- A
Enter global configuration mode, create an ACL to match internal traffic, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface, mark inside and outside interfaces.
Why wrong: This is the correct sequence: first enter global config, then define the ACL for internal traffic, then configure NAT with overload (PAT) referencing the ACL and the outside interface, and finally mark the inside and outside interfaces so the router knows which traffic to translate.
- B
Enter global configuration mode, mark inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface.
This is the recommended order: first mark interfaces to define NAT roles, then create the ACL, and finally apply NAT overload.
- C
Enter global configuration mode, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface, create an ACL to match internal traffic, mark inside and outside interfaces.
This order is incorrect because the ACL must be created before it can be referenced in the NAT statement. Applying NAT with overload requires an ACL to define which traffic to translate.
- D
Create an ACL to match internal traffic, enter global configuration mode, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface, mark inside and outside interfaces.
This order is incorrect because the ACL should be created after entering global configuration mode, not before. ACLs are configured in global config mode, so you must be in that mode first.
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 PAT (Port Address Translation) on a Cisco IOS-XE router for outbound traffic, including ACL creation, NAT statement, interface marking, and the translation process for an outbound packet.
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, mark inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface.
The correct sequence is: enter global configuration mode, mark the inside and outside interfaces with 'ip nat inside' and 'ip nat outside', then create an ACL to match internal traffic, and finally apply the NAT overload statement using the outside interface. This order ensures the NAT process knows which interfaces are designated as inside/outside before matching and translating traffic. Option B follows this standard recommended order.
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, create an ACL to match internal traffic, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface, mark inside and outside interfaces.
Why it's wrong here
This is the correct sequence: first enter global config, then define the ACL for internal traffic, then configure NAT with overload (PAT) referencing the ACL and the outside interface, and finally mark the inside and outside interfaces so the router knows which traffic to translate.
When this WOULD be correct
This order applies when configuring PAT on a Cisco IOS-XE router for outbound internet access from a private network.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, mark inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface.
Why this is correct
This is the recommended order: first mark interfaces to define NAT roles, then create the ACL, and finally apply NAT overload.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface, create an ACL to match internal traffic, mark inside and outside interfaces.
- ✓
Create an ACL to match internal traffic, enter global configuration mode, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface, mark inside and outside interfaces.
Why this is correct
This order is incorrect because the ACL should be created after entering global configuration mode, not before. ACLs are configured in global config mode, so you must be in that mode first.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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, mark inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is the recommended order: first mark interfaces to define NAT roles, then create the ACL, and finally apply NAT overload.
✗Enter global configuration mode, create an ACL to match internal traffic, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface, mark inside and outside interfaces.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This sequence incorrectly places interface marking last, whereas the standard order is to designate inside and outside interfaces first.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This order applies when configuring PAT on a Cisco IOS-XE router for outbound internet access from a private network.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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, mark inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, apply NAT with overload using the outside interface. — The correct sequence is: enter global configuration mode, mark the inside and outside interfaces with 'ip nat inside' and 'ip nat outside', then create an ACL to match internal traffic, and finally apply the NAT overload statement using the outside interface. This order ensures the NAT process knows which interfaces are designated as inside/outside before matching and translating traffic. Option B follows this standard recommended order.
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
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.
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