- A
WPA3 uses TKIP encryption for backward compatibility with legacy devices.
Why wrong: WPA3 does not support TKIP; it requires GCMP-256 encryption and mandates CCMP-128 for compatibility, but TKIP is deprecated.
- B
WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to resist offline dictionary attacks.
SAE replaces WPA2's PSK handshake, providing a secure key exchange that prevents attackers from cracking the password offline.
- C
WPA3 relies solely on 802.1X/EAP authentication for both personal and enterprise modes.
Why wrong: WPA3 Personal uses SAE, not 802.1X. 802.1X/EAP is used only in WPA3 Enterprise mode.
- D
WPA3 mandates the use of GCMP-256 encryption for enhanced security.
Why wrong: GCMP-256 is the default encryption suite for WPA3, offering stronger cryptographic protection than the CCMP-AES used in WPA2.
- E
WPA3 makes Protected Management Frames (PMF) optional to support older clients.
Why wrong: WPA3 requires PMF to be enabled (mandatory), not optional, to protect against deauthentication attacks.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to resist offline dictionary attacks. This is because SAE employs a Dragonfly key exchange, which uses a zero-knowledge proof mechanism that prevents an attacker from capturing the handshake and cracking the password offline, while also providing forward secrecy so that compromising the long-term key does not expose past session keys. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your understanding of the core security upgrade from WPA2 to WPA3, often appearing as a distractor where options incorrectly claim WPA3 still uses TKIP or that 802.1X is required for WPA3-Personal. A common trap is confusing the mandatory AES-GCMP-128 in standard WPA3 with the optional GCMP-256 in WPA3-Enterprise 192-bit mode. Remember the memory tip: SAE means "secure against eavesdropping" — it stops the dictionary attack before it starts.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which statement correctly describes a feature of WPA3 security in wireless LANs?
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
WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to resist offline dictionary attacks.
Option B is correct. WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which uses a Dragonfly key exchange to resist offline dictionary attacks and provide forward secrecy. Option A is wrong because WPA3 does not use or support TKIP encryption; it mandates AES. Option C is wrong because WPA3-Personal uses SAE, not 802.1X/EAP. Option D is wrong because GCMP-256 is only mandatory in the optional WPA3-Enterprise 192-bit security mode, not across all WPA3 deployments; standard WPA3-Personal uses AES-GCMP with 128-bit keys. Option E is wrong because WPA3 requires Protected Management Frames (PMF) by default, unlike WPA2.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
WPA3 uses TKIP encryption for backward compatibility with legacy devices.
Why it's wrong here
WPA3 does not support TKIP; it requires GCMP-256 encryption and mandates CCMP-128 for compatibility, but TKIP is deprecated.
- ✓
WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to resist offline dictionary attacks.
Why this is correct
SAE replaces WPA2's PSK handshake, providing a secure key exchange that prevents attackers from cracking the password offline.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
WPA3 relies solely on 802.1X/EAP authentication for both personal and enterprise modes.
- ✗
WPA3 mandates the use of GCMP-256 encryption for enhanced security.
- ✗
WPA3 makes Protected Management Frames (PMF) optional to support older clients.
Why it's wrong here
WPA3 requires PMF to be enabled (mandatory), not optional, to protect against deauthentication attacks.
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.
✓WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to resist offline dictionary attacks.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
SAE replaces WPA2's PSK handshake, providing a secure key exchange that prevents attackers from cracking the password offline.
✗WPA3 uses TKIP encryption for backward compatibility with legacy devices.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
TKIP is an older encryption protocol that is not allowed in WPA3; using it would defeat the security improvements.
✗WPA3 relies solely on 802.1X/EAP authentication for both personal and enterprise modes.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This statement confuses the two modes; WPA3 Personal does not require 802.1X.
✗WPA3 mandates the use of GCMP-256 encryption for enhanced security.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
GCMP-256 is only mandated in the optional WPA3-Enterprise 192-bit security mode; standard WPA3-Personal uses AES-GCMP with 128-bit keys.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
When configuring WPA3 on APs and clients, GCMP-256 is required for full compliance.
✗WPA3 makes Protected Management Frames (PMF) optional to support older clients.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Making PMF optional would weaken security; WPA3 enforces PMF to ensure management frame protection.
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: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many candidates incorrectly assume WPA3 universally uses GCMP-256 encryption, confusing the optional enterprise mode with the baseline WPA3-Personal requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) operates by having both the client and AP derive a shared secret using a password, then perform a zero-knowledge proof exchange that prevents an attacker from brute-forcing the password offline. GCMP-256 encryption, mandated in WPA3 Enterprise 192-bit mode, uses a 256-bit key with Galois/Counter Mode, providing authenticated encryption and integrity, whereas WPA3 Personal defaults to CCMP-128 (AES).
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to resist offline dictionary attacks. — Option B is correct. WPA3 introduces Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which uses a Dragonfly key exchange to resist offline dictionary attacks and provide forward secrecy. Option A is wrong because WPA3 does not use or support TKIP encryption; it mandates AES. Option C is wrong because WPA3-Personal uses SAE, not 802.1X/EAP. Option D is wrong because GCMP-256 is only mandatory in the optional WPA3-Enterprise 192-bit security mode, not across all WPA3 deployments; standard WPA3-Personal uses AES-GCMP with 128-bit keys. Option E is wrong because WPA3 requires Protected Management Frames (PMF) by default, unlike WPA2.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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