500-560 Cisco Networking: On-Premise and Cloud Solutions Questions and Answers

Cisco Umbrella offers DNS-layer security that blocks malicious domains before a connection is made. One of its specific benefits is its ability to prevent systems from connecting to known command-and-control (C2) servers, which are used by attackers to maintain control of infected devices. This helps stop data exfiltration and the spread of malware, making option B the correct answer.

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The Cisco ISR 1000 Series is designed for small to medium branch deployments. It integrates advanced features like SD-WAN capabilities, robust security (firewall, IPS), and both wired and wireless access from a single compact platform. This makes it a high-performance solution tailored for next-generation networking. Option C captures the full capability of the platform.

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Cisco RV series routers include built-in VPN capabilities offering secure access for remote users, ranging from about 5 up to 100 users, depending on the specific model. This makes them well-suited for small to midsize businesses needing reliable remote connectivity. Other features listed—such as path control, IPS, or intelligent caching—are not part of the RV series portfolio.

Security solution fragmentationis recognized as a significant driver of increasing security threats in the market. When organizations implement multiple, disjointed point solutions from different vendors, the lack of integration creates security gaps, operational complexity, and blind spots that adversaries can exploit. Cisco official documentation states:

"Organizations today often have disparate and uncoordinated security technologies deployed, which creates operational complexity and gaps that adversaries can exploit. The fragmentation of security solutions is a major reason why attackers are able to move laterally across the network and remain undetected."

(Source: Cisco 2023 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, and Cisco Secure Portfolio Overview, Cisco Validated Design Guides.)

Fragmented security solutions also increase the risk of misconfiguration and make it more difficult to detect and respond to threats in real-time, thus directly contributing to the growth of security threats in the enterprise environment. Comprehensive, integrated security architectures are recommended by Cisco to address these challenges effectively.

Cisco Meraki MV cameras include motion-based retention, which extends effective storage by retaining footage only when motion is detected. The cameras buffer the latest 72 hours continuously and then keep motion-triggered clips beyond that, reducing unnecessary footage while preserving key events. This feature is activated directly in the MV dashboard.

Cisco DNA Assurance is a foundational service in Cisco DNA Center that provides real-time analytics, insights, and guided remediation. It focuses on the performance and reliability of the network, aligning closely with the concept of SLAs (Service Level Agreements). DNA Assurance ensures the infrastructure is functioning as designed and enables IT to verify that network services meet user and application requirements. Hence, the correct answer is A.

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A typical small branch office, usually with fewer than 25 users, often requires simplified, efficient networking solutions. One of the common needs is to reduce infrastructure complexity while still supporting essential services such as routing, firewalling, switching, and voice.

Cisco documents related to branch infrastructure design state that for small branches, integrated services routers (like ISR 1000/4000 series) are recommended because they combine multiple services—such as WAN connectivity, security (firewall/IPS), VPN, wireless LAN controller functionality, and voice support—into a single platform. This reduces hardware footprint, simplifies management, and ensures better performance at the edge.

Therefore, integrating multiple network functions into a single device fulfills a typical requirement of a small branch, making option A the most accurate.

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In the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, an “Organization” is the top-level construct and administrative boundary that encompasses licensing, inventory, user roles, and device configuration across all networks within that entity. It is not tied to network size or topology but functions as the central management structure for all associated resources. Therefore, option C correctly defines an Organization within Meraki’s context.

A Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) extends beyond traditional firewalls by delivering critical protection against dynamic, evolving web-based threats, integrating features like deep packet inspection, application awareness/control, and intrusion prevention systems. This capability aligns directly with ensuring ongoing protection from rapidly changing threats. Option A is less accurate because NGFWs examine traffic in-stream rather than pre-connection. Option C, while perhaps a benefit, doesn’t define NGFW and refers more to overall Cisco ecosystem integration. Thus, B is the superior description.

The Aironet 2800 Series is part of the Wave 2 portfolio, and Cisco has positioned the Catalyst 9120 Series as the next-generation successor. The Catalyst 9120 Series supports Wi-Fi 6, enhanced security, and advanced analytics features, making it the natural evolution for mid-market customers transitioning from older Aironet models. Therefore, option C is the accurate answer.

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Cisco Meraki's architecture uses an out-of-band control plane. If a device loses connection to the Meraki Cloud, client data traffic continues to flow locally and normally, while management and monitoring features are paused until connectivity is restored. This behavior is explicitly confirmed by Cisco documentation stating that during cloud disconnect, user traffic is unaffected and only configuration/monitoring stops.

The Meraki sales methodology emphasizes speed and simplicity, summarized in the model: “See, Try, Buy.” Customers first see the product through demos or webinars, then trial the solution via a free evaluation or pilot, and finally purchase it through Cisco partners. This process reduces friction, speeds up decision-making, and aligns with Meraki’s cloud-based delivery model. Hence, option A accurately describes the high-velocity Meraki sales approach.

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