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
You are connected to R1. Configure AAA with RADIUS authentication for all login methods. The RADIUS server is at 203.0.113.10 with key 'CiscoKey123'. Then troubleshoot why the 802.1X port on interface GigabitEthernet0/1 remains in unauthorized state. The port is configured for dot1x port-control auto, but authentication fails. Ensure that the AAA authentication default method uses RADIUS first, then local fallback, and that the RADIUS server is correctly reachable and configured for authentication.
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.
R1# show running-config | section aaa
aaa new-model
!
!
R1# show running-config | include radius
!
R1# show running-config interface GigabitEthernet0/1
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
authentication port-control auto
dot1x pae authenticator
!
R1# show authentication sessions interface GigabitEthernet0/1 details
Interface: GigabitEthernet0/1
MAC Address: 0050.7966.6800
IP Address: Unknown
User-Name: host-1
Status: Unauthorized
Domain: DATA
Oper host mode: single-host
Oper control dir: both
Session timeout: N/A
Common Session ID: 0A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8I9J
Acct Session ID: 0x00000001
Handle: 0x81000001
Runnable methods list:
Method list: dot1x
A
Configure RADIUS server with IP 203.0.113.10 and key 'CiscoKey123', then configure AAA authentication login default group radius local.
This configures the RADIUS server and creates an AAA authentication method list that uses RADIUS first (via 'group radius') then local, meeting the requirement of RADIUS authentication for all login methods with local fallback.
B
Change the interface port-control to 'force-authorized' to bypass authentication and bring the port up.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'force-authorized' would place the port in an authorized state without authentication, which defeats the purpose of 802.1X security. The requirement is to authenticate users, not bypass security.
C
Configure AAA authentication login default local radius to use local authentication first, then RADIUS.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the order is reversed; the requirement is to use RADIUS first, then local as fallback. Using local first would bypass RADIUS for 802.1X, which is not desired.
D
Add the command 'aaa new-model' and configure the RADIUS server with IP 203.0.113.10 and key 'CiscoKey123'.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'aaa new-model' is already present (as stated in the scenario). The missing piece is the AAA authentication method list; simply configuring the RADIUS server without defining the authentication login default list will not enable RADIUS authentication for login.
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 with IP 203.0.113.10 and key 'CiscoKey123', then configure AAA authentication login default group radius local.
The issue is twofold: First, AAA is not fully configured — 'aaa new-model' is present but no RADIUS server or authentication method list is defined. Second, the RADIUS server configuration is missing. To fix, configure the RADIUS server with IP and key using the 'radius server' block, then create an AAA authentication login default list that uses RADIUS first then local fallback (e.g., 'aaa authentication login default group radius local'). The port configuration is correct for 802.1X, but without AAA and RADIUS, authentication cannot proceed; the switch will not contact the RADIUS server, causing the port to remain unauthorized. Option D is incorrect because while 'aaa new-model' and RADIUS server configuration are necessary steps, they alone do not create an authentication method list; without 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', the RADIUS server is never referenced for login authentication.
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 with IP 203.0.113.10 and key 'CiscoKey123', then configure AAA authentication login default group radius local.
Why this is correct
This configures the RADIUS server and creates an AAA authentication method list that uses RADIUS first (via 'group radius') then local, meeting the requirement of RADIUS authentication for all login methods with local fallback.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Change the interface port-control to 'force-authorized' to bypass authentication and bring the port up.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'force-authorized' would place the port in an authorized state without authentication, which defeats the purpose of 802.1X security. The requirement is to authenticate users, not bypass security.
✗
Configure AAA authentication login default local radius to use local authentication first, then RADIUS.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the order is reversed; the requirement is to use RADIUS first, then local as fallback. Using local first would bypass RADIUS for 802.1X, which is not desired.
✗
Add the command 'aaa new-model' and configure the RADIUS server with IP 203.0.113.10 and key 'CiscoKey123'.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'aaa new-model' is already present (as stated in the scenario). The missing piece is the AAA authentication method list; simply configuring the RADIUS server without defining the authentication login default list will not enable RADIUS authentication for login.
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 with IP 203.0.113.10 and key 'CiscoKey123', then configure AAA authentication login default group radius local.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This configures the RADIUS server and creates an AAA authentication method list that uses RADIUS first (via 'group radius') then local, meeting the requirement of RADIUS authentication for all login methods with local fallback.
✗Change the interface port-control to 'force-authorized' to bypass authentication and bring the port up.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that 'force-authorized' disables 802.1X authentication on the port, which is not a valid fix for authentication failure.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think forcing the port authorized is a quick workaround, but it violates the security policy and does not resolve the underlying AAA/RADIUS misconfiguration.
✗Configure AAA authentication login default local radius to use local authentication first, then RADIUS.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the method list order should be 'radius local' not 'local radius' to prioritize RADIUS.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse the order of methods in the authentication list, thinking local first is acceptable, but the requirement explicitly states RADIUS first.
✗Add the command 'aaa new-model' and configure the RADIUS server with IP 203.0.113.10 and key 'CiscoKey123'.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
While 'aaa new-model' is necessary, this configuration alone does not create an authentication method list; without 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', RADIUS authentication will not be applied.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that adding the RADIUS server is sufficient, but without the method list, the switch does not know to use RADIUS for authentication.
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
Scenario analysis trap
This is incorrect because 'aaa new-model' is already present (as stated in the scenario). The missing piece is the AAA authentication method list; simply configuring the RADIUS server without defining the authentication login default list will not enable RADIUS authentication for login.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
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 — 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 with IP 203.0.113.10 and key 'CiscoKey123', then configure AAA authentication login default group radius local. — The issue is twofold: First, AAA is not fully configured — 'aaa new-model' is present but no RADIUS server or authentication method list is defined. Second, the RADIUS server configuration is missing. To fix, configure the RADIUS server with IP and key using the 'radius server' block, then create an AAA authentication login default list that uses RADIUS first then local fallback (e.g., 'aaa authentication login default group radius local'). The port configuration is correct for 802.1X, but without AAA and RADIUS, authentication cannot proceed; the switch will not contact the RADIUS server, causing the port to remain unauthorized. Option D is incorrect because while 'aaa new-model' and RADIUS server configuration are necessary steps, they alone do not create an authentication method list; without 'aaa authentication login default group radius local', the RADIUS server is never referenced for login authentication.
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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