanation: FlexConnect APs can locally switch traffic and authenticate clients even without controller connectivity.
29. What is the primary function of the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) in wireless networks?
A) Routing wireless client traffic
B) Providing centralized policy-based access control and AAA services
C) DHCP management
D) Network address translation
Answer: B) Providing centralized policy-based access control and AAA services
Explanation: ISE manages user/device authentication, authorization, and accounting policies in enterprise WLANs.
30. When designing a Cisco wireless network, which of the following is a recommended practice to optimize roaming?
A) Using the same SSID and security settings across all APs
B) Using different SSIDs for each floor
C) Disabling 802.11r to avoid compatibility issues
D) Increasing transmit power to maximum on all APs
Answer: A) Using the same SSID and security settings across all APs
Explanation: Consistent SSIDs and security settings enable smooth client roaming between APs.
31. Which Cisco wireless solution supports software-defined access and automation?
A) Cisco Mobility Express
B) Cisco DNA Center
C) Cisco Prime Infrastructure
D) Cisco WLC
Answer: B) Cisco DNA Center
Explanation: Cisco DNA Center is a network management and automation platform supporting SD-Access, including wireless network automation and assurance.
32. Which of the following best describes a Cisco Lightweight Access Point?
A) An AP that operates independently with its own configuration
B) An AP that relies on a wireless controller for configuration and management
C) An AP designed only for home use
D) An AP that only supports 2.4 GHz band
Answer: B) An AP that relies on a wireless controller for configuration and management
Explanation: Lightweight APs are managed centrally by wireless controllers, offloading configuration and management.
33. What is the maximum channel bandwidth supported by 802.11ac Wave 2?
A) 20 MHz
B) 40 MHz
C) 80 MHz
D) 160 MHz
Answer: D) 160 MHz
Explanation: 802.11ac Wave 2 supports up to 160 MHz channels for very high throughput.
34. What Cisco wireless feature allows APs to discover rogue devices and threats in the network?
A) CleanAir
B) Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)
C) ClientLink
D) FlexConnect
Answer: B) Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)
Explanation: WIPS scans for unauthorized wireless devices and threats and can automatically mitigate attacks.
35. Which Cisco wireless deployment mode is ideal for remote branch offices with limited WAN connectivity?
A) Centralized mode
B) FlexConnect mode
C) Mesh mode
D) Autonomous mode
Answer: B) FlexConnect mode
Explanation: FlexConnect allows APs to locally switch traffic and maintain connectivity even when the controller is unreachable.
36. Which Cisco wireless controller feature enables Layer 3 roaming between subnets?
A) Mobility Group
B) VLAN Pooling
C) Mobility Anchor
D) Fast BSS Transition
Answer: C) Mobility Anchor
Explanation: Mobility Anchor supports Layer 3 roaming by anchoring client traffic to a central controller during inter-subnet roaming.
37. Which encryption standard is recommended for securing management traffic between APs and Cisco controllers?
A) WPA2-Enterprise
B) DTLS
C) AES-CCMP
D) TKIP
Answer: B) DTLS
Explanation: DTLS encrypts CAPWAP tunnels, securing management traffic between APs and controllers.
38. In Cisco wireless design, which is the best practice for minimizing co-channel interference?
A) Increasing AP transmit power
B) Using 5 GHz spectrum channels where possible
C) Placing APs very close together
D) Using the same channel on adjacent APs
Answer: B) Using 5 GHz spectrum channels where possible
Explanation: The 5 GHz band offers more non-overlapping channels and less interference than 2.4 GHz.
39. Which protocol does Cisco recommend for secure client authentication in enterprise WLANs?
A) EAP-PEAP
B) EAP-TLS
C) EAP-MD5
D) EAP-MSCHAPv2
Answer: B) EAP-TLS
Explanation: EAP-TLS uses certificates for mutual authentication, providing the highest security level.
40. What is the primary function of the Cisco Mobility Express solution?
A) To act as a standalone wireless controller embedded in an AP
B) To provide cloud-based wireless management
C) To replace all controllers in a large deployment
D) To enable guest access only
Answer: A) To act as a standalone wireless controller embedded in an AP
Explanation: Mobility Express allows a controller to be embedded in an AP for small or medium-sized deployments.
41. Which Cisco wireless controller feature allows dynamic assignment of VLANs based on user authentication?
A) VLAN Pooling
B) Dynamic VLAN Assignment via RADIUS
C) Static VLAN configuration
D) DHCP Snooping
Answer: B) Dynamic VLAN Assignment via RADIUS
Explanation: VLANs can be assigned dynamically during authentication by the RADIUS server.
42. What is a Cisco wireless AP’s primary function in a FlexConnect deployment when disconnected from the controller?
A) Cease client service until controller is reachable
B) Locally switch client traffic and authenticate clients
C) Only broadcast SSID without client connectivity
D) Change from lightweight to autonomous mode automatically
Answer: B) Locally switch client traffic and authenticate clients
Explanation: FlexConnect APs can locally switch traffic and authenticate clients even if the controller is unreachable.
43. Which Cisco wireless network design tool allows you to simulate RF coverage and interference?
A) Cisco DNA Center
B) Cisco Prime Infrastructure
C) Cisco Wireless Site Survey (WSS)
D) Cisco Configuration Professional
Answer: C) Cisco Wireless Site Survey (WSS)
Explanation: WSS helps design wireless networks by simulating RF conditions and predicting coverage.
44. What is the maximum number of clients supported per radio on Cisco APs under typical enterprise deployments?
A) 20 clients
B) 50 clients
C) 100 clients
D) 200 clients
Answer: B) 50 clients
Explanation: Best practice suggests a maximum of ~50 clients per radio to maintain performance and QoS.
45. Which Cisco wireless technology improves battery life on client devices by controlling transmission timing?
A) TWT (Target Wake Time)
B) CleanAir
C) ClientLink
D) MU-MIMO
Answer: A) TWT (Target Wake Time)
Explanation: TWT allows clients to schedule when to wake and transmit, improving battery efficiency.
46. Which Cisco wireless controller interface is typically used for AP management traffic?
A) Service Port
B) Management Interface
C) Client VLAN Interface
D) Redundancy Interface
Answer: B) Management Interface
Explanation: The management interface handles controller and AP management traffic, including CAPWAP.
47. What type of antenna is best suited for providing wireless coverage in a long, narrow hallway?
A) Omnidirectional antenna
B) Patch antenna
C) Directional antenna
D) Dipole antenna
Answer: C) Directional antenna
Explanation: Directional antennas focus RF energy along the hallway for better coverage and less spillover.
48. Which Cisco wireless controller CLI command displays the currently connected clients?
A) show wireless client summary
B) show ap join stats
C) show client detail
D) show wireless stats clients
Answer: A) show wireless client summary
Explanation: This command summarizes connected client information on the controller.
49. What is the purpose of Cisco’s Radio Resource Management (RRM)?
A) To provide dynamic channel and power control for APs
B) To authenticate wireless clients
C) To perform IP address allocation
D) To manage VLAN assignments
Answer: A) To provide dynamic channel and power control for APs
Explanation: RRM optimizes RF performance by dynamically adjusting channels and transmit power.
50. In Cisco wireless design, what is the recommended maximum number of SSIDs per radio to balance performance and management overhead?
A) 4
B) 8
C) 16
D) 32
Answer: B) 8
Explanation: Limiting SSIDs to 8 per radio helps reduce beacon overhead and optimize throughput.
51. Which feature of Cisco wireless controllers helps mitigate denial-of-service (DoS) attacks?
A) CleanAir
B) Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)
C) ClientLink
D) FlexConnect
Answer: B) Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)
Explanation: WIPS detects and mitigates various wireless attacks, including DoS attempts.
52. What Cisco wireless deployment mode requires a full controller connection for client authentication and traffic forwarding?
A) Centralized mode
B) FlexConnect mode
C) Autonomous mode
D) Mesh mode
Answer: A) Centralized mode
Explanation: In centralized mode, all client traffic and authentication must pass through the controller.
53. What is the benefit of using 802.11k in a Cisco wireless network?
A) Faster and more efficient roaming using neighbor reports
B) Provides stronger encryption
C) Increases channel bandwidth
D) Enables guest access
Answer: A) Faster and more efficient roaming using neighbor reports
Explanation: 802.11k allows clients to request neighbor reports for quicker AP handoff decisions.
54. Which of the following Cisco technologies allows multiple APs to share a single wired connection?
A) FlexConnect
B) Cisco Catalyst Switch stacking
C) Cisco Multigigabit Ethernet
D) Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
Answer: C) Cisco Multigigabit Ethernet
Explanation: Multigigabit Ethernet supports speeds greater than 1 Gbps over existing cabling, supporting multiple APs on a single link.
55. What Cisco wireless component is used for centralized monitoring and management of the wireless network?
A) Cisco DNA Center
B) Cisco Catalyst Switch
C) Cisco ISR Router
D) Cisco ASA Firewall
Answer: A) Cisco DNA Center
Explanation: DNA Center provides centralized wireless network management, automation, and assurance.
56. In Cisco wireless design, which parameter affects the basic service set (BSS) coloring feature?
A) Channel bonding
B) Power level
C) Frequency reuse
D) Client authentication
Answer: C) Frequency reuse
Explanation: BSS coloring allows overlapping BSSs to reuse the same channel with different “colors” to reduce interference.
57. What Cisco wireless standard introduced OFDMA for improved spectral efficiency?
A) 802.11n
B) 802.11ac
C) 802.11ax
D) 802.11ad
Answer: C) 802.11ax
Explanation: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) introduced OFDMA to enhance capacity and efficiency in dense environments.
58. What is the recommended Cisco AP transmit power setting for minimizing interference in high-density deployments?
A) Maximum power
B) Low to medium power
C) Power disabled
D) Automatic power adjustment disabled
Answer: B) Low to medium power
Explanation: Lower power reduces interference and allows better spatial reuse in high-density environments.
59. Which Cisco wireless protocol protects client data by encrypting traffic between the client and the AP?
A) WPA2 Personal
B) CAPWAP
C) EAP-TLS
D) AES-CCMP
Answer: D) AES-CCMP
Explanation: AES-CCMP is the encryption algorithm used in WPA2 for securing client data.
60. In a Cisco wireless design, which component is responsible for mapping user policies to wireless clients?
A) Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine)
B) Cisco WLC
C) Cisco Prime Infrastructure
D) Cisco DNA Center
Answer: A) Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine)
Explanation: Cisco ISE handles policy enforcement and user authentication in the wireless network.
