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Network Services and Security →hardTroubleshootingObjective-mapped

CCNA Network Services and Security Practice Question

This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network services and security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.

Network Topology
G0/0192.0.2.1/24G0/1G0/1SW1R1Client

You are connected to R1. Configure AAA with RADIUS authentication on R1 so that SSH login attempts first contact the RADIUS server at 192.0.2.10 (key 'cisco123'), and if the server is unreachable, fall back to the local database. Additionally, troubleshoot why an 802.1X-enabled switch port (GigabitEthernet0/1) on a connected switch remains in the 'unauthorized' state despite RADIUS being functional; identify and fix the misconfiguration on the switch (SW1).

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

  • Clue: "first"

    Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.

Question 1hardTroubleshooting
Study the full AAA explanation →

Exhibit

R1# show running-config | section aaa
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default group radius local
radius server RADIUS
 address ipv4 192.0.2.10
 key cisco123
!
R1# show aaa servers
RADIUS: id 1, priority 1, host 192.0.2.10, auth-port 1812, acct-port 1813
 State: current UP, duration 120s, previous duration 0s
 Dead: total 0, retransmit 0

SW1# show running-config | section dot1x
dot1x system-auth-control
dot1x port-control auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
 switchport mode access
 dot1x pae authenticator
 dot1x timeout reauth-period 3600
!
SW1# show authentication sessions interface GigabitEthernet0/1
Interface: GigabitEthernet0/1
 MAC Address: Unknown
 IP Address: Unknown
 Status: Unauthorized
 Domain: DATA
 Oper host mode: single-host
 Session timeout: N/A
 Common Session ID: 0000000000000000000000
 Acct Session ID: 0x00000000
 Auth Method: dot1x
SW1# show dot1x all summary
Interface       PAE        Authenticator     Supplicant                Server
Gi0/1           AUTH       UNAUTHORIZED      N/A                       N/A

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

✓

R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto', 'dot1x pae authenticator'.

The correct answer is Option A. For R1, the 'aaa authentication login default group radius local' command ensures that SSH login attempts first contact the RADIUS server at 192.0.2.10 and fall back to the local database if the server is unreachable. Options that omit the 'local' keyword (C) lack this fallback, making them incorrect. Option B incorrectly uses 'aaa authentication login' on the switch for 802.1X; the correct command is 'aaa authentication dot1x'. On SW1, all wrong options (B, C, D) are missing the 'dot1x pae authenticator' command under the interface, which is required for the switch to explicitly act as an 802.1X authenticator (though some IOS versions auto-assume it, Cisco CCNA expects explicit configuration). Option D also lacks 'dot1x pae authenticator', leaving the port in unauthorized state. Only Option A includes all necessary commands: correct RADIUS server definitions, proper AAA authentication lists for both login and dot1x, global 'dot1x system-auth-control', and the interface-level commands 'authentication port-control auto' and 'dot1x pae authenticator'.

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.

  • ✓

    R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto', 'dot1x pae authenticator'.

    Why this is correct

    This option correctly configures AAA with RADIUS for SSH login on R1, including fallback to local, and properly configures 802.1X on SW1 with RADIUS authentication for dot1x, which resolves the unauthorized port issue.

    Clue confirmation

    The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.

    Related concept

    Authentication checks who the user is.

  • ✗

    R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto', 'dot1x pae authenticator'.

    Why it's wrong here

    This is incorrect because the switch uses 'aaa authentication login default group radius' instead of 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius'. The 'login' method is for device administration, not for 802.1X network access.

  • ✗

    R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto', 'dot1x pae authenticator'.

    Why it's wrong here

    This is incorrect because R1's AAA login method does not include 'local' as a fallback. If the RADIUS server is unreachable, authentication will fail, which violates the requirement to fall back to the local database.

  • ✗

    R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto'.

    Why it's wrong here

    This is incorrect because the switch interface is missing the 'dot1x pae authenticator' command. Without this, the port cannot act as an 802.1X authenticator, so it remains unauthorized.

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.

✓R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto', 'dot1x pae authenticator'.Correct answer▾

Why this is correct

This option correctly configures AAA with RADIUS for SSH login on R1, including fallback to local, and properly configures 802.1X on SW1 with RADIUS authentication for dot1x, which resolves the unauthorized port issue.

✗R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto', 'dot1x pae authenticator'.Wrong answer — click to see why▾

Why this is wrong here

The specific factual error is that 'aaa authentication login' is used for login authentication (e.g., SSH, console), not for 802.1X. 802.1X requires 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius'.

Why candidates choose this

Candidates might confuse the AAA authentication method for login with that for dot1x, thinking 'login' applies to all authentication types.

✗R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto', 'dot1x pae authenticator'.Wrong answer — click to see why▾

Why this is wrong here

The specific factual error is omitting 'local' in the 'aaa authentication login default group radius local' command. Without 'local', the router will not fall back to local authentication if RADIUS is unreachable.

Why candidates choose this

Candidates might forget to include the fallback method, assuming RADIUS will always be available, or they might think 'default' implies local fallback automatically.

✗R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto'.Wrong answer — click to see why▾

Why this is wrong here

The specific factual error is omitting 'dot1x pae authenticator' on the interface. This command is required to enable the port as an 802.1X authenticator.

Why candidates choose this

Candidates might think that 'authentication port-control auto' alone is sufficient for 802.1X, but the PAE (Port Access Entity) type must be explicitly set to 'authenticator'.

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 is incorrect because the switch interface is missing the 'dot1x pae authenticator' command. Without this, the port cannot act as an 802.1X authenticator, so it remains unauthorized.

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: R1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', 'line vty 0 4', 'login authentication default'. SW1: 'aaa new-model', 'radius server RADIUS', 'address ipv4 192.0.2.10 key cisco123', 'aaa authentication dot1x default group radius', 'dot1x system-auth-control', 'interface GigabitEthernet0/1', 'authentication port-control auto', 'dot1x pae authenticator'. — The correct answer is Option A. For R1, the 'aaa authentication login default group radius local' command ensures that SSH login attempts first contact the RADIUS server at 192.0.2.10 and fall back to the local database if the server is unreachable. Options that omit the 'local' keyword (C) lack this fallback, making them incorrect. Option B incorrectly uses 'aaa authentication login' on the switch for 802.1X; the correct command is 'aaa authentication dot1x'. On SW1, all wrong options (B, C, D) are missing the 'dot1x pae authenticator' command under the interface, which is required for the switch to explicitly act as an 802.1X authenticator (though some IOS versions auto-assume it, Cisco CCNA expects explicit configuration). Option D also lacks 'dot1x pae authenticator', leaving the port in unauthorized state. Only Option A includes all necessary commands: correct RADIUS server definitions, proper AAA authentication lists for both login and dot1x, global 'dot1x system-auth-control', and the interface-level commands 'authentication port-control auto' and 'dot1x pae authenticator'.

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.

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.

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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