The answer is that the TACACS+ server experienced a single timeout. This conclusion is drawn directly from the TACACS+ server statistics interpretation: out of 10 total packets sent, only 9 were received, with exactly 1 retransmission and 1 timeout recorded, confirming that one packet failed to reach the server or its response was lost. The current idle time of 30 seconds indicates no recent activity, but the mismatch between sent and received packets points to a transient network issue rather than a complete server failure. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to read operational statistics and correlate retransmissions with timeouts—a common trap is assuming that a single retransmission always means a server outage, when it often just reflects a brief hiccup. Remember the key ratio: if packets sent minus packets received equals retransmissions, you have a clean timeout scenario. For a quick memory tip, think “send minus receive equals retransmit—one lost, one retry.”
CCNP AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ Practice Question
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 issues the following command on a router:
R1# show tacacs
TACACS+ Server: 10.1.1.10/49
Socket opens: 5
Socket closes: 3
Socket aborts: 0
Total packets sent: 10
Total packets received: 9
Retransmissions: 1
Timeouts: 1
Current idle time: 30 seconds
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The TACACS+ server experienced a single timeout.
The output shows TACACS+ server statistics. Out of 10 packets sent, 9 were received, indicating 1 packet was lost or timed out. There was 1 retransmission and 1 timeout, which suggests occasional network issues but not a complete failure. The current idle time of 30 seconds means no recent activity.
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 TACACS+ server is unreachable.
Why it's wrong here
The server has received 9 packets, so it is reachable.
✗
There have been no authentication attempts.
Why it's wrong here
10 packets sent indicates authentication attempts occurred.
✓
The TACACS+ server experienced a single timeout.
Why this is correct
The timeout count is 1, indicating one packet timed out.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
All packets were successfully acknowledged.
Why it's wrong here
Only 9 out of 10 packets were received, so one was not acknowledged.
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.
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: The TACACS+ server experienced a single timeout. — The output shows TACACS+ server statistics. Out of 10 packets sent, 9 were received, indicating 1 packet was lost or timed out. There was 1 retransmission and 1 timeout, which suggests occasional network issues but not a complete failure. The current idle time of 30 seconds means no recent activity.
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.
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