- A
The supplicant communicates with the authenticator using EAP over LAN (EAPoL) frames.
Correct; EAPoL is the encapsulation used for 802.1X on wired LANs.
- B
The authenticator is typically a network switch or wireless access point.
Correct; the authenticator enforces access control and relays EAP messages.
- C
The supplicant is the device that provides authentication services, such as a RADIUS server.
Why wrong: Incorrect; the supplicant is the client requesting access, not the authentication server.
- D
The authentication server is usually a RADIUS server that validates credentials.
Correct; RADIUS is the standard protocol for 802.1X authentication servers.
- E
802.1X is only supported on wireless networks and cannot be used on wired switches.
Why wrong: Incorrect; 802.1X is widely used on both wired and wireless networks.
CCNP 802.1X and TrustSec Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. 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 three statements about 802.1X port-based authentication are true? (Choose three.)
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
The supplicant communicates with the authenticator using EAP over LAN (EAPoL) frames.
802.1X uses EAP over LAN (EAPoL) for communication between supplicant and authenticator, the authenticator is typically a switch, and the authentication server is usually a RADIUS server. Option A is correct because EAPoL is the protocol used. Option B is correct because the switch acts as the authenticator. Option D is correct because the authentication server is typically RADIUS. Option C is incorrect because the supplicant is the client, not the switch. Option E is incorrect because 802.1X can be used with both wired and wireless networks.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The supplicant communicates with the authenticator using EAP over LAN (EAPoL) frames.
Why this is correct
Correct; EAPoL is the encapsulation used for 802.1X on wired LANs.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
The authenticator is typically a network switch or wireless access point.
Why this is correct
Correct; the authenticator enforces access control and relays EAP messages.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The supplicant is the device that provides authentication services, such as a RADIUS server.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; the supplicant is the client requesting access, not the authentication server.
- ✓
The authentication server is usually a RADIUS server that validates credentials.
- ✗
802.1X is only supported on wireless networks and cannot be used on wired switches.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; 802.1X is widely used on both wired and wireless networks.
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.
- →
802.1X and TrustSec — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
802.1X and TrustSec practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 350-401 questions
2,015 questions across all exam domains
- →
ENCOR 350-401 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
350-401 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 350-401 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Architecture.
Enterprise Network Design practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Enterprise Network Design.
SD-Access Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-Access Architecture.
SD-WAN Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-WAN Architecture.
QoS Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to QoS Architecture.
Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtualization.
Network Function Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Network Function Virtualization.
Virtual Machines and Hypervisors practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtual Machines and Hypervisors.
VRF and Path Isolation practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to VRF and Path Isolation.
Infrastructure practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Infrastructure.
OSPF practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to OSPF.
BGP practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to BGP.
Practice this exam
Start a free 350-401 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The supplicant communicates with the authenticator using EAP over LAN (EAPoL) frames. — 802.1X uses EAP over LAN (EAPoL) for communication between supplicant and authenticator, the authenticator is typically a switch, and the authentication server is usually a RADIUS server. Option A is correct because EAPoL is the protocol used. Option B is correct because the switch acts as the authenticator. Option D is correct because the authentication server is typically RADIUS. Option C is incorrect because the supplicant is the client, not the switch. Option E is incorrect because 802.1X can be used with both wired and wireless networks.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 350-401 practice questions
- Drag and drop the steps to configure an extended access control list (ACL) on a Cisco router in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure a site-to-site IPsec VPN on a Cisco router in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) on a Cisco switch in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure a static route on a Cisco IOS router into the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure port security on a Cisco switch in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps for the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) convergence process in the correct order.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.