Quick Answer
The correct command is show authentication interface ethernet 1/1, because it provides a comprehensive view of the 802.1X authentication status for a specific port, including the state machine, authorized status, and the method list (802.1X, MAB, WebAuth). This command is essential for verifying 802.1X authentication status on edge ports, as it reveals exactly where the authentication process is failing—whether due to a timeout, method mismatch, or unauthorized state. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this question tests your ability to recall the precise Identity-Based Networking Services (IBNS) command for interface-level troubleshooting, often with traps like show dot1x all or show authentication sessions that show global or session data instead. A common memory tip: think of “show authentication interface” as the one-stop shop for all auth methods on a single port—if you need to verify the full authentication state machine for a specific interface, this is your go-to command.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 data center switch is configured with 802.1X port-based authentication for edge ports. Users report authentication failures. The engineer wants to verify the authentication status of a specific interface. Which command should be used?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
show aaa authentication
Why wrong: Shows AAA authentication methods, not per-port status.
show dot1x
Why wrong: Not a valid command; correct is 'show dot1x all'.
show authentication interface ethernet 1/1
Displays 802.1X and MAC authentication status.
show port-security interface ethernet 1/1
Why wrong: Shows port security, not 802.1X.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show authentication interface ethernet 1/1
Option C is correct because the 'show authentication interface ethernet 1/1' command displays the 802.1X authentication status, including the state machine, authorized status, and method list for a specific interface. This command is part of the Identity-Based Networking Services (IBNS) framework and provides a comprehensive view of all authentication methods (802.1X, MAB, WebAuth) configured on the port, which is essential for troubleshooting authentication failures on edge ports.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
show aaa authentication
Why it's wrong here
Shows AAA authentication methods, not per-port status.
show dot1x
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid command; correct is 'show dot1x all'.
show authentication interface ethernet 1/1
Why this is correct
Displays 802.1X and MAC authentication status.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show port-security interface ethernet 1/1
Why it's wrong here
Shows port security, not 802.1X.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between the legacy 'show dot1x' command and the modern unified 'show authentication interface' command, trapping candidates who memorize the older command without realizing that newer IOS versions (e.g., IOS-XE 16.x+) consolidate all authentication status under the 'show authentication' hierarchy.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows AAA authentication methods, not per-port status.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'show authentication interface' command queries the IBNS subsystem, which manages multiple authentication methods in a defined order (e.g., 802.1X first, then MAB, then WebAuth). Under the hood, it reveals the EAPOL state machine (e.g., 'CONNECTING', 'AUTHENTICATED', 'HELD'), the RADIUS server details, and the session ID. In real-world scenarios, this command is critical when users report failures because it can show if the port is stuck in the 'HELD' state due to repeated authentication failures, indicating a misconfigured supplicant or incorrect RADIUS shared secret.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-601 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-601 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Network.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Compute.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Storage Network.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Automation.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Security.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 fundamentals.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 scenario.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show authentication interface ethernet 1/1 — Option C is correct because the 'show authentication interface ethernet 1/1' command displays the 802.1X authentication status, including the state machine, authorized status, and method list for a specific interface. This command is part of the Identity-Based Networking Services (IBNS) framework and provides a comprehensive view of all authentication methods (802.1X, MAB, WebAuth) configured on the port, which is essential for troubleshooting authentication failures on edge ports.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This 350-601 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 350-601 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.