Cisco 500-560 Cisco Networking: On-Premise and Cloud Solutions Exam Practice Test

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.

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.

In the Cisco Meraki web user interface, application visibility and control features are found in the Monitoring Panel. This panel offers detailed insights into bandwidth usage, application-level analytics (Layer 7), and allows administrators to monitor real-time application traffic.

It also provides tools to apply traffic shaping rules and prioritize or restrict certain applications based on business policies. While the dashboard is the general entry point, the specific feature for visibility and control is accessed through the monitoring panel, making A the correct choice.

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Cisco defines the Catalyst 9200 Series as entry-level enterprise-class access switches targeted at midmarket and branch environments. They offer robust features—stacking, security, PoE, SD-Access readiness—at a suitable price point for midsize businesses. This makes them the recommended lead choice in midmarket scenarios

TheCatalyst C9200is Cisco’s premier switching solution for midmarket customers. It provides advanced security, resiliency, and programmability, making it the ideal fit for growing organizations that need enterprise-level features in a scalable, cost-effective package.

According to Cisco:

“The Catalyst 9200 Series switches extend the power of intent-based networking and Catalyst 9000 hardware and software innovation to a broader set of deployments. With its family of fixed-configuration switches, it is designed for midmarket and branch environments, providing simplicity, security, and resiliency.”

— Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series Switches Data Sheet

The Cisco 3504 Wireless LAN Controller is a physical, AirOS-based controller designed for small to mid-sized enterprise networks. It supports up to 150 access points and is purpose-built for scalability in branch or mid-market deployments. While Mobility Express is limited in AP count and is not a dedicated controller, the 8540 is for large deployments. Cisco WLC is a generic term. Thus, option C is the most accurate recommendation.

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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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The Cisco 800 Series and 1100 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISRs) are specifically designed for small and midsize business customers who operate in space-constrained environments. These routers provide enterprise-grade features such as secure WAN connectivity, voice, integrated LTE, and advanced routing capabilities, all in a compact form factor.

Cisco documentation consistently recommends the 800 and 1100 Series ISR platforms for customers who want reliable, secure, and efficient routing without the need for large infrastructure. Hence, the best answer is D.

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Cisco describes Express Specialization tier customers—typically small to midsize organizations—as facing significant constraints in both budget and personnel resources. The official study guide highlights that “shrinking IT budgets and resource scarcity” are common pain points, leading to challenges in deploying and maintaining robust networking solutions despite growing demand. This makes option A the accurate choice.

Cisco Meraki licensing includes several benefits, one of which is full access to firmware updates and cloud-managed security features. These updates are continuously deployed and available as part of the active license, ensuring customers always run the most secure and updated version of their software without additional cost. Thus, option D is correct.

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The Cisco Umbrella branch package is designed to protect users and devices at the DNS-layer before a malicious connection is even established. One of its main advantages is to prevent both corporate and guest users from resolving or connecting to malicious domains, IPs, and URLs.

Cisco's guidance emphasizes Umbrella’s ability to enforce DNS-layer protection across the branch, offering visibility and blocking capabilities for all outbound DNS requests. It effectively stops threats before they ever reach the network, regardless of the user’s location within the branch.

This makes option B correct, as it reflects Umbrella’s DNS-layer security function that applies uniformly to all users.

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To satisfy increased bandwidth needs at branch locations, many enterprises are enabling Dedicated Internet Access (DIA). DIA provides guaranteed bandwidth rates and enhanced performance over consumer-grade or shared broadband, ensuring stability and capacity for critical applications. Other options like IoT, VPNs, or guest Wi-Fi do not directly address bandwidth scaling at the branch.

Meraki’s differentiator is its cloud-native, unified interface providing complete visibility and control—on a single pane of glass—for cloud-managed devices across network layers (wireless, switching, security, cameras). It’s not a multi-vendor aggregator, doesn’t natively manage virtual app deployment, and while it offers support integration, built-in live chat is not a distinguishing feature cited by Cisco. The centralized, clean interface is the flagship selling point, validating option D.

Cisco DNA Center is Cisco's centralized platform for enterprise network management, acting as the core controller for automation, policy, analytics, and assurance. It is designed to manage enterprise switching, routing, and wireless infrastructure. DNA Center provides AI-driven insights and controls the entire network fabric, making it the foundational controller and analytics engine. Therefore, option C is correct.

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The Cisco Meraki MS switch platform supports Multigigabit Ethernet (mGig) on select models. This next-generation feature allows network uplinks and access ports to operate above standard 1 Gbps speeds—supporting 2.5, 5, or even 10 Gbps—over existing cabling infrastructure. It enables higher performance for Wi-Fi 6/6E access points and bandwidth-intensive devices. Therefore, the correct answer is A.