Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
An engineer is allowed to log in to a router but cannot enter configuration mode. Which AAA function most directly explains that outcome?
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
Best answer
Authorization
This is correct because authorization determines what the authenticated user is permitted to do.
B
Distractor review
Authentication
This is wrong because authentication was already successful if the user logged in.
C
Distractor review
Accounting
This is wrong because accounting records activity rather than deciding permissions.
D
Distractor review
DNS
This is wrong because name resolution does not control CLI permissions.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is assuming that authentication alone controls all user permissions after login. Candidates often confuse authentication with authorization, thinking that successful login means full access. However, authentication only verifies identity, while authorization determines what commands or modes the user can access. This confusion leads to incorrect answers, especially when a user can log in but cannot enter configuration mode. Remember, authorization is the AAA function that restricts user capabilities after authentication succeeds.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Authorization is a core function of AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) that controls what an authenticated user is allowed to do on a network device, such as a Cisco router or switch. After a user successfully authenticates, authorization policies determine the level of access granted, including whether the user can enter privileged EXEC mode or configuration mode. This separation ensures that users can log in but only perform actions permitted by their assigned role or privilege level. In Cisco IOS devices, authorization is typically configured using AAA methods that specify which commands or modes a user can access based on their identity or group membership. For example, a user might authenticate successfully but be restricted to read-only access or user EXEC mode, preventing entry into configuration mode. This enforcement is critical for role-based access control and helps prevent unauthorized configuration changes. A common exam trap is confusing authentication with authorization. Authentication only verifies identity, allowing login if successful, but does not grant permissions. Authorization decides what the authenticated user can do. Practically, a user who logs in but cannot enter configuration mode has passed authentication but is limited by authorization policies. Understanding this distinction is essential for correctly answering questions about AAA functions in Cisco security fundamentals.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authorization determines the specific commands and configuration modes an authenticated user is permitted to access on a Cisco router or switch.
- Authentication verifies the identity of a user attempting to log in but does not control what actions the user can perform after login.
- Accounting records user activities and command executions but does not influence access permissions or login capabilities.
- Authorization enforces role-based access control by restricting users to certain privilege levels or command sets based on their credentials.
- A user who can log in but cannot enter configuration mode has passed authentication but is restricted by authorization policies.
- Cisco IOS AAA configuration separates authentication and authorization to provide granular control over user permissions.
- Authorization policies can be applied using local user databases, RADIUS, or TACACS+ servers to manage command authorization.
- Understanding the difference between authentication and authorization is critical to correctly implementing Cisco device security.
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?
Authorization determines the specific commands and configuration modes an authenticated user is permitted to access on a Cisco router or switch.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authorization — Authorization most directly explains the outcome. In practical terms, the user has already passed authentication because login succeeded, but the permissions assigned to that identity do not allow configuration-level actions. This is exactly the sort of role separation authorization is meant to enforce. This is a good example of why authentication and authorization are not the same thing.
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.
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