- A
Enter global configuration mode, enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server parameters, define an authentication method list, then enable 802.1X on the interface.
This sequence follows the standard Cisco IOS configuration order: first enable AAA, then configure the RADIUS server, define the authentication method list, and finally apply 802.1X to the interface.
- B
Enter global configuration mode, configure RADIUS server parameters, enable AAA globally, define an authentication method list, then enable 802.1X on the interface.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because AAA must be enabled before configuring RADIUS server parameters; otherwise, the RADIUS configuration may not be recognized or applied correctly.
- C
Enter global configuration mode, enable AAA globally, define an authentication method list, configure RADIUS server parameters, then enable 802.1X on the interface.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the authentication method list references the RADIUS server group, so the RADIUS server must be configured before defining the method list.
- D
Enter global configuration mode, enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server parameters, enable 802.1X on the interface, then define an authentication method list.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the authentication method list must be defined before enabling 802.1X on the interface; otherwise, the interface will not have a method to authenticate.
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 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, enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server parameters, define an authentication method list, then enable 802.1X on the interface.
The correct order for AAA with RADIUS and 802.1X is: global config, enable AAA, configure RADIUS server, define authentication method list, then 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, enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server parameters, define an authentication method list, then enable 802.1X on the interface.
- ✗
Enter global configuration mode, configure RADIUS server parameters, enable AAA globally, define an authentication method list, then enable 802.1X on the interface.
- ✗
Enter global configuration mode, enable AAA globally, define an authentication method list, configure RADIUS server parameters, then enable 802.1X on the interface.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the authentication method list references the RADIUS server group, so the RADIUS server must be configured before defining the method list.
- ✗
Enter global configuration mode, enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server parameters, enable 802.1X on the interface, then define an authentication method list.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the authentication method list must be defined before enabling 802.1X on the interface; otherwise, the interface will not have a method to authenticate.
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.
✓Enter global configuration mode, enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server parameters, define an authentication method list, then enable 802.1X on the interface.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This sequence follows the standard Cisco IOS configuration order: first enable AAA, then configure the RADIUS server, define the authentication method list, and finally apply 802.1X to the interface.
✗Enter global configuration mode, configure RADIUS server parameters, enable AAA globally, define an authentication method list, then enable 802.1X on the interface.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
AAA must be enabled globally before any AAA-related commands (like RADIUS server configuration) are accepted.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that configuring the RADIUS server first is logical since it is an external server, but AAA must be enabled first.
✗Enter global configuration mode, enable AAA globally, define an authentication method list, configure RADIUS server parameters, then enable 802.1X on the interface.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The authentication method list (e.g., 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius') requires the RADIUS server to be defined first.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think the method list is a logical step before server details, but the server must exist before it can be referenced.
✗Enter global configuration mode, enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server parameters, enable 802.1X on the interface, then define an authentication method list.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The authentication method list is a prerequisite for 802.1X; enabling 802.1X on an interface without a method list will result in authentication failures.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that enabling 802.1X on the interface is the final step, but the method list must be applied globally first.
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?”
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, enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server parameters, define an authentication method list, then enable 802.1X on the interface. — The correct order for AAA with RADIUS and 802.1X is: global config, enable AAA, configure RADIUS server, define authentication method list, then 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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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