Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

Which Cisco hardware is responsible for encrypting packets and adding a new header before sending them over a VPN?

1. Cisco Router

2. Cisco Switch

3. Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance

4. Cisco Firewall

The correct answer is: Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance

The Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) is specifically designed for providing security services, including the encryption of packets and the addition of new headers for secure transmission over a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The ASA functions as a VPN gateway, ensuring that data is securely encapsulated and protected while traversing unsecured networks. When a packet is prepared for transmission over a VPN, the ASA takes the original packet, encrypts it to maintain confidentiality, and appends a new header that is required for proper routing through the VPN. This header typically includes information necessary for the secure tunneling protocol in use, allowing the packet to be accurately directed to its destination across the internet or other networks. Other devices, such as Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls, can support VPN configurations as well, but the ASA is specifically optimized for handling the encryption processes and security functions associated with VPN traffic. This makes the ASA uniquely suited for this task, as it combines routing capabilities with robust security features, ensuring both safe and efficient packet delivery in a VPN context.