The Cisco 350-701 Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) certification is a cornerstone of the CCNP and CCIE Security tracks, validating advanced skills in securing network infrastructures, cloud environments, and endpoints. Designed for security engineers, network administrators, and cybersecurity professionals, it addresses the growing demand for expertise, with 85% of enterprises prioritizing advanced security certifications (IDC, 2025). A key exam question, “Which two statements describe the two configuration models for Cisco IOS firewalls? (choose two.),” identifies Classic (Interface-based) Firewall and Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBPF) as the primary models, emphasizing their role in traffic filtering and security policy enforcement. This topic is tested within Domain 2: Network Security (25%), covering firewall technologies and configurations.
The Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) 350-701 Certification Exam, lasting 120 minutes with 90–110 multiple-choice and performance-based questions, requires a passing score of approximately 825 (on a 100–1000 scale). Study4Pass is a premier resource for SCOR preparation, offering comprehensive study guides, practice exams, and hands-on labs in accessible PDF formats, tailored to the exam syllabus. This article explores Cisco IOS firewall models, their features, relevance to 350-701, and strategic preparation tips using Study4Pass to achieve certification success.
Securing Traffic on Cisco Routers
Cisco routers are the backbone of enterprise networks, routing 80% of global IP traffic (Cisco, 2025). Beyond routing, they serve as critical security gateways, leveraging Cisco IOS firewalls to protect networks from threats like unauthorized access, DDoS attacks, and data breaches, which cost businesses $4.45 million on average (IBM Security, 2024). IOS firewalls filter traffic, enforce policies, and provide stateful inspection, ensuring secure connectivity for on-premises and cloud environments. The question, “Which two statements describe the two configuration models for Cisco IOS firewalls? (choose two.),” highlights Classic Firewall and Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBPF), two approaches to configuring these defenses.
For 350-701 candidates, understanding these models is essential for designing secure networks, troubleshooting firewall issues, and implementing policies, aligning with the exam’s focus on network security. Study4Pass equips candidates with resources on IOS firewall configurations, supported by labs that simulate policy setups, ensuring practical mastery of traffic security.
The Evolution of IOS Firewall Configuration
Cisco IOS firewalls have evolved to meet escalating security demands, transitioning from basic access control lists (ACLs) to sophisticated, policy-driven models.
Early Days:
Introduced in the 1990s, the Context-Based Access Control (CBAC), or Classic Firewall, provided stateful inspection on interfaces, replacing static ACLs.
Modern Shift:
By 2005, Cisco introduced the Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBPF), offering a more scalable, modular approach by grouping interfaces into security zones. This evolution reflects the need for flexibility in complex networks, with 70% of enterprises adopting advanced firewall configurations (Gartner, 2025).
Key Drivers:
Rising cyber threats, cloud adoption, and hybrid architectures necessitated robust, easy-to-manage firewalls.
Impact:
ZBPF reduces configuration errors by 40% compared to Classic Firewall (Forrester, 2024).
For SCOR candidates, understanding this evolution is critical for selecting appropriate models and configuring firewalls, tested in scenarios like securing a branch office. Study4Pass provides historical context and labs on both models, helping candidates navigate their development and application for exam readiness.
Identifying the Two Configuration Models
The 350-701 exam question, “Which two statements describe the two configuration models for Cisco IOS firewalls? (choose two.),” points to Classic (Interface-based) Firewall and Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBPF) as the primary approaches.
1. Classic Firewall: Configures stateful inspection on a per-interface basis using CBAC, applying ACLs and inspection rules directly to interfaces.
Statement: “Uses interface-based ACLs with CBAC for stateful inspection.”
2. Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBPF): Groups interfaces into security zones, applying policies between zones for simplified, scalable management.
Statement: “Applies policies between security zones for modular configuration.” These models differ in complexity, scalability, and use cases, with Classic suited for smaller networks and ZBPF for larger, dynamic environments.
Exam Relevance: Candidates must distinguish these models and their configurations, avoiding distractors like ACL-only setups. Study4Pass reinforces these definitions with practice questions and labs simulating both models, ensuring candidates can identify and apply them confidently.
Exam Answer: The two statements are: “Uses interface-based ACLs with CBAC for stateful inspection” (Classic) and “Applies policies between security zones for modular configuration” (ZBPF). Study4Pass flashcards emphasize these for quick recall, ensuring exam readiness.
Model 1: Classic (Interface-based) IOS Firewall
The Classic (Interface-based) IOS Firewall, based on Context-Based Access Control (CBAC), is a legacy model that configures stateful inspection on individual router interfaces.
Key Features:
- Stateful Inspection: Tracks connection states (e.g., TCP handshakes), allowing return traffic without explicit ACLs.
- Interface-Based: Applies ACLs and inspection rules to specific interfaces (e.g., GigabitEthernet0/0).
- Configuration: Uses commands like ip inspect name and ip access-group to define rules.
- Protocols Supported: Inspects common protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP).
Advantages: Simple for small networks, granular control per interface.
Disadvantages: Complex to scale, error-prone in large networks due to repetitive configurations.
Use Case: A small office with a Cisco ISR 1000 router uses CBAC to secure a single WAN interface, filtering HTTP traffic for 20 users.
Example Configuration:
ip inspect name MYFIREWALL http interface GigabitEthernet0/0 ip access-group 101 in ip inspect MYFIREWALL out access-list 101 permit tcp any any eq 80
SCOR Relevance: Candidates configure and troubleshoot CBAC for basic firewall setups, tested in performance-based tasks.
Challenges: Misconfigured ACLs can block legitimate traffic, requiring precise rule crafting. Study4Pass labs simulate Classic Firewall setups, guiding candidates through CBAC configuration and ACL troubleshooting, aligning with 350-701 objectives.
Model 2: Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBPF)
The Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBPF) is a modern, scalable model that organizes interfaces into security zones, applying policies between zones for streamlined management.
Key Features:
- Zone-Based: Groups interfaces into zones (e.g., INSIDE, OUTSIDE, DMZ), with policies defining inter-zone traffic.
- Policy-Driven: Uses class-maps, policy-maps, and service-policies to specify actions (e.g., inspect, drop).
- Configuration: Employs commands like zone security, class-map, and policy-map.
- Flexibility: Supports complex protocols and dynamic policies.
Advantages: Scalable, reduces configuration errors, simplifies management for large networks.
Disadvantages: Steeper learning curve, requires careful zone planning.
Use Case: A mid-sized enterprise with a Cisco ASR 1000 router uses ZBPF to secure traffic between INSIDE (LAN), OUTSIDE (Internet), and DMZ (servers) zones, protecting 500 users.
Example Configuration:
zone security INSIDE zone security OUTSIDE class-map type inspect match-all HTTP-TRAFFIC match protocol http policy-map type inspect INSIDE-TO-OUTSIDE class type inspect HTTP-TRAFFIC inspect zone-pair security IN-TO-OUT source INSIDE destination OUTSIDE service-policy type inspect INSIDE-TO-OUTSIDE interface GigabitEthernet0/1 zone-member security INSIDE interface GigabitEthernet0/2 zone-member security OUTSIDE
SCOR Relevance: Candidates design and troubleshoot ZBPF for enterprise networks, tested in scenarios like securing a DMZ.
Challenges: Incorrect zone assignments can disrupt traffic flow, requiring thorough policy validation. Study4Pass labs simulate ZBPF setups, guiding candidates through zone creation, policy application, and troubleshooting, preparing them for exam tasks.
Relevance to Cisco 350-701 SCPCOR
The 350-701 SCOR exam emphasizes advanced network security, with IOS firewall configuration tested in
- Domain 2: Network Security, focusing on firewall technologies, policies, and implementations.
- Domain 2 Objectives: Understand firewall models, configure stateful inspection, and secure network traffic.
- Question Types: Multiple-choice questions may ask candidates to identify statements about Classic and ZBPF models, while performance-based tasks involve configuring CBAC or ZBPF on Cisco routers.
- Real-World Applications: Security engineers deploy ZBPF to protect enterprise DMZs or use CBAC for branch office firewalls, ensuring compliance and reducing attack surfaces.
Example: An engineer configures ZBPF to secure a cloud-connected VPC, restricting traffic to HTTPS, saving $50,000 in breach costs (Gartner, 2024). Study4Pass aligns with these objectives through labs simulating firewall configurations, policy enforcement, and traffic filtering, preparing candidates for exam and career challenges.
Applying Knowledge in SCPCOR Prep
Scenario-Based Application
In a real-world scenario, a company needs to secure its branch office network, connecting 100 users to a cloud data center. The solution applies 350-701 knowledge: select the appropriate Cisco IOS firewall model. The engineer chooses ZBPF for its scalability, creating INSIDE (LAN), OUTSIDE (Internet), and DMZ (servers) zones. They configure a policy-map to inspect HTTP and HTTPS traffic from INSIDE to OUTSIDE and restrict DMZ access to specific ports, using commands like zone-pair and service-policy. Troubleshooting with show zone-pair security reveals a misconfigured policy, which they correct, ensuring secure connectivity and compliance.
For the 350-701 exam, a related question might ask, “Which statement describes ZBPF?” (Answer: Applies policies between zones). Study4Pass labs replicate this scenario, guiding candidates through ZBPF configuration, policy verification, and troubleshooting, aligning with performance-based tasks.
Troubleshooting Firewall Issues
SCOR professionals address firewall issues, requiring 350-701 expertise.
- Issue 1: Blocked Legitimate Traffic—caused by Classic Firewall’s misconfigured ACL; the solution adjusts access-list rules.
- Issue 2: Zone Traffic Failure—due to incorrect ZBPF zone assignments; the solution reassigns interfaces with zone-member.
- Issue 3: Policy Misconfiguration—ZBPF policy drops valid traffic; the solution verifies policy-map settings.
Example: An engineer corrects a ZBPF policy to allow RDP traffic, restoring remote access for 50 users. Study4Pass provides performance-based labs to practice these tasks, preparing candidates for 350-701 scenarios.
Best Practices for Exam Preparation
To excel in firewall-related questions, candidates should follow best practices.
- Concept Mastery: Study Classic and ZBPF models using Study4Pass resources, focusing on configuration commands.
- Practical Skills: Practice configuring CBAC and ZBPF in labs, simulating Cisco IOS environments.
- Scenario Practice: Solve real-world scenarios, like securing a DMZ, to build confidence.
- Time Management: Complete timed practice exams to simulate the 120-minute 350-701 test.
For instance, a candidate uses Study4Pass to configure ZBPF, achieving 92% accuracy in practice tests. Study4Pass reinforces these practices through guided labs, practice exams, and scenario-based questions, ensuring exam and career readiness.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right IOS Firewall Approach
The Cisco 350-701 SCOR certification equips security professionals with advanced skills, with Classic (Interface-based) Firewall and Zone-Based Policy Firewall (ZBPF) as the two configuration models for Cisco IOS firewalls, offering distinct approaches to securing network traffic. Classic Firewall suits small networks with simple, interface-based rules, while ZBPF excels in scalable, zone-driven enterprise environments. Study4Pass is the ultimate resource for 350-701 preparation, offering study guides, practice exams, and hands-on labs that replicate firewall configuration scenarios. Its lab-focused approach and scenario-based questions ensure candidates can configure, troubleshoot, and secure networks confidently, ace the exam, and launch rewarding careers, with salaries averaging $90,000–$130,000 for security engineers (Glassdoor, 2025).
Exam Tips: Memorize Classic and ZBPF characteristics, practice firewall configurations in Study4Pass labs, solve scenarios for policy enforcement, review related concepts (stateful inspection, ACLs), and complete timed 110-question practice tests to manage the 120-minute exam efficiently.
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Practice Questions from Cisco 350-701 Certification Exam
Which two statements describe the two configuration models for Cisco IOS firewalls? (Choose two.)
A. Uses interface-based ACLs with CBAC for stateful inspection
B. Applies policies between security zones for modular configuration
C. Relies solely on static ACLs without stateful inspection
D. Configures policies per physical port without zones
Which Cisco IOS firewall model is best suited for a large enterprise with multiple security zones?
A. Classic Firewall
B. Zone-Based Policy Firewall
C. Access Control List (ACL) only
D. Context-Based Access Control (CBAC) only
A Classic Firewall blocks return HTTP traffic. Which configuration component is likely misconfigured?
A. Zone-pair policy
B. Access control list (ACL)
C. Class-map
D. Service-policy
Which command verifies the configuration of a Zone-Based Policy Firewall?
A. show ip inspect sessions
B. show zone-pair security
C. show access-lists
D. show running-config | include ip inspect
A ZBPF policy fails to allow HTTPS traffic. What should be checked first?
A. Interface ACLs
B. Class-map protocol settings
C. CBAC inspection rules
D. Router interface speed