- A
Enter global configuration mode, configure inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
This is the correct sequence: first enter global config, then define inside and outside interfaces using 'ip nat inside' and 'ip nat outside', then create an ACL to identify internal traffic, and finally apply 'ip nat inside source list <acl> interface <outside> overload' to enable PAT.
- B
Create an ACL to match internal traffic, enter global configuration mode, configure inside and outside interfaces, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
This is incorrect because the ACL should be created after entering global config and defining interfaces, not before. The ACL references the interfaces, so it must be created after interface configuration.
- C
Enter global configuration mode, create an ACL to match internal traffic, configure inside and outside interfaces, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
This is incorrect because the inside and outside interfaces must be configured before applying NAT overload. The NAT overload command references the outside interface, so that interface must be defined first.
- D
Configure inside and outside interfaces, enter global configuration mode, create an ACL to match internal traffic, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
This is incorrect because you must enter global configuration mode before configuring interfaces. Interface configuration is done from global config mode, so the first step is to enter global config.
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 (NAT overload) on a Cisco IOS-XE router so that internal hosts can share a single public IP when accessing the internet. Note: The NAT overload command is applied globally, not on the interface.
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 inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
First, enter global configuration mode. Then configure the inside and outside interfaces with 'ip nat inside' and 'ip nat outside'. Next, create an ACL to identify internal traffic that should be translated. Finally, apply the NAT overload configuration globally using 'ip nat inside source list <ACL> interface <outside-interface> overload'. The correct order is global config, interfaces, ACL, then global NAT command.
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 inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
Why this is correct
This is the correct sequence: first enter global config, then define inside and outside interfaces using 'ip nat inside' and 'ip nat outside', then create an ACL to identify internal traffic, and finally apply 'ip nat inside source list <acl> interface <outside> overload' to enable PAT.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Create an ACL to match internal traffic, enter global configuration mode, configure inside and outside interfaces, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the ACL should be created after entering global config and defining interfaces, not before. The ACL references the interfaces, so it must be created after interface configuration.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, create an ACL to match internal traffic, configure inside and outside interfaces, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the inside and outside interfaces must be configured before applying NAT overload. The NAT overload command references the outside interface, so that interface must be defined first.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Configure inside and outside interfaces, enter global configuration mode, create an ACL to match internal traffic, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because you must enter global configuration mode before configuring interfaces. Interface configuration is done from global config mode, so the first step is to enter global config.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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.
- →
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 inside and outside interfaces, create an ACL to match internal traffic, configure NAT overload with the ACL and outside interface. — First, enter global configuration mode. Then configure the inside and outside interfaces with 'ip nat inside' and 'ip nat outside'. Next, create an ACL to identify internal traffic that should be translated. Finally, apply the NAT overload configuration globally using 'ip nat inside source list <ACL> interface <outside-interface> overload'. The correct order is global config, interfaces, ACL, then global NAT command.
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.