Quick Answer
The answer is 9 seconds. This is the total time the switch will wait for a supplicant to respond before failing authentication, calculated by multiplying the dot1x max-req value (3) by the dot1x timeout tx-period (3 seconds), giving 3 × 3 = 9 seconds. The tx-period governs the interval between each EAP-Request/Identity retransmission, while the supp-timeout of 10 seconds applies only to subsequent EAP packets after identity exchange, not to the initial identity timeout. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of 802.1X timer defaults and calculation, specifically how the authenticator uses max-req and tx-period to determine the total identity timeout window. A common trap is confusing supp-timeout with tx-period; remember that supp-timeout waits for a response to an EAP-Request (like a password challenge), while tx-period is the retransmission timer for the initial Identity Request. Memory tip: “Tx-period times max-req gives the identity deadline.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. 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.
Examine the following configuration on a Cisco IOS-XE switch:
interface GigabitEthernet1/0/6 switchport mode access
authentication port-control auto dot1x pae authenticator dot1x timeout tx-period 3 dot1x max-req 3 dot1x timeout supp-timeout 10
What is the total time the switch will wait for a supplicant to respond before failing authentication?
30 seconds
Why wrong: This is not the correct calculation; supp-timeout is 10 seconds but applies to later EAP exchanges.
9 seconds
The switch sends 3 identity requests every 3 seconds, totaling 9 seconds before giving up.
10 seconds
Why wrong: Supp-timeout is 10 seconds but is used after identity is received.
13 seconds
Why wrong: This is the sum of tx-period (3) and supp-timeout (10), but the calculation is different.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
9 seconds
The switch sends up to 'max-req' (3) EAP-Request/Identity packets, each with a 'tx-period' of 3 seconds. The total time is max-req * tx-period = 3 * 3 = 9 seconds. The 'supp-timeout' is for EAP packets after identity, but the initial identity timeout is governed by tx-period.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
30 seconds
Why it's wrong here
This is not the correct calculation; supp-timeout is 10 seconds but applies to later EAP exchanges.
9 seconds
Why this is correct
The switch sends 3 identity requests every 3 seconds, totaling 9 seconds before giving up.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
10 seconds
Why it's wrong here
Supp-timeout is 10 seconds but is used after identity is received.
13 seconds
Why it's wrong here
This is the sum of tx-period (3) and supp-timeout (10), but the calculation is different.
Common exam traps
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
802.1X and TrustSec — study guide chapter
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FAQ
802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
The correct answer is: 9 seconds — The switch sends up to 'max-req' (3) EAP-Request/Identity packets, each with a 'tx-period' of 3 seconds. The total time is max-req * tx-period = 3 * 3 = 9 seconds. The 'supp-timeout' is for EAP packets after identity, but the initial identity timeout is governed by tx-period.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Same concept, more angles
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Variation 1. What is the default quiet-period timer value in Cisco IOS 802.1X configuration?
easyWhy B: The quiet-period timer defines the number of seconds the switch waits after a failed authentication attempt before re-initiating authentication. The default value is 60 seconds.
Variation 2. What is the default tx-period timer value in Cisco IOS 802.1X configuration?
easyWhy C: The tx-period timer defines the number of seconds the switch waits for a response to an EAP-Request/Identity packet before retransmitting. The default value is 30 seconds.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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