Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A network engineer successfully logs in to a router, but cannot enter configuration mode because the command is rejected by policy. Which AAA function is controlling this behavior?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Authentication
Authentication already succeeded, so it is not the step now preventing the command.
B
Best answer
Authorization
Correct. Authorization controls what actions the user may perform.
C
Distractor review
Accounting
Accounting records activity but does not directly grant or deny the command.
D
Distractor review
Encryption
Encryption protects data in transit but is not the AAA control involved here.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is confusing authentication with authorization. Candidates often think that if a user cannot enter configuration mode, it means the login failed, which is incorrect. Authentication only confirms the user's identity during login. Once authenticated, authorization controls what commands or modes the user can access. Misunderstanding this distinction leads to incorrect answers. The question states the user successfully logged in, so the failure to enter configuration mode is due to authorization restrictions, not authentication failure.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
AAA stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting, which are critical components in network security management. Authentication verifies the identity of a user attempting to access network devices, such as routers or switches. Authorization then determines what level of access or which commands the authenticated user is permitted to execute. Accounting logs the user's activities for auditing and compliance purposes. In Cisco devices, AAA is implemented to enforce security policies and control user privileges effectively. In the scenario where a network engineer can log in but cannot enter configuration mode, the authentication step has already succeeded, confirming the user's identity. However, the command to enter configuration mode is rejected because the authorization function restricts the user's permissions based on predefined policies. Authorization uses role-based access control or privilege levels to allow or deny specific commands or configuration changes, ensuring users operate within their assigned rights. A common exam trap is confusing authentication with authorization. Authentication only verifies who the user is, but does not control what the user can do after logging in. Candidates might incorrectly assume that failing to enter configuration mode is an authentication failure, but it is actually an authorization restriction. Practically, Cisco IOS uses AAA authorization methods to enforce command-level permissions, preventing unauthorized configuration changes even after successful login.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication verifies the identity of a user attempting to access a Cisco network device before granting any access.
- Authorization determines which commands or configuration modes an authenticated user is permitted to execute on a Cisco router or switch.
- Accounting records user activities and command executions for auditing but does not control access permissions directly.
- Successful authentication does not guarantee access to all device functions; authorization policies restrict command usage based on user roles.
- Cisco IOS uses AAA authorization to enforce privilege levels and command restrictions to comply with security policies.
- Authorization policies can be configured to allow or deny specific commands, preventing unauthorized configuration changes.
- Encryption protects data confidentiality during transmission but does not influence user access control or command permissions.
- Failing to enter configuration mode after login usually indicates an authorization restriction, not an authentication failure.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Authentication verifies the identity of a user attempting to access a Cisco network device before granting any access.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authorization — Authentication confirms identity. Authorization determines which commands, privilege levels, or resources that authenticated user is permitted to access.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
Discussion
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