350-601 Security Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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
✓
show dot1x interface ethernet 1/1
The correct command on Cisco Nexus switches to verify 802.1X authentication status on a specific interface is 'show dot1x interface ethernet 1/1'. This command displays the 802.1X state, authorized status, and other details for the specified interface. Option B, 'show dot1x interface ethernet 1/1', is correct. Option C is incorrect because 'show authentication interface' is not a valid command on Nexus NX-OS; it is used on IOS-based switches. Option A is unrelated to 802.1X, and option D shows port security, not authentication status.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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
'show aaa authentication' displays AAA configuration and statistics, not per-interface 802.1X status.
- ✓
show dot1x interface ethernet 1/1
Why this is correct
This command displays the 802.1X authentication details for the specified interface on Nexus switches, making it the correct choice for verifying a specific interface's authentication status.
- ✗
show authentication interface ethernet 1/1
Why it's wrong here
'show authentication interface' is a valid IOS command but not supported on Nexus NX-OS; on Nexus, the equivalent is 'show authentication session interface' or 'show dot1x interface'.
- ✗
show port-security interface ethernet 1/1
Why it's wrong here
'show port-security interface' displays port security information, not 802.1X authentication status.
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
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