- A
Enter global configuration mode, configure RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication, enable 802.1X globally, apply 802.1X per interface
This is the correct order: first enter global config, then define the RADIUS server, then configure AAA authentication, then enable 802.1X globally, and finally apply 802.1X per interface.
- B
Enter global configuration mode, enable 802.1X globally, configure RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication, apply 802.1X per interface
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 802.1X depends on AAA and RADIUS configuration; enabling 802.1X globally before configuring RADIUS and AAA will result in errors or incomplete configuration.
- C
Enter global configuration mode, configure AAA authentication, configure RADIUS server, enable 802.1X globally, apply 802.1X per interface
Why wrong: This is incorrect because AAA authentication references the RADIUS server; the RADIUS server must be defined before AAA authentication can reference it.
- D
Enter global configuration mode, configure RADIUS server, enable 802.1X globally, configure AAA authentication, apply 802.1X per interface
Why wrong: This is incorrect because AAA authentication must be configured before enabling 802.1X globally; otherwise, the global 802.1X enablement may fail or not work correctly.
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 an 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, configure RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication, enable 802.1X globally, apply 802.1X per interface
First enter global config, then define RADIUS server, then configure AAA authentication, then enable 802.1X globally, then apply per-interface 802.1X settings.
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, configure RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication, enable 802.1X globally, apply 802.1X per interface
- ✗
Enter global configuration mode, enable 802.1X globally, configure RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication, apply 802.1X per interface
- ✗
Enter global configuration mode, configure AAA authentication, configure RADIUS server, enable 802.1X globally, apply 802.1X per interface
- ✗
Enter global configuration mode, configure RADIUS server, enable 802.1X globally, configure AAA authentication, apply 802.1X per interface
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, configure RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication, enable 802.1X globally, apply 802.1X per interfaceCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This is the correct order: first enter global config, then define the RADIUS server, then configure AAA authentication, then enable 802.1X globally, and finally apply 802.1X per interface.
✗Enter global configuration mode, enable 802.1X globally, configure RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication, apply 802.1X per interfaceWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: 802.1X requires AAA to be configured first; otherwise, the switch cannot authenticate clients.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think enabling 802.1X globally is the first step after entering config mode, but AAA must be set up first.
✗Enter global configuration mode, configure AAA authentication, configure RADIUS server, enable 802.1X globally, apply 802.1X per interfaceWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: AAA authentication commands (like 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius') require the RADIUS server to be already defined.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think AAA authentication is configured before the server details, but the server must be defined first.
✗Enter global configuration mode, configure RADIUS server, enable 802.1X globally, configure AAA authentication, apply 802.1X per interfaceWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: AAA authentication is a prerequisite for 802.1X; enabling 802.1X globally before AAA authentication is configured will cause the switch to reject the command or operate without proper authentication.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think 802.1X can be enabled globally as soon as the RADIUS server is defined, but AAA authentication must be configured 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.
- →
Network Services and Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Network Services and Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 200-301 questions
1,819 questions across all exam domains
- →
CCNA 200-301 v2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
200-301 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Switching and Network Access practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Switching and Network Access.
IP Routing practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to IP Routing.
Network Services and Security practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Services and Security.
AI and Network Operations practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to AI and Network Operations.
CCNA subnetting practice questions
Practise IPv4 subnetting, CIDR, masks, host ranges and subnet selection.
CCNA OSPF practice questions
Practise OSPF neighbours, router IDs, metrics, areas and routing-table interpretation.
CCNA VLAN practice questions
Practise VLANs, access ports, trunks, allowed VLANs and switching scenarios.
CCNA STP practice questions
Practise spanning tree, root bridge election, port roles and STP troubleshooting.
CCNA EtherChannel practice questions
Practise LACP, PAgP, port-channel behaviour and bundle requirements.
CCNA ACL practice questions
Practise standard and extended ACLs, permit/deny logic and traffic filtering.
CCNA NAT practice questions
Practise static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT and inside/outside address translation.
Practice this exam
Start a free 200-301 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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, configure RADIUS server, configure AAA authentication, enable 802.1X globally, apply 802.1X per interface — First enter global config, then define RADIUS server, then configure AAA authentication, then enable 802.1X globally, then apply per-interface 802.1X settings.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 200-301 practice questions
- A switchport connected to another switch should carry multiple VLANs, but it was manually configured as an access port.…
- What problem is HSRP designed to solve?
- Which TWO statements correctly describe the causes or implications of CRC errors, runts, giants, or output errors as see…
- You are connected to R1. Configure IPv4 and IPv6 addressing on R1's interfaces and verify reachability to R2. The curren…
- Which TWO statements accurately describe how AI/ML concepts are applied to network operations in modern enterprise netwo…
- Which TWO switch port configurations are required when connecting a Cisco IP phone and a desktop PC to a single access p…
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.