Configuring Flow-Export Action on Cisco ASA
Which two commands are required when configuring a flow-export action on a Cisco ASA? (Choose two.)
Community Insight
The exam tests knowledge of ASA NetFlow configuration syntax, where candidates often confuse global policy-map application with the specific flow-export subcommands.
This question tests the specific CLI commands required to configure NetFlow export actions on a Cisco ASA firewall, focusing on event-type and template timeout settings.
Candidates frequently select B (policy-map) or E (access-group) because they are part of the broader NetFlow workflow, but they are not the direct 'flow-export action' configuration commands.
Community Discussion (10 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
To configure a flow-export action on a Cisco ASA, you must define how flows are exported and when templates are sent. The commandflow-export event-type specifies the events that trigger flow records (e.g., all, new-flow), and flow-export template timeout-rate defines the interval for sending template records. These are the two core components of the flow-export action configuration.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B (policy-map) is used to apply class-maps to interfaces, which is a step in the overall process but not the flow-export action command itself. Option C (access-list) is used to match traffic within a class-map, not to configure the export action. Option E (access-group) applies security policies to interfaces. While these are necessary for end-to-end NetFlow functionality, the question specifically asks for the commands configuring the action.Community Comment Notes
Community consensus strongly supports options A and B in some contexts, but detailed analysis confirms A and D are the specific action commands. As user XBfoundX noted, the ACL and Class-Map are for matching, while the Policy-Map is for applying. However, the actual flow-export parameters are set viaflow-export event-type and flow-export template timeout-rate. Comments from Tuxzinator also highlight confusion between applying the policy versus configuring the action. Official Reference
Exam Strategy
Distinguish between configuration steps that match traffic (ACLs, Class-maps) and those that define the export behavior (Event-type, Template timeout). Focus on the exact command syntax for the feature being asked about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't policy-map a correct answer?
Policy-map is used to apply the class-map containing the flow-export action to an interface, but it does not configure the action's parameters like event type or timeout.
What is the difference between event-type and template timeout?
Event-type determines which traffic triggers flow records, while template timeout-rate controls how often template records are sent to the collector.