The correct order begins with the global command aaa new-model, because AAA configuration must be established before any 802.1X features can function. This is due to the technical dependency that 802.1X relies on AAA and RADIUS for authentication, authorization, and accounting; without first activating AAA, subsequent RADIUS server definitions and 802.1X commands will fail. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding that the configuration sequence follows a strict hierarchy: first enable AAA globally, then configure the RADIUS server and AAA authentication method list, followed by the global dot1x system-auth-control command, and finally apply dot1x port-control auto on the specific interface. A common trap is placing the interface-level command before the global 802.1X enablement, which will be rejected. Remember the memory tip: "AAA before dot1x, global before interface" — think of it as building the foundation (AAA and RADIUS) before locking the door (802.1X).
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 IOS-XE CLI commands into the correct order to configure AAA with a RADIUS server and then enable 802.1X port authentication on an interface.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
aaa new-model
AAA configuration must precede 802.1X. The order is global AAA setup, then global 802.1X enablement, followed by per-interface authentication configuration.
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.
✓
aaa new-model
Why this is correct
This command globally enables AAA on the device, which is the first step in configuring AAA services.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
radius server RADIUS-SERVER
Why it's wrong here
This command is used to define a RADIUS server, but it must be entered after AAA is enabled globally.
✗
dot1x system-auth-control
Why it's wrong here
This command globally enables 802.1X on the switch, but it must come after AAA configuration and before interface-level commands.
✗
authentication port-control auto
Why it's wrong here
This interface command enables 802.1X authentication on a specific port, but it must be applied after global AAA and 802.1X are configured.
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.
✓aaa new-modelCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This command globally enables AAA on the device, which is the first step in configuring AAA services.
✗radius server RADIUS-SERVERWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The command 'radius server' is a global configuration command that requires AAA to be enabled first.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think defining the RADIUS server is the first step, but AAA must be enabled first.
✗dot1x system-auth-controlWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This command is correct in sequence but not the first step; AAA must be configured first.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think enabling 802.1X globally is the first step, but AAA must be in place first.
✗authentication port-control autoWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This is an interface-level command and should be applied after global configuration.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think configuring the interface is the first step, but global configuration must come 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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command is used to define a RADIUS server, but it must be entered after AAA is enabled globally.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
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 — 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: aaa new-model — AAA configuration must precede 802.1X. The order is global AAA setup, then global 802.1X enablement, followed by per-interface authentication configuration.
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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