Quick Answer
The correct conclusion is that the backup server is currently handling authentication. This is determined by interpreting the RADIUS server status from the `show aaa servers` output, where the primary server at 10.1.1.10 shows a current state of DEAD with three retransmissions and one dead event, while the backup at 10.1.1.20 shows a current state of UP for 200 seconds. In Cisco’s AAA architecture, when a RADIUS server is marked DEAD, the device automatically fails over to the next priority server, which in this case is handling all new authentication and accounting requests. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this type of output tests your ability to quickly read server states and understand failover behavior—a common trap is assuming the primary is still active if you only glance at the IP addresses. Remember the memory tip: “Dead primary, backup carries the load—check the state, not the priority.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
A network engineer checks the AAA server status:
R1# show aaa servers
RADIUS: id 1, priority 1, host 10.1.1.10, auth-port 1812, acct-port 1813 State: current DEAD, duration 0s, previous duration 500s Dead: total 1, retransmit 3 RADIUS: id 2, priority 2, host 10.1.1.20, auth-port 1812, acct-port 1813 State: current UP, duration 200s, previous duration 0s Dead: total 0, retransmit 0
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
Both RADIUS servers are operational.
Why wrong: Server 10.1.1.10 is DEAD, so not operational.
The backup server is currently handling authentication.
The primary is dead, so the backup (UP) is being used.
The primary server has never failed before.
Why wrong: The dead total of 1 indicates it has failed before.
TACACS+ is also configured on these servers.
Why wrong: The output only shows RADIUS servers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The backup server is currently handling authentication.
The primary RADIUS server (10.1.1.10) is currently DEAD with 1 dead event and 3 retransmissions. The backup server (10.1.1.20) is UP and has been for 200 seconds. This indicates the primary server failed and the backup is now handling requests.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Both RADIUS servers are operational.
Why it's wrong here
Server 10.1.1.10 is DEAD, so not operational.
The backup server is currently handling authentication.
Why this is correct
The primary is dead, so the backup (UP) is being used.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
The primary server has never failed before.
Why it's wrong here
The dead total of 1 indicates it has failed before.
TACACS+ is also configured on these servers.
Why it's wrong here
The output only shows RADIUS servers.
Common exam traps
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
The output only shows RADIUS servers.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — study guide chapter
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FAQ
AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — This question tests AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: The backup server is currently handling authentication. — The primary RADIUS server (10.1.1.10) is currently DEAD with 1 dead event and 3 retransmissions. The backup server (10.1.1.20) is UP and has been for 200 seconds. This indicates the primary server failed and the backup is now handling requests.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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