- A
Enter global configuration mode and enable AAA globally using the 'aaa new-model' command.
This is the first step because 'aaa new-model' enables AAA on the switch, which is required before any AAA configuration can be applied.
- B
Configure the RADIUS server parameters using the 'radius-server host' and 'radius-server key' commands.
This is incorrect because the RADIUS server must be configured after enabling AAA globally, but before creating the authentication method list. However, the correct order places this step after enabling AAA and before creating the method list.
- C
Create an authentication method list using the 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius' command.
This is incorrect because the authentication method list should be created after the RADIUS server is configured, not before. The method list references the RADIUS server group, so the server must be defined first.
- D
Enable 802.1X system-wide using the 'dot1x system-auth-control' global configuration command.
This is incorrect because applying 802.1X to the interface is the final step, after all AAA and RADIUS configurations are complete. Doing it earlier would result in authentication failures.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable 802.1X system-wide using the 'dot1x system-auth-control' global configuration command as the fourth step. This order is critical because AAA with RADIUS and 802.1X configuration on a Cisco switch follows a strict dependency chain: you must first enable AAA with 'aaa new-model' to unlock all AAA commands, then define the RADIUS server host and key so the switch knows where to send authentication requests, followed by creating the authentication method list with 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius' to specify the RADIUS group. Only after these prerequisites are met does the global 'dot1x system-auth-control' command activate 802.1X at the switch level; without it, interface-level commands like 'authentication port-control auto' will fail. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding that 802.1X is a two-layer process—global enablement first, then per-port application—and a common trap is placing the interface command before the global command. Remember the mnemonic "RAD-1X": RADIUS server, AAA method, dot1x global, then interface auto.
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 and enable AAA globally using the 'aaa new-model' command.
Start by entering global configuration mode and enabling AAA with 'aaa new-model' to allow AAA commands. Then, configure the RADIUS server parameters using 'radius-server host' and 'radius-server key' so the switch knows where to send authentication requests. Next, create an authentication method list with 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius' to define the authentication method. After the method list, the global command 'dot1x system-auth-control' must be issued to enable 802.1X globally; without it, the interface-level commands will not function. Finally, apply 802.1X port authentication on the interface using 'authentication port-control auto'. This order ensures each prerequisite is met before the next step.
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 globally using the 'aaa new-model' command.
Why this is correct
This is the first step because 'aaa new-model' enables AAA on the switch, which is required before any AAA configuration can be applied.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Configure the RADIUS server parameters using the 'radius-server host' and 'radius-server key' commands.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the RADIUS server must be configured after enabling AAA globally, but before creating the authentication method list. However, the correct order places this step after enabling AAA and before creating the method list.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Create an authentication method list using the 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius' command.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the authentication method list should be created after the RADIUS server is configured, not before. The method list references the RADIUS server group, so the server must be defined first.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enable 802.1X system-wide using the 'dot1x system-auth-control' global configuration command.
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 globally using the 'aaa new-model' command. — Start by entering global configuration mode and enabling AAA with 'aaa new-model' to allow AAA commands. Then, configure the RADIUS server parameters using 'radius-server host' and 'radius-server key' so the switch knows where to send authentication requests. Next, create an authentication method list with 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius' to define the authentication method. After the method list, the global command 'dot1x system-auth-control' must be issued to enable 802.1X globally; without it, the interface-level commands will not function. Finally, apply 802.1X port authentication on the interface using 'authentication port-control auto'. This order ensures each prerequisite is met before the next step.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 200-301
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. 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.
medium- ✓ A.1. Enter global configuration mode. 2. Configure RADIUS server host and key. 3. Enable AAA globally. 4. Define an authentication method list for 802.1X. 5. Enter interface configuration mode. 6. Enable 802.1X port authentication. 7. Apply the authentication method list to the interface. 8. Verify configuration.
- ✓ B.1. Enter global configuration mode. 2. Enable AAA globally. 3. Configure RADIUS server host and key. 4. Define an authentication method list for 802.1X. 5. Enter interface configuration mode. 6. Enable 802.1X port authentication. 7. Apply the authentication method list to the interface. 8. Verify configuration.
- ✓ C.1. Enter global configuration mode. 2. Configure RADIUS server host and key. 3. Define an authentication method list for 802.1X. 4. Enable AAA globally. 5. Enter interface configuration mode. 6. Enable 802.1X port authentication. 7. Apply the authentication method list to the interface. 8. Verify configuration.
- ✓ D.1. Enter global configuration mode. 2. Enable AAA globally. 3. Define an authentication method list for 802.1X. 4. Configure RADIUS server host and key. 5. Enter interface configuration mode. 6. Enable 802.1X port authentication. 7. Apply the authentication method list to the interface. 8. Verify configuration.
Why A: The correct order begins by entering global configuration mode, then configuring the RADIUS server host and key before enabling AAA globally. Although AAA can be enabled without a RADIUS server, Cisco recommends defining the server before creating the authentication method list that references it to avoid configuration errors. After enabling AAA, define the authentication method list for 802.1X, then enter interface configuration mode, enable 802.1X port authentication, apply the method list to the interface, and finally verify the configuration.
Variation 2. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure AAA with a RADIUS server and 802.1X port authentication on an IOS-XE switch.
hard- ✓ A.Configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X, apply 802.1X to the port
- B.Enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server, apply 802.1X to the port, create an authentication list for 802.1X
- C.Configure RADIUS server, create an authentication list for 802.1X, enable AAA globally, apply 802.1X to the port
- D.Apply 802.1X to the port, configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X
Why A: First configure the RADIUS server, then enable AAA, create an authentication list for 802.1X, and finally apply 802.1X to the port.
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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