CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
A user can authenticate successfully to a network device but is denied access to certain commands. Which statement best explains the situation?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common exam trap is assuming that successful authentication means unrestricted access to all device commands. Candidates often confuse authentication with authorization, thinking that if a user can log in, they should have full command privileges. This misunderstanding leads to incorrect answers suggesting routing issues or workstation configuration problems as causes for command denial. However, Cisco devices distinctly separate authentication (identity verification) from authorization (permission enforcement). Authorization policies can restrict command access even after a successful login, which is the correct explanation in this scenario.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Authentication succeeded, but authorization limits the user's command access.
The situation is best explained by authorization controls. In practical terms, authentication confirms who the user is, but authorization determines what that user can do after login. A successful login followed by restricted command access means the identity is valid but the permission set is limited. This is one of the most important practical distinctions within AAA.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Authentication succeeded, but authorization limits the user's command access.
Why this is correct
In AAA architecture, authentication verifies the user's identity, while authorization independently determines which commands the authenticated user may execute. Since login succeeded but command access is restricted, the failure occurs at the authorization stage, not at authentication. TACACS+ or RADIUS attributes, or local privilege levels, enforce these per-command limits.
- ✗
The device lost all routing information after login.
Why it's wrong here
The routing table's contents are independent of user privilege levels and command authorization policies. A device losing routing information would cause connectivity or reachability failures, not selective refusal of specific CLI commands after a successful login. Command access is governed by AAA authorization, not by the state of the RIB/FIB.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were framed to ask about a scenario where a user logs in but cannot access the network due to a complete loss of routing information, then option B would be correct. For example, if the question specified that the user could not reach any network resources post-login, this would imply routing issues.
- ✗
The subnet mask on the user workstation is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
An incorrect subnet mask on the workstation affects IP addressing and layer-3 reachability, potentially preventing the initial connection attempt. However, the user already authenticated successfully, so end-to-end connectivity existed at login time. Post-login command restriction is a function of device authorization configuration, unrelated to the workstation's TCP/IP settings.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where a user is attempting to access a network device but cannot connect at all, a question could ask why the user is unable to reach the device. If the context indicated that the user was on the same network but had an incorrect subnet mask, this option would be correct.
- ✗
Syslog is blocking the commands for security reasons.
Why it's wrong here
Syslog is a message-logging protocol that forwards operational events to a central server for monitoring and troubleshooting; it does not perform real-time command filtering or blocking. Security decisions are enforced by the device's AAA authorization engine or command parser, not by syslog. Thus, syslog cannot be the direct cause of post-login command denial.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario, if a question stated that a user is unable to execute commands due to security policies implemented via syslog configurations, then this option could be correct. For example, if specific commands were logged and restricted based on security settings, it would make sense.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Authentication succeeded, but authorization limits the user's command access.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
In AAA architecture, authentication verifies the user's identity, while authorization independently determines which commands the authenticated user may execute. Since login succeeded but command access is restricted, the failure occurs at the authorization stage, not at authentication. TACACS+ or RADIUS attributes, or local privilege levels, enforce these per-command limits.
✗The device lost all routing information after login.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is incorrect because losing routing information would prevent the user from authenticating successfully, contradicting the premise that authentication was successful.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were framed to ask about a scenario where a user logs in but cannot access the network due to a complete loss of routing information, then option B would be correct. For example, if the question specified that the user could not reach any network resources post-login, this would imply routing issues.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of the relationship between authentication and routing; they might think that a successful login implies full access to the network, overlooking the possibility of routing issues affecting command access.
✗The subnet mask on the user workstation is incorrect.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because the issue described pertains to command access after successful authentication, not to network connectivity or routing information. An incorrect subnet mask would typically prevent the user from accessing the network altogether.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where a user is attempting to access a network device but cannot connect at all, a question could ask why the user is unable to reach the device. If the context indicated that the user was on the same network but had an incorrect subnet mask, this option would be correct.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might choose this option due to a misunderstanding of network fundamentals, believing that connectivity issues directly correlate with command access problems, especially if they are not familiar with the distinction between authentication and authorization.
✗Syslog is blocking the commands for security reasons.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because syslog is primarily used for logging events and does not inherently block command access on a network device. Command access restrictions are typically managed through authorization settings, not logging mechanisms.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario, if a question stated that a user is unable to execute commands due to security policies implemented via syslog configurations, then this option could be correct. For example, if specific commands were logged and restricted based on security settings, it would make sense.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might choose this option due to a misunderstanding of syslog's role in network security, confusing logging with access control. They may also recall scenarios where logging is associated with security measures, leading to this incorrect assumption.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Visual reference
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
Go deeper
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Key term
CAN
A CAN (Controller Area Network) is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer.
Key term
AAA
AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) is a security framework that controls who can access a network, what they are allowed to do, and tracks what they did.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.