Managing Industrial Networks with Cisco Networking Technologies (IMINS) Practice Exam
Prepare with confidence for the Cisco IMINS exam with Exam Sage’s expertly crafted practice test designed for modern industrial networking professionals.
🧠 What Is the IMINS Exam?
The Managing Industrial Networks with Cisco Networking Technologies (IMINS) exam is a globally recognized certification assessment tailored for engineers, technicians, and professionals who design, install, and support industrial network systems. This Cisco exam validates your knowledge of deploying, operating, and troubleshooting industrial automation networks, making it essential for careers in OT (Operational Technology), automation engineering, and industrial cybersecurity.
Whether you’re working in energy, manufacturing, transportation, or any sector relying on resilient industrial networks, passing the IMINS exam demonstrates your ability to bridge IT and OT networks using Cisco’s robust networking solutions.
📘 What You’ll Learn with This Practice Exam
Our IMINS practice exam is designed to simulate the real test environment, helping you build confidence and readiness. With this product, you’ll:
Understand core concepts in industrial networking protocols and architectures
Learn to deploy secure, high-availability network infrastructure
Gain hands-on knowledge of Cisco industrial Ethernet switches and routers
Develop skills in routing, VLANs, and redundancy technologies
Strengthen troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities in industrial environments
Practice applying cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure
Each question is accompanied by a clear, concise explanation to ensure deep understanding, not just memorization.
🧩 Key Topics Covered
This practice exam covers every critical topic tested in the actual IMINS certification, including:
Ethernet-based Industrial Protocols (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP)
Industrial Ethernet Design Best Practices
VLANs, Subnetting, and IP Addressing for OT environments
Cisco Configuration Tools (CLI, WebUI)
Switching and Routing Fundamentals
Redundancy Protocols (STP, RSTP, PRP, HSRP)
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Access Control Lists (ACLs)
Network Security and Firewalls for ICS
Wireless Architectures in Industrial Spaces
Monitoring and Management using SNMP, Syslog, NetFlow
Troubleshooting Layer 1–7 Issues in Real-Time Systems
🎯 Why Choose Exam Sage for the IMINS Exam?
At Exam Sage, we go beyond basic test prep. Here’s what sets our IMINS practice test apart:
✅ Over 350 professionally written, high-quality questions
✅ Detailed answers and rationales to build real understanding
✅ Crafted by experts in industrial networking and Cisco-certified professionals
✅ Updated to reflect the current Cisco IMINS exam blueprint
✅ Ideal for those studying independently or as part of a structured training course
We know exam readiness isn’t just about memorization — it’s about mastering the material with confidence.
🔐 Get Certified. Get Ahead.
Industrial networks are the backbone of today’s digital factories and critical infrastructure. The demand for skilled professionals who can manage these systems securely is only growing. By passing the IMINS exam, you set yourself apart as a versatile, Cisco-competent network expert in a rapidly evolving OT landscape.
Let Exam Sage help you unlock that opportunity. Our IMINS practice exam is your essential resource on the road to Cisco certification and career advancement.
Sample Questions and Answers
1. What is the primary function of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)?
A. Encrypt communication in industrial networks
B. Enable real-time video streaming
C. Facilitate control and information exchange over industrial networks
D. Provide web access to PLCs
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: CIP is used for real-time control and information exchange between industrial devices such as PLCs, HMIs, and sensors.
2. Which topology is most commonly used in industrial Ethernet networks for resilience?
A. Star
B. Bus
C. Ring
D. Mesh
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ring topologies, often used with protocols like DLR or MRP, provide redundancy and fast recovery in case of a link failure.
3. What is a major benefit of using VLANs in an industrial environment?
A. Increases physical cabling
B. Increases latency
C. Enhances security and segmentation
D. Eliminates the need for IP addressing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: VLANs logically separate networks, reducing broadcast domains and enhancing security by isolating traffic.
4. What protocol is typically used to detect and prevent loops in a switched network?
A. OSPF
B. EIGRP
C. STP
D. TCP
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevents layer 2 loops and ensures a loop-free topology in Ethernet networks.
5. In the CPwE architecture, what layer is responsible for providing physical device connectivity?
A. Enterprise
B. Access
C. Core
D. Security
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Access layer connects field devices such as PLCs, HMIs, and drives to the network infrastructure.
6. What is the purpose of Quality of Service (QoS) in industrial networks?
A. Encrypt traffic
B. Prioritize critical industrial data
C. Compress video streams
D. Increase switch CPU usage
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: QoS ensures high-priority traffic like control commands and alarms get bandwidth over less critical data.
7. Which tool is most appropriate for monitoring and analyzing industrial network performance?
A. Wireshark
B. Microsoft Excel
C. Adobe Illustrator
D. Photoshop
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Wireshark is a powerful network protocol analyzer that captures and inspects packets on the network.
8. Which of the following is a Cisco tool designed for managing industrial switches?
A. Cisco Prime
B. Cisco Cyber Vision
C. Cisco ISE
D. Cisco DNA Center
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cisco Cyber Vision is designed for securing and monitoring OT (Operational Technology) assets.
9. What feature of Cisco industrial switches allows for device replacement without reconfiguration?
A. PortFast
B. DHCP Snooping
C. Cisco Smartports
D. MAC address sticky
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Smartports simplify deployment by automatically configuring port settings based on the connected device.
10. Why is redundancy critical in industrial networks?
A. To reduce power usage
B. To ensure continuous operation during a failure
C. To avoid IP conflicts
D. To improve graphic quality
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Redundancy helps maintain network functionality even if a device or link fails, which is crucial in industrial operations.
11. What does IGMP Snooping do in an industrial network?
A. Allows password sniffing
B. Prevents video lag
C. Controls multicast traffic
D. Blocks all UDP traffic
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: IGMP Snooping helps control multicast traffic, preventing it from flooding unnecessary network segments.
12. Which layer of the CPwE model is responsible for control and data acquisition?
A. Enterprise
B. Supervisory
C. Access
D. Cell/Area
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Cell/Area layer houses devices like PLCs and sensors and handles real-time control and data acquisition.
13. Which of the following supports zero-loss failover for ring topologies?
A. STP
B. RSTP
C. DLR
D. VRRP
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Device Level Ring (DLR) provides fast failover and is optimized for industrial automation networks.
14. What is the typical polling interval for time-critical industrial devices?
A. 5–10 seconds
B. 500–1000 milliseconds
C. 100–250 milliseconds
D. 60 seconds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Real-time industrial communications require low-latency polling intervals (typically 100–250 ms or less).
15. Which feature helps maintain time synchronization across industrial network devices?
A. NTP
B. PTP
C. SNMP
D. STP
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Precision Time Protocol (PTP) provides sub-microsecond synchronization, vital for time-sensitive automation systems.
16. What Cisco switch feature can detect and prevent unauthorized access to a port?
A. Port Aggregation
B. Port Security
C. PortFast
D. Port Mirroring
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Port Security limits which MAC addresses can access the port, enhancing physical security.
17. Which industrial protocol works with Ethernet/IP to provide diagnostics and control?
A. HART
B. Profinet
C. CIP
D. BACnet
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) is the application layer used in Ethernet/IP for control and diagnostics.
18. What is a recommended method to separate IT and OT traffic in an industrial network?
A. Use flat addressing
B. Share switches
C. Implement VLANs
D. Disable DHCP
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: VLANs isolate IT and OT networks for improved security and manageability.
19. Which Cisco technology allows secure access to industrial devices remotely?
A. GRE
B. Remote Desktop
C. DMVPN
D. Cisco Secure Remote Access
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Cisco Secure Remote Access solutions help enable encrypted remote connections to industrial assets.
20. In Cisco switches, what command enables real-time monitoring of switch performance?
A. show ip route
B. show vlan brief
C. show interfaces
D. show process
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: show interfaces provides real-time information on traffic, errors, and interface status.
21. Which Cisco solution provides visibility into OT asset inventory?
A. Cisco Meraki
B. Cisco Firepower
C. Cisco Cyber Vision
D. Cisco Prime
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco Cyber Vision identifies and profiles industrial assets for monitoring and risk assessment.
22. Why is SNMP useful in an industrial network?
A. For user authentication
B. For multicast control
C. For remote management and monitoring
D. For file transfer
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: SNMP allows administrators to remotely monitor and manage network devices and performance metrics.
23. What is one challenge of integrating IT and OT networks?
A. Increased throughput
B. Time synchronization
C. Different security priorities
D. Unified bandwidth requirements
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: OT prioritizes availability and real-time performance, while IT emphasizes data security, causing integration challenges.
24. Which of the following is a Layer 2 protocol used in industrial automation?
A. IPsec
B. DLR
C. BGP
D. MPLS
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Device Level Ring (DLR) operates at Layer 2 to provide redundancy in industrial Ethernet networks.
25. What is the function of NAT in an industrial network?
A. Encrypts communication
B. Resolves multicast domains
C. Translates private to public IPs
D. Generates dynamic MAC addresses
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: NAT (Network Address Translation) enables devices with private IP addresses to communicate with external networks.
26. Which protocol is commonly used to configure industrial devices automatically?
A. HTTP
B. DHCP
C. FTP
D. BGP
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: DHCP assigns IP configurations dynamically to industrial devices, aiding in fast deployment.
27. Which of the following poses a cybersecurity risk in industrial networks?
A. VLAN segmentation
B. Device-level ring redundancy
C. Unsecured remote access
D. IGMP snooping
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Unsecured remote access can be exploited, making the network vulnerable to attacks or misconfigurations.
28. What type of traffic should be given highest priority in QoS for industrial networks?
A. Video surveillance
B. Email
C. Control commands
D. FTP transfers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Control traffic must be prioritized to ensure timely and accurate execution of industrial processes.
29. What feature in industrial switches helps maintain uptime during configuration changes?
A. Non-volatile RAM
B. Hot swappable modules
C. Hitless firmware upgrades
D. USB port boot
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hitless upgrades prevent downtime during firmware updates, crucial for continuous operations.
30. Which Cisco switch series is designed specifically for harsh industrial environments?
A. Catalyst 9200
B. Nexus 9000
C. IE 3000
D. Meraki MS120
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cisco IE (Industrial Ethernet) 3000 series switches are ruggedized for use in industrial environments.
31. What type of security threat does DHCP snooping help prevent in industrial networks?
A. Brute-force attacks
B. Rogue DHCP servers
C. VLAN hopping
D. Port scanning
Answer: B. Rogue DHCP servers
Explanation: DHCP snooping validates DHCP messages from trusted ports only, preventing rogue servers from assigning incorrect IP configurations.
32. Which Cisco technology allows dynamic VLAN assignment based on user credentials?
A. VTP
B. RADIUS
C. TACACS+
D. 802.1X with RADIUS
Answer: D. 802.1X with RADIUS
Explanation: 802.1X, when integrated with RADIUS, dynamically assigns VLANs after authenticating the user/device.
33. What is the default behavior of a Cisco switch when a port-security violation occurs?
A. Shuts down the interface
B. Sends SNMP trap
C. Logs an event only
D. Allows traffic after 5 minutes
Answer: A. Shuts down the interface
Explanation: The default action is to put the port into the “err-disabled” state, halting all traffic until manually re-enabled.
🌐 Routing & Redundancy
34. Which of the following is a Cisco-supported protocol designed for Layer 2 redundancy in industrial ring networks?
A. EIGRP
B. REP
C. OSPF
D. HSRP
Answer: B. REP (Resilient Ethernet Protocol)
Explanation: REP provides fast Layer 2 failover and loop prevention for industrial Ethernet rings.
35. In an IDMZ architecture, which of the following best describes the role of a demilitarized zone (DMZ)?
A. It isolates all VLANs.
B. It provides a buffer zone between IT and OT networks.
C. It functions as a VPN concentrator.
D. It routes industrial data to the cloud.
Answer: B. It provides a buffer zone between IT and OT networks.
Explanation: The IDMZ is a control point where enterprise and industrial systems can exchange data securely.
36. What is a typical use case of NAT in industrial networks?
A. Reduce packet size
B. Encrypt communications
C. Address translation between IT and OT networks
D. Speed up data transmission
Answer: C. Address translation between IT and OT networks
Explanation: NAT (Network Address Translation) is used when different networks have overlapping or private IP ranges.
⚙️ Device Configuration & Management
37. What Cisco CLI command displays all IP interfaces and their statuses?
A. show running-config
B. show ip interface brief
C. show interfaces status
D. ping
Answer: B. show ip interface brief
Explanation: This command provides a summary of all interfaces, their IP addresses, and operational status.
38. How can a Cisco switch be restored to factory default settings?
A. Delete the VTP domain
B. Use the erase startup-config command and reload
C. Shutdown all interfaces
D. Create a new VLAN
Answer: B. Use the erase startup-config command and reload
Explanation: This removes the configuration stored in NVRAM, resetting the device after a reboot.
39. What is the function of SNMP in industrial network management?
A. Fault recovery
B. Real-time synchronization
C. Network monitoring and management
D. Encrypt traffic
Answer: C. Network monitoring and management
Explanation: SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) enables centralized monitoring of device status, performance, and faults.
📡 Wireless & Remote Access in Industrial Settings
40. Which wireless standard is typically used for high-speed industrial wireless communication?
A. 802.3
B. 802.11n
C. 802.1D
D. 802.1X
Answer: B. 802.11n
Explanation: 802.11n supports higher speeds and is commonly used in industrial Wi-Fi deployments.
41. Which Cisco solution allows secure remote access to field devices and controllers?
A. Cisco AnyConnect
B. Cisco Packet Tracer
C. Cisco Prime
D. Cisco Tetration
Answer: A. Cisco AnyConnect
Explanation: AnyConnect provides secure VPN access to industrial assets from remote locations.
42. What is the advantage of using LTE routers in industrial remote installations?
A. Higher latency
B. Reduced bandwidth
C. Wireless remote connectivity
D. Fiber optics requirement
Answer: C. Wireless remote connectivity
Explanation: LTE routers enable cellular-based remote communication where wired connectivity is impractical.
📊 Performance Optimization and QoS
43. Which QoS technique helps avoid buffer overflow in industrial switches?
A. Load balancing
B. Tail drop
C. Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED)
D. NAT
Answer: C. WRED
Explanation: WRED selectively drops packets before the queue is full to prevent congestion.
44. What does CoS stand for in a Layer 2 QoS model?
A. Class of Service
B. Control of Switches
C. Command over Service
D. Class of Security
Answer: A. Class of Service
Explanation: CoS is a QoS marking at Layer 2 using the 802.1p field to prioritize traffic.
45. What is the main purpose of traffic shaping in industrial networks?
A. To reduce device temperature
B. To create VLANs dynamically
C. To ensure bandwidth availability
D. To hide IP addresses
Answer: C. To ensure bandwidth availability
Explanation: Traffic shaping regulates data flow to maintain consistent throughput and avoid congestion.
🛠️ Troubleshooting & Diagnostic Tools
46. Which Cisco command shows the spanning-tree configuration?
A. show spanning-tree
B. show vlan
C. show running-config
D. show protocols
Answer: A. show spanning-tree
Explanation: This command displays information about STP including root bridge and port roles.
47. What could frequent CRC errors on a switch port indicate?
A. VLAN misconfiguration
B. Routing loop
C. Physical layer issues like cable damage
D. Incorrect NAT settings
Answer: C. Physical layer issues like cable damage
Explanation: CRC errors typically result from physical problems such as faulty cables or electromagnetic interference.
48. Which command would you use to identify MAC address table entries on a switch?
A. show interfaces
B. show mac address-table
C. show arp
D. show vlan brief
Answer: B. show mac address-table
Explanation: This command lists all learned MAC addresses, associated ports, and VLANs.
🧩 Industrial Protocol Integration
49. Which protocol allows PLCs and sensors to communicate real-time over Ethernet?
A. HTTPS
B. EtherNet/IP
C. SMTP
D. SSL
Answer: B. EtherNet/IP
Explanation: EtherNet/IP is a widely adopted protocol for real-time industrial automation over Ethernet.
50. What industrial communication protocol is designed specifically for high-speed servo control?
A. Modbus
B. OPC
C. EtherCAT
D. HTTP
Answer: C. EtherCAT
Explanation: EtherCAT is optimized for high-speed, deterministic control of devices like servo motors.
51. Which industrial protocol is known for its simplicity and master-slave communication model?
A. EtherCAT
B. Modbus RTU
C. PROFINET
D. OPC UA
Answer: B. Modbus RTU
Explanation: Modbus RTU uses a simple serial communication protocol in a master-slave setup.
🔄 Redundancy, Convergence, and Fault Recovery
52. What is the typical convergence time for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)?
A. 30 seconds
B. <1 second
C. 10–15 seconds
D. 1–2 minutes
Answer: B. <1 second
Explanation: RSTP offers fast convergence after a topology change, making it ideal for industrial applications.
53. Which protocol uses hello and dead timers to detect link failures?
A. RIP
B. EIGRP
C. OSPF
D. REP
Answer: C. OSPF
Explanation: OSPF uses hello/dead intervals to monitor the health of neighbor links.
54. What does a blinking green LED usually signify on a Cisco industrial switch port?
A. Link is down
B. Port is disabled
C. Port is transmitting/receiving traffic
D. Hardware failure
Answer: C. Port is transmitting/receiving traffic
Explanation: A blinking green LED typically means the port is active and forwarding traffic.
🧱 Resilience & Environmental Hardening
55. What type of connector is preferred in harsh industrial environments for Ethernet cabling?
A. USB
B. RJ-45
C. M12
D. SC
Answer: C. M12
Explanation: M12 connectors are rugged and provide secure connections in harsh environments.
56. Which environmental standard ensures industrial devices can withstand vibration and shock?
A. IEEE 802.3
B. IP67
C. IEC 60068
D. ISO 9001
Answer: C. IEC 60068
Explanation: This standard addresses the mechanical stress tolerance of electronic devices.
57. Which Cisco switch series supports extended temperature ranges for outdoor use?
A. Catalyst 1000
B. IE 2000
C. Nexus 5000
D. ASR 9000
Answer: B. IE 2000
Explanation: The IE 2000 series is designed for rugged environments and extended temperature ranges.
58. What is an important consideration when deploying fiber optics in an industrial setting?
A. Packet loss
B. Cost of NAT
C. Connector type and ruggedization
D. IPv6 support
Answer: C. Connector type and ruggedization
Explanation: Fiber optic connectors must be durable and sealed to resist dust, vibration, and moisture.
59. Which of the following technologies is often integrated with SCADA systems for real-time control?
A. HMI
B. DNS
C. FTP
D. DHCP
Answer: A. HMI
Explanation: Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) allow operators to interact with SCADA-controlled systems.
60. What is the purpose of using a media converter in an industrial network?
A. Convert analog signals to digital
B. Convert between copper and fiber
C. Boost Wi-Fi signals
D. Compress network packets
Answer: B. Convert between copper and fiber
Explanation: Media converters enable connections between different physical media types (e.g., copper to fiber).
