H12-891_V1.0 HCIE-Datacom V1.0 Questions and Answers

Understanding DSCP & Assured Forwarding (AF) Classes

DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) is used for QoS (Quality of Service) classification in IP packet headers.

Assured Forwarding (AF) classes provide four traffic classes (AF1x, AF2x, AF3x, AF4x).

Each AF class has three drop precedence levels (Low = 1, Medium = 2, High = 3).

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Analysis of Options:

AF43 (Answer A) → Class 4, High Drop (Highest priority, highest drop probability) ✅

AF10 (Answer B) → Class 1, Low Drop (Lowest priority, lowest drop probability) ❌

AF12 (Answer C) → Class 1, Medium Drop Probability ❌

AF11 (Answer D) → Class 1, Low Drop Probability ❌

Why AF43?

Highest priority traffic within AF Class 4.

Highest drop probability (x3) means packets are dropped first under congestion.

Used for premium but non-essential services (e.g., bulk data transfer, backups).

✅ Reference: Huawei HCIE-Datacom Guide – QoS & DSCP Marking

When Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is not enabled on a network, loops can occur in Layer 2 Ethernet networks, leading to various network issues. STP is designed to prevent loops by blocking redundant paths, and its absence can cause broadcast storms, MAC address table instability, and resource exhaustion. Let’s analyze each option in the context of Huawei HCIE Datacom documentation and network behavior:

A. A loop alarm is generated on the LAN switch.

This option is incorrect. Huawei switches, as per HCIE Datacom standards, do not automatically generate a specific "loop alarm" unless configured with loop detection features (e.g., Huawei’s Loop Detection Protocol or similar mechanisms). Without STP or loop detection enabled, the switch may not explicitly generate an alarm for a loop; instead, it will exhibit symptoms like broadcast storms or flapping MAC entries. Therefore, this is not a direct symptom of an STP-less loop. Reference: Huawei HCIE Datacom V3.0 Training Materials, Section 4.2 – Spanning Tree Protocol and Loop Prevention.

B. CPU usage is too high.

This option is correct. When a loop occurs without STP, broadcast packets (and sometimes multicast or unknown unicast packets) circulate endlessly in the network. This leads to excessive processing by switches as they handle these packets, resulting in high CPU usage. Huawei switches, as described in HCIE Datacom documentation, can experience CPU overload due to continuous packet forwarding and processing in a looped environment. Reference: Huawei HCIE Datacom V3.0, Chapter 5 – Switch Performance and Loop Management.

C. MAC entries flap.

This option is correct. In a loop without STP, switches continuously receive frames from multiple ports, causing MAC address tables to update repeatedly as the same MAC address appears on different ports. This "flapping" of MAC entries destabilizes the network and can lead to incorrect frame forwarding. Huawei HCIE Datacom emphasizes MAC address table stability as a critical aspect affected by loops, as outlined in Section 4.3 – Ethernet Switching and Loop Mitigation. Reference: Huawei HCIE Datacom V3.0, Section 4.3.

D. Host receives a large number of broadcast packets.

This option is correct. A loop without STP causes broadcast packets to circulate indefinitely, creating a broadcast storm. Hosts connected to the network will receive an overwhelming number of these packets, potentially leading to performance degradation or even network timeouts. This is a well-documented symptom in Huawei HCIE Datacom training, specifically in discussions about loop prevention mechanisms. Reference: Huawei HCIE Datacom V3.0, Chapter 4 – Layer 2 Loop Prevention.

Thus, the correct symptoms of a loop occurring due to the absence of STP include high CPU usage, flapping MAC entries, and hosts receiving a large number of broadcast packets. Option A is incorrect as it requires specific loop detection configuration, which is not implied in the question.

References:

Huawei HCIE Datacom V3.0 Training Materials, Sections 4.2, 4.3, and 5 – Spanning Tree Protocol, Loop Prevention, and Switch Performance.

Huawei Official Documentation on Ethernet Switching and Loop Management, available in HCIE Datacom Certification Guides (2023 update).

802.1X Authentication Overview

802.1X is a port-based authentication mechanism used for secure network access control. It involves:

EAPoL (Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN) communication between the client (supplicant) and the switch (authenticator).

RADIUS communication between the authenticator and the authentication server (AAA server).

✅ A. 802.1X authentication uses EAPoL to exchange authentication information.

EAPoL (Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN) is used to send authentication packets over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) networks.

✅ B. In EAP termination mode, the network device terminates EAP packets and re-encapsulates them into RADIUS.

The switch acts as an authentication proxy by terminating EAP sessions and converting authentication information into RADIUS format.

✅ C. EAPoL is for wired (802.3), EAPoW is for wireless (802.11).

EAPoL (EAP over LAN) is used in wired Ethernet networks.

EAPoW (EAP over Wireless) is used in Wi-Fi (802.11) networks.

✅ D. In EAP relay mode, EAP packets are encapsulated into RADIUS using EAPoR (EAP over RADIUS).

The switch does not terminate the EAP session but instead forwards EAP messages to the AAA server inside RADIUS packets.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei 802.1X Configuration Guide – EAPoL, EAPoW, and EAPoR

HCIE-Datacom Training Material – AAA Authentication Modes

IGP Metric Design in Enterprise WANs

In an enterprise bearer WAN, routing metrics determine path selection. The aggregation layer connects multiple access-layer devices to the core network, so it should have a lower metric to:

✅ Ensure traffic is forwarded through higher-capacity aggregation links instead of lower-bandwidth access links.✅ Optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve network efficiency.✅ Enhance reliability by preferring more stable aggregation links.

IGP Routing Protocols Considerations:

OSPF: Lower cost values indicate preferred paths.

IS-IS: Lower link metrics result in preferred forwarding paths.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei IGP Design Guide – Enterprise WAN Routing Optimization

HCIE-Datacom Training Material – Metric Calculation and Path Selection in OSPF/IS-IS

To determine R3’s role (Level-1, Level-2, or Level-1-2) based on the provided output of the display ipv6 routing-table protocol isis command on R3, we need to analyze the IS-IS routing information and understand IS-IS hierarchy and behavior, particularly in the context of IPv6 routing. Let’s break it down step by step:

Understanding the IS-IS Levels and Hierarchy:

IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System) is a link-state routing protocol that supports a two-level hierarchy:

Level-1: Routers within the same area, responsible for intra-area routing. Level-1 routers only maintain routing information for their area and rely on Level-1-2 routers to reach other areas.

Level-2: Routers that form the backbone, connecting different areas for inter-area routing. Level-2 routers maintain routing information across areas.

Level-1-2: Routers that operate both at Level-1 (within their area) and Level-2 (to connect to other areas). These routers act as boundary routers between Level-1 areas and the Level-2 backbone.

A router’s role (Level-1, Level-2, or Level-1-2) determines which types of adjacencies it can form and what routing information it advertises or receives.

Analyzing the Output:

The output shows R3’s IPv6 routing table with routes learned via IS-IS, specifically:

Destination: 2082:EDFC:DDCC::B824:0/127, Protocol: ISIS-L1

This route is learned via IS-IS Level-1 (ISIS-L1), indicating that R3 has a Level-1 adjacency and is receiving or advertising routes within its area.

The next hop (FE80::2E0:FCFF:FE45:6A3E) and interface (GigabitEthernet0/0/0) suggest this route is intra-area.

Destination: 2082:EDFC:DDCC::B891:0/127, Protocol: ISIS-L2

This route is learned via IS-IS Level-2 (ISIS-L2), indicating that R3 has a Level-2 adjacency and is receiving or advertising routes for inter-area or backbone routing.

The next hop (FE80::2E0:FCFF:FE50:406F) and interface (GigabitEthernet0/0/1) suggest this route is for a different area or the backbone.

Both Level-1 and Level-2 routes are present in R3’s routing table, which provides critical insight into R3’s role.

Determining R3’s Role:

Level-1 Routers:

Level-1 routers only participate in Level-1 adjacencies and maintain routing information for their area. They do not have Level-2 routes or adjacencies unless connected to a Level-1-2 router. Since R3 has a Level-2 route (ISIS-L2), it cannot be exclusively a Level-1 router.

Level-2 Routers:

Level-2 routers focus on inter-area routing and typically do not maintain Level-1 routes unless they are also configured as Level-1-2. Since R3 has a Level-1 route (ISIS-L1), it cannot be exclusively a Level-2 router.

Level-1-2 Routers:

Level-1-2 routers operate both at Level-1 (for intra-area routing) and Level-2 (for inter-area routing). They can form adjacencies with both Level-1 and Level-2 neighbors and maintain both types of routes. The presence of both ISIS-L1 and ISIS-L2 routes in R3’s routing table indicates that R3 is participating in both Level-1 and Level-2 adjacencies, making it a Level-1-2 router.

Evaluating Each Option:

A. R3 must be a Level-2 device.

This is incorrect because R3 has ISIS-L1 routes, indicating it is also participating in Level-1 adjacencies, which Level-2-only devices do not do. Level-2 devices focus solely on inter-area routing and do not maintain Level-1 routes.

B. The device role of R3 cannot be determined.

This is incorrect because the presence of both ISIS-L1 and ISIS-L2 routes in the routing table clearly indicates R3’s role. The combination of Level-1 and Level-2 routes confirms R3 is a Level-1-2 router.

C. R3 must be a Level-1-2 device.

This is correct. The routing table shows both ISIS-L1 (Level-1) and ISIS-L2 (Level-2) routes, meaning R3 is operating as both a Level-1 and Level-2 router, which defines a Level-1-2 device.

D. R3 must be a Level-1 device.

This is incorrect because R3 has ISIS-L2 routes, indicating it is also participating in Level-2 adjacencies, which Level-1-only devices do not do. Level-1 devices only maintain intra-area routes and rely on Level-1-2 routers for inter-area reachability.

Additional Considerations:

The Flags: D in the output typically indicates a directly connected route or a route downloaded to the forwarding table, but it does not affect the determination of R3’s IS-IS level.

The preference (15) and cost (20) are standard for IS-IS routes and do not impact the level determination.

In Huawei’s IS-IS implementation, routers can be configured explicitly as Level-1, Level-2, or Level-1-2 using commands like isis level-1-2 under the IS-IS process. The presence of both Level-1 and Level-2 routes confirms R3’s configuration as Level-1-2.

Huawei HCIE-Datacom Context:

According to Huawei HCIE-Datacom documentation, IS-IS routers can operate at different levels, and the routing table’s protocol type (ISIS-L1 or ISIS-L2) indicates the level of adjacency. A router with both Level-1 and Level-2 routes is necessarily a Level-1-2 device, as it participates in both intra-area and inter-area routing.

The display ipv6 routing-table protocol isis command on Huawei devices shows routes learned via IS-IS, and the protocol type (L1 or L2) directly reflects the router’s role in the IS-IS hierarchy.

Conclusion:

Based on the presence of both ISIS-L1 and ISIS-L2 routes in R3’s IPv6 routing table, R3 must be a Level-1-2 device, as it is participating in both Level-1 (intra-area) and Level-2 (inter-area) adjacencies. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

References to Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documents:

Huawei HCIE-Datacom V1.0 Training Material, Chapter on IS-IS Configuration and Hierarchy.

Huawei NE Series Router Configuration Guide, IS-IS Section (Level-1, Level-2, and Level-1-2 Operations).

Huawei Technical Whitepaper on IS-IS Protocol, discussing IPv6 Routing and Level Determination.

Understanding User Authentication Points in a Network

Authentication points can be deployed at different network layers based on security and scalability needs:

✅ Access Layer Authentication:

Ensures high security & granular control (user-level authentication).

Preferred in high-security enterprise networks.

✅ Aggregation or Core Layer Authentication:

Reduces authentication overhead but provides less granular control.

Suitable for large-scale networks where authentication load needs to be balanced.

Analysis of the Answer Choices:

✅ A. Deploying user authentication points at the access layer achieves granular permission management and high network security.

Correct: Provides fine-grained control per user and prevents unauthorized access.

✅ B. Moving user authentication points from the access layer to the aggregation or core layer greatly reduces the number of user authentication points, thereby effectively mitigating the pressure on the AAA server.

Correct: Fewer authentication points mean less load on the AAA server.

✅ C. Deploying user authentication points at the access layer has both advantages and disadvantages when compared to doing so at the aggregation or core layer. Policy association can be applied if user authentication points are deployed at the access layer.

Correct: Policy-based authentication is best applied at the access layer for granular control.

❌ D. When user authentication points are moved from the access layer to the aggregation layer, MAC address authentication for users may fail.

Incorrect: MAC authentication works at both layers, but policy adjustments may be needed.

✅ Reference: Huawei HCIE-Datacom Guide – User Authentication Strategies in Enterprise Networks

Challenges of Static VXLAN Tunnel Configuration

A static VXLAN tunnel requires manual VTEP-to-VTEP configuration, making it complex to maintain.

✅ A. Heavy configuration workload in a distributed gateway scenario

Static VXLAN requires manual configuration of VTEP mappings, making it difficult to scale and adjust when adding new VTEPs.

✅ B. Remote MAC addresses are learned through data flooding

Unlike BGP EVPN-based VXLAN, which advertises MAC/IP bindings through BGP, static VXLAN relies on flooding for MAC learning, causing excessive traffic.

✅ D. N(N-1)/2 tunnels are required for full mesh connectivity

If N devices need to communicate, each must be manually configured with N(N-1)/2 VXLAN tunnels, leading to high administrative overhead.

Incorrect Statement Explanation:

❌ C. Static VXLAN tunnels use protocols on the control plane, consuming device resources.

Wrong! Static VXLAN does not use a control plane protocol like BGP EVPN.

Instead, it relies entirely on static mappings, reducing control plane usage.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei VXLAN Configuration Guide – Static vs. Dynamic VXLAN Tunnel Establishment

HCIE-Datacom Training Material – Manual Configuration Challenges in Static VXLAN

Understanding User Isolation in the Same VLAN

In a traditional VLAN, all devices within the same VLAN can communicate unless additional security policies are applied. To isolate users within the same VLAN, the following technologies can be used:

✅ B. Port Isolation (Private VLAN or Layer 2 Isolation)

Prevents communication between ports within the same VLAN.

Common in enterprise and campus networks to improve security.

Example: Isolating guest users from employees within the same VLAN.

✅ C. IPSG (IP Source Guard)

Blocks IP address spoofing within the same VLAN.

Uses DHCP snooping binding table to verify whether a device is using an authorized IP address.

✅ D. Ethernet Port Security

Limits the number of MAC addresses allowed per port.

Prevents unauthorized devices from communicating within the VLAN.

❌ A. Super VLAN (Incorrect Choice)

Super VLAN groups multiple VLANs under a single Layer 3 gateway, but it does not provide isolation within the same VLAN.

Real-World Application:

Public Wi-Fi Networks: Ensures that users within the same VLAN cannot communicate with each other.

Enterprise Security: Prevents unauthorized access or attacks within shared VLANs.

✅ Reference: Huawei HCIE-Datacom Guide – VLAN Security and User Isolation Technologies

Telemetry Data Collection in Huawei Devices

Telemetry allows real-time streaming of network performance data based on predefined sampling paths. Supported sampling paths include:

✅ A. Interface statistics

Monitors real-time traffic usage, errors, and packet loss on interfaces.

✅ C. CPU information

Tracks CPU utilization and performance metrics.

✅ D. Memory information

Monitors RAM usage and system memory consumption.

Incorrect Answer:

❌ B. Information about the optical module on an interface

Telemetry does not natively support direct optical module monitoring; instead, SNMP or CLI commands like display transceiver are used.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei Telemetry Configuration Guide – Supported Sampling Paths

HCIE-Datacom Study Material – Network Performance Monitoring with Telemetry

Understanding the Command Components:

This is a Huawei CLI command used for diagnosing connectivity within a VPN instance in an MPLS network.

ping -aX → Specifies the source IP address (X) of the ping packets.

-cY → Specifies the number of ICMP Echo Request packets to send (Y).

-sZ → Defines the size (in bytes) of each ICMP Echo Request packet (Z).

-vpn-instance M → Specifies the VPN instance (VRF) M to which the ping packets belong.

Why are all options correct?

✅ A. The source IP address of the ping packets is X.

The -aX option forces the ping to originate from IP X instead of the default interface IP.

✅ B. The ping packets belong to VPN instance M.

The -vpn-instance M option ensures the ping is sent within VPN instance M, allowing verification of MPLS L3VPN routing.

✅ C. During the ping operation, the quantity of ICMP Request packets is Y.

The -cY parameter sets the number of ICMP Echo Requests to be sent, making Y the total count.

✅ D. The size of each ICMP Request packet for the ping operation is Z bytes.

The -sZ parameter defines packet size, helping to test MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) issues.

Real-World Application:

Verifying MPLS VPN connectivity: Ensure customer networks are reachable within separate VRFs.

Testing MTU & fragmentation: Using -sZ, operators can check if packet fragmentation occurs.

Debugging asymmetric routing issues: By forcing -aX, engineers can trace return paths.

✅ Reference: Huawei HCIE-Datacom Official Guide – MPLS VPN Troubleshooting & Ping Options

WRED (Weighted Random Early Detection) helps prevent congestion by randomly discarding packets before buffers are full.

Drop Probability Behavior:

Below lower threshold = 0% drop (packets pass normally).

Between lower & upper threshold = Progressively increasing drop probability.

Above upper threshold = 100% drop (probability = 1).

✅ Reference: Huawei HCIE-Datacom Guide - WRED Mechanism

Understanding BFD (Bidirectional Forwarding Detection)

BFD is a high-speed fault detection protocol used to monitor link failures in milliseconds.

It operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) and Layer 3 (Network Layer) to provide fast convergence.

Why Can BFD Detect Failures in Milliseconds?

Uses lightweight control packets that are exchanged between routers.

Works with OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, and MPLS to trigger fast convergence.

Detection time = (Transmit Interval) × (Detect Multiplier)

Example: If the interval is 3ms and the multiplier is 3, failure detection takes 9ms.

Why is the Answer TRUE?

✅ BFD achieves millisecond-level detection by sending rapid probe packets.✅ Used in high-availability networks where link failures must be detected in real-time.

Real-World Application

Service Provider Networks: BFD improves network resilience by detecting link failures faster than traditional routing timers.

Enterprise WANs: Used in SD-WANs to switch paths dynamically.

MPLS Fast Reroute (FRR): Works with MPLS Traffic Engineering for near-instantaneous failover.

✅ Reference: Huawei HCIE-Datacom Guide – BFD for Fast Link Failure Detection

Before performing a network cutover (migration or upgrade), it is essential to collect baseline data to ensure that services operate normally before and after the change.

Importance of Pre-Cutover Information Collection:

Identifies Network Baseline – Helps compare pre-cutover and post-cutover performance.

Detects Hidden Issues – Ensures that no existing network issues interfere with the cutover process.

Prevents Service Interruptions – Ensures all dependent services are accounted for.

Provides Rollback Plan – If issues arise, administrators can restore previous configurations.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei Network Change Management Guide – Pre-Cutover & Post-Cutover Best Practices

HCIE-Datacom Training Material – Service Assurance & Risk Analysis

BGP EVPN Route Types in VXLAN:

BGP EVPN Type 2 Route (MAC/IP Advertisement Route)

Used for host reachability advertisement.

Carries MAC and IP address information of endpoints.

Does not carry an IP Prefix field (Type 5 routes handle prefixes).

Correct Explanation of Answer Choices:✅ IP Address (B) is included – Used for host mobility and reachability.✅ L3VNI (C) is included – Used for Layer 3 VXLAN routing.✅ L2VNI (D) is included – Used for Layer 2 VXLAN bridging.❌ IP Prefix (A) is not included in Type 2 routes – It is part of EVPN Type 5 routes for prefix advertisement.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei VXLAN BGP EVPN Configuration Guide – Type 2 vs. Type 5 Routes

HCIE-Datacom Training Material – VXLAN Overlay Networks and BGP EVPN

Portal Authentication vs. MAC Authentication

✅ Portal Authentication

Used in high-mobility environments (e.g., shopping malls, hotels, and public Wi-Fi hotspots).

Users authenticate via a web portal before gaining network access.

Supports multiple device types (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.).

✅ MAC Address Authentication

Used for dumb devices that cannot perform interactive authentication (e.g., printers, IP phones, cameras).

The network authenticates devices based on their MAC addresses automatically.

Often used in enterprise LANs to ensure unattended devices get network access securely.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei CloudCampus Authentication Guide – Portal and MAC Authentication

HCIE-Datacom Training Material – Access Control Mechanisms

Understanding the Telemetry Output:

Dest-addr: 192.168.56.1 → The destination IP address is 192.168.56.1. ✅

Dest-name: Dest1 → The destination group name is Dest1. ✅

Protocol: gRPC → Data push uses the gRPC protocol. ✅

Vpn-name: - (empty) → No VPN encapsulation is used. ❌

Incorrect Answer Explanation:

❌ C. "VPN encapsulation is used for data push" → Incorrect!

The Vpn-name field is empty, indicating that VPN encapsulation is NOT enabled for telemetry data transport.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei Telemetry Configuration Guide – Destination and Data Push Methods

HCIE-Datacom Study Material – gRPC and Telemetry Data Streaming

OSPFv3 (for IPv6) introduces significant changes compared to OSPFv2 (for IPv4).While both versions share similar routing mechanisms, there are key LSA format and functional differences beyond just address changes.

Major Differences Between OSPFv2 and OSPFv3:

Address Independence (LSA Format Changes)

OSPFv3 LSAs do not contain IP addresses directly; they rely on Link-LSA and Intra-Area Prefix LSA to advertise addresses.

In OSPFv2, IP addresses were included in LSA headers.

New LSA Types in OSPFv3

LSA Type 8 (Link-LSA): Advertises a router’s IPv6 address to neighbors.

LSA Type 9 (Intra-Area Prefix LSA): Replaces the address information in Router-LSAs and Network-LSAs.

Support for Multiple Address Families (AF)

OSPFv3 can support both IPv4 and IPv6 in newer implementations (RFC 5838).

Authentication Mechanism Removed

OSPFv3 relies on IPsec for authentication, whereas OSPFv2 had built-in authentication mechanisms.

Incorrect Statement Explanation:

❌ The statement "LSA formats and functions remain unchanged" is false because:

LSA structures were modified in OSPFv3.

New LSA types were introduced to handle IPv6 addresses separately.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei OSPFv3 Configuration Guide – LSA Differences from OSPFv2

HCIE-Datacom Study Material – OSPFv3 Evolution & IPv6 Implementation

Understanding MPLS Label Retention Modes

In MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), a Label Switching Router (LSR) can operate in one of two label retention modes:

1️⃣ Liberal Label Retention Mode (LLRM)

Stores all labels received from neighbors, even if they are not immediately used.

Advantage: Fast convergence during link failures.

Disadvantage: Consumes more memory & label space.

2️⃣ Conservative Label Retention Mode (CLRM)

Only keeps labels for the best next-hop path.

Advantage: Saves memory & label space.

Disadvantage: Slower convergence when topology changes.

Why are C and D Correct?

✅ C. An LSR reserves all labels distributed by its neighbor.

Correct: In Liberal Mode, the router accepts and stores all labels received, even for non-best paths.

✅ D. The liberal mode requires more memory and label space.

Correct: Since the router keeps all labels, it requires higher memory & storage.

Why are A and B Incorrect?

❌ A. An LSR retains labels from a neighboring LSR only when the neighbor is its next hop.

Incorrect: This describes Conservative Mode, not Liberal Mode.

❌ B. This label retention mode saves memory and label space.

Incorrect: Liberal Mode consumes more memory, not less.

Real-World Application

Liberal Mode is used in large-scale MPLS networks where fast failover is critical.

Conservative Mode is preferred in memory-constrained environments.

✅ Reference: Huawei HCIE-Datacom Study Guide – MPLS Label Retention Modes