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CCNP Practice Question: Which two statements about 802.1X port-based…
Which two statements about 802.1X port-based authentication on a Cisco switch 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
✓
The switch acts as the authenticator in the 802.1X framework.
802.1X uses EAP over LAN (EAPoL) to authenticate devices at the port level. The switch acts as an authenticator and can use a RADIUS server for authentication. Option A is correct because the switch is the authenticator. Option D is correct because EAPoL is the protocol used between the supplicant and the authenticator. Option B is incorrect because the RADIUS server is the authentication server, not the authenticator. Option C is incorrect because 802.1X can be configured on Layer 2 switch ports, not just routers. Option E is incorrect because 802.1X is not limited to wireless; it is commonly used on wired switch ports.
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 switch acts as the authenticator in the 802.1X framework.
Why this is correct
Correct because in 802.1X, the switch (or wireless controller) is the authenticator that controls access to the network.
- ✗
The RADIUS server acts as the authenticator in the 802.1X framework.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the RADIUS server is the authentication server, not the authenticator. The authenticator is the network device (e.g., switch).
- ✗
802.1X can only be configured on router interfaces, not on switch ports.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 802.1X is commonly configured on switch ports, especially for wired network access control.
- ✓
EAP over LAN (EAPoL) is used between the supplicant and the authenticator.
Why this is correct
Correct because EAPoL encapsulates EAP frames for transmission over Ethernet between the client (supplicant) and the switch (authenticator).
- ✗
802.1X authentication is only applicable to wireless networks.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 802.1X is used for both wired and wireless network access control.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.