Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2Network AssuranceMedium

A network engineer is troubleshooting a persistent issue where users in a specific VLAN intermittently experience slow application performance when accessing a server in another VLAN. The engineer suspects a routing loop or asymmetric routing. Which network assurance technology can provide the necessary hop-by-hop path visibility and latency measurements to pinpoint the problem?

  1. ANetFlow
  2. BIP SLA Path Echo
  3. CSyslog
  4. DSNMP
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. IP SLA Path Echo

IP SLA Path Echo operations (like ICMP Path Echo) can trace the full path between a source and destination, providing hop-by-hop latency and identifying potential routing anomalies like loops or asymmetric paths by showing the actual route taken.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. NetFlow provides traffic flow statistics but does not offer hop-by-hop path tracing or latency for a specific path.
  • C. Syslog provides event logs, not path tracing or latency measurements.
  • D. SNMP monitors device resources and status, not end-to-end path performance or routing paths.

IP SLA Path Echo

IP SLA Path Echo is an operation that sends a sequence of ICMP echo messages to trace the network path between a source and destination, measuring round-trip time and providing hop-by-hop latency statistics.

  • Uses ICMP echo messages similar to traceroute but with more detailed metrics.
  • Provides hop-by-hop latency and path information.
  • Useful for diagnosing routing loops, asymmetric routing, and path performance issues.

Memory trick: IP SLA Path Echo: Inspect Paths, Pinpoint Problems, Precisely.

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