- A
Enter global configuration mode and enable AAA with the 'aaa new-model' command.
This is the first step because 'aaa new-model' must be enabled globally before any AAA commands can be configured.
- B
Define the RADIUS server using the 'radius-server host <ip-address> key <key>' command (or enter 'radius server' sub-mode to configure address and key).
This is incorrect because the RADIUS server must be defined after enabling AAA, but before configuring authentication methods.
- C
Configure AAA authentication for 802.1X using 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius'.
This is incorrect because authentication configuration must come after the RADIUS server is defined.
- D
Enable 802.1X on the interface with 'dot1x port-control auto' under interface configuration.
This is incorrect because 802.1X must be enabled on the interface after AAA and authentication are configured globally.
CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure AAA with a RADIUS server and enable 802.1X port authentication on a Cisco IOS-XE switch.
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
Enter global configuration mode and enable AAA with the 'aaa new-model' command.
First, enter global config and enable AAA. Then define the RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication to use RADIUS for 802.1X, and finally enable 802.1X on the interface.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode and enable AAA with the 'aaa new-model' command.
Why this is correct
This is the first step because 'aaa new-model' must be enabled globally before any AAA commands can be configured.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Define the RADIUS server using the 'radius-server host <ip-address> key <key>' command (or enter 'radius server' sub-mode to configure address and key).
- ✓
Configure AAA authentication for 802.1X using 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius'.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because authentication configuration must come after the RADIUS server is defined.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enable 802.1X on the interface with 'dot1x port-control auto' under interface configuration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Services and Security — This question tests Network Services and Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enter global configuration mode and enable AAA with the 'aaa new-model' command. — First, enter global config and enable AAA. Then define the RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication to use RADIUS for 802.1X, and finally enable 802.1X on the interface.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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