Question 1hardmatching
Study the full AAA explanation →Question 1,382 of 2,015
Quick Answer
The correct fallback order for the default exec authorization method list is local, then none. This sequence means the device first checks the locally configured usernames and privileges, and if no match is found, it immediately grants access without any further authentication check, effectively bypassing authorization. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Cisco IOS applies default AAA method lists when no custom list is configured, often appearing in drag-and-drop or multiple-choice questions that require you to distinguish between login, enable, PPP, command, and exec authorization defaults. A common trap is confusing exec authorization with command authorization, which uses local, then if-authenticated as its fallback. To remember this, think of exec authorization as the "gateway" to the CLI—once you’re in, local rules apply, but if no local rule exists, the gate stays open (none).
CCNP AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. 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.
Drag and drop each AAA method list type on the left to its correct fallback order (from first to last) on the right.
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.
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
✓
Default login authentication: local, line
The default method list for login authentication tries local first, then fallback to line password. The default for enable authentication uses enable password, then none. The default for PPP authentication uses local, then none. The default for command authorization uses local, then if-authenticated. The default for exec authorization uses local, then none.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — This question tests AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Default login authentication: local, line — The default method list for login authentication tries local first, then fallback to line password. The default for enable authentication uses enable password, then none. The default for PPP authentication uses local, then none. The default for command authorization uses local, then if-authenticated. The default for exec authorization uses local, then none.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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 350-401 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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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop each AAA method list on the left to its correct fallback order on the right.
medium- ✓ P1.default login authentication: local case (no server defined): local
- ✓ P2.login authentication RADIUS-FIRST: RADIUS then local
- ✓ P3.login authentication TACACS-FIRST: TACACS+ then local
- ✓ P4.login authentication LOCAL-ONLY: local (no fallback)
- ✓ P5.login authentication NONE: none (no authentication required)
Why P1: Method lists define the order of authentication sources. The default login method uses local as fallback; a common RADIUS-first list uses local; a TACACS+-first list uses local; a local-only list uses no fallback; and a none list allows access without authentication.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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