- A
Before authentication, the switch port is in the unauthorized state and only allows EAPOL frames.
Correct because the unauthorized state blocks all traffic except EAPOL, which is necessary for the authentication process.
- B
After successful 802.1X authentication, the port transitions to the authorized state and all traffic is permitted.
Correct because successful authentication moves the port to the authorized state, allowing normal data traffic based on the configured access policy.
- C
In multi-auth mode, the port becomes authorized for all devices once the first device authenticates successfully.
Why wrong: Incorrect because in multi-auth mode, each device must authenticate individually; the port does not become authorized for all devices after the first authentication.
- D
The port remains in the unauthorized state until the client sends data traffic.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the port transitions to authorized state based on authentication success, not on data traffic. The client may send EAPOL frames, but data traffic is not required for authorization.
- E
802.1X can be configured on a Layer 3 interface to authenticate users before routing.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 802.1X operates at Layer 2 and is configured on switch ports (Layer 2 interfaces), not on Layer 3 routed interfaces.
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 two statements about 802.1X port states and access control are true? (Choose two.)
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
Before authentication, the switch port is in the unauthorized state and only allows EAPOL frames.
In 802.1X, the switch port starts in the unauthorized state, allowing only EAPOL traffic. After successful authentication, the port transitions to the authorized state, allowing normal traffic. Multi-auth mode allows multiple devices on the same port, each authenticated individually. The port does not become fully authorized before the client sends traffic.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Before authentication, the switch port is in the unauthorized state and only allows EAPOL frames.
Why this is correct
Correct because the unauthorized state blocks all traffic except EAPOL, which is necessary for the authentication process.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✓
After successful 802.1X authentication, the port transitions to the authorized state and all traffic is permitted.
Why this is correct
Correct because successful authentication moves the port to the authorized state, allowing normal data traffic based on the configured access policy.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
In multi-auth mode, the port becomes authorized for all devices once the first device authenticates successfully.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because in multi-auth mode, each device must authenticate individually; the port does not become authorized for all devices after the first authentication.
- ✗
The port remains in the unauthorized state until the client sends data traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the port transitions to authorized state based on authentication success, not on data traffic. The client may send EAPOL frames, but data traffic is not required for authorization.
- ✗
802.1X can be configured on a Layer 3 interface to authenticate users before routing.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 802.1X operates at Layer 2 and is configured on switch ports (Layer 2 interfaces), not on Layer 3 routed interfaces.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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802.1X and TrustSec — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Before authentication, the switch port is in the unauthorized state and only allows EAPOL frames. — In 802.1X, the switch port starts in the unauthorized state, allowing only EAPOL traffic. After successful authentication, the port transitions to the authorized state, allowing normal traffic. Multi-auth mode allows multiple devices on the same port, each authenticated individually. The port does not become fully authorized before the client sends traffic.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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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.
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