Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
In AAA, which function determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do after login?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Authentication
Authentication answers who the user is.
B
Best answer
Authorization
Correct. Authorization controls what the user may do.
C
Distractor review
Accounting
Accounting records session details and actions.
D
Distractor review
Encryption
Encryption is not one of the AAA terms being tested here.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is mistaking authentication for authorization, leading to the incorrect belief that verifying a user's identity automatically grants them access rights. Candidates often select Authentication because it answers 'who the user is,' but the question specifically asks about what the user is allowed to do after login. This confusion arises because both functions are part of AAA and closely linked, but they serve distinct purposes. Misunderstanding this difference can cause errors in configuring network access controls and result in selecting the wrong answer on the exam.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
AAA stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting, a fundamental security framework used in Cisco networking to control user access and track user activity. Authentication is the process that verifies the identity of a user or device attempting to access the network, ensuring they are who they claim to be. Authorization follows authentication and determines the specific resources and actions the authenticated user is permitted to access or perform. Accounting then records the details of user sessions and activities for auditing and compliance purposes. In the AAA process, once a user successfully authenticates, the authorization function evaluates the user's permissions based on predefined policies or roles. This step is critical because it enforces security by restricting user capabilities to only what is necessary or allowed, such as access to certain network devices, commands, or services. Cisco devices use protocols like RADIUS or TACACS+ to implement AAA, where the authorization component consults centralized servers to decide the allowed operations for each user. A common exam trap is confusing authentication with authorization, assuming that verifying identity also grants permissions. However, authentication only confirms who the user is, while authorization explicitly controls what the user can do after login. Practically, this separation allows network administrators to enforce granular access controls and audit user actions effectively. Understanding this distinction is essential for configuring secure Cisco networks and passing the CCNA exam.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device attempting to access the network before any permissions are granted.
- Authorization determines the specific actions and resources an authenticated user is allowed to access based on predefined policies.
- Accounting records user session details and activities for auditing and compliance after authentication and authorization.
- AAA uses protocols like RADIUS and TACACS+ to centralize authentication, authorization, and accounting functions in Cisco networks.
- Authorization enforces security by restricting user capabilities to only what is necessary, preventing unauthorized access to network resources.
- Authentication does not grant permissions; it only confirms identity, making authorization a separate and critical step.
- Cisco devices consult authorization policies after successful authentication to decide allowed commands and access levels.
- Confusing authentication with authorization is a common mistake that leads to incorrect understanding of user access control in AAA.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device attempting to access the network before any permissions are granted.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authorization — Authentication verifies identity. Authorization determines permitted actions. Accounting records activity.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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