- A
Configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X, apply 802.1X to the port
This is the correct order: first define the RADIUS server, then enable AAA, create an authentication list for 802.1X, and finally apply 802.1X to the port. This sequence ensures that AAA and RADIUS are ready before configuring port authentication.
- B
Enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server, apply 802.1X to the port, create an authentication list for 802.1X
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the authentication list must be created before applying 802.1X to the port. Applying 802.1X without a defined authentication list would result in incomplete configuration.
- C
Configure RADIUS server, create an authentication list for 802.1X, enable AAA globally, apply 802.1X to the port
Why wrong: This is incorrect because AAA must be enabled globally before creating an authentication list. The authentication list is part of AAA configuration and requires AAA to be active.
- D
Apply 802.1X to the port, configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X
Why wrong: This is incorrect because applying 802.1X to the port should be the final step after all other configurations are in place. Doing it first would result in errors as the required AAA and RADIUS settings are missing.
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 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
Configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X, apply 802.1X to the port
First configure the RADIUS server, then enable AAA, create an authentication list for 802.1X, and finally apply 802.1X to the port.
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.
- ✓
Configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X, apply 802.1X to the port
Why this is correct
This is the correct order: first define the RADIUS server, then enable AAA, create an authentication list for 802.1X, and finally apply 802.1X to the port. This sequence ensures that AAA and RADIUS are ready before configuring port authentication.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server, apply 802.1X to the port, create an authentication list for 802.1X
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the authentication list must be created before applying 802.1X to the port. Applying 802.1X without a defined authentication list would result in incomplete configuration.
- ✗
Configure RADIUS server, create an authentication list for 802.1X, enable AAA globally, apply 802.1X to the port
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because AAA must be enabled globally before creating an authentication list. The authentication list is part of AAA configuration and requires AAA to be active.
- ✗
Apply 802.1X to the port, configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X
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.
✓Configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X, apply 802.1X to the portCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This is the correct order: first define the RADIUS server, then enable AAA, create an authentication list for 802.1X, and finally apply 802.1X to the port. This sequence ensures that AAA and RADIUS are ready before configuring port authentication.
✗Enable AAA globally, configure RADIUS server, apply 802.1X to the port, create an authentication list for 802.1XWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The authentication list must be created before applying 802.1X to the port; otherwise, the switch does not know which method to use for authentication.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that enabling AAA first is enough and that the authentication list can be created later, but the port configuration references the list.
✗Configure RADIUS server, create an authentication list for 802.1X, enable AAA globally, apply 802.1X to the portWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
AAA must be enabled globally before creating authentication lists; otherwise, the switch will reject the command.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that the authentication list can be created independently of AAA, but it is a subcomponent of AAA.
✗Apply 802.1X to the port, configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1XWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Applying 802.1X to the port requires that AAA and RADIUS are already configured; otherwise, the command may fail or the port will not authenticate properly.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that applying 802.1X to the port is a simple interface command that can be done at any time, but it depends on underlying AAA configuration.
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: Configure RADIUS server, enable AAA globally, create an authentication list for 802.1X, apply 802.1X to the port — First configure the RADIUS server, then enable AAA, create an authentication list for 802.1X, and finally apply 802.1X to the port.
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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