This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 port is configured for 802.1X with MAB as fallback. A device that does not support 802.1X is connected. Which method will allow the device to authenticate?
EAP-TLS
Why wrong: EAP-TLS requires 802.1X supplicant capability, which the device lacks.
Web authentication
Why wrong: Web authentication requires user interaction and is not a common fallback in this context.
Local authentication using a pre-shared key
Why wrong: Local authentication is not typical for 802.1X without a supplicant.
MAC authentication bypass
MAB is the fallback method for devices that do not support 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
MAC authentication bypass
When a device that does not support 802.1X is connected to a port configured for 802.1X with MAB as fallback, the switch detects that no EAPOL frames are received from the device. It then initiates MAC authentication bypass (MAB), which uses the device's MAC address as the identity for authentication against the RADIUS server. If the MAC address is allowed, the port is authorized, providing a seamless fallback authentication method for non-802.1X-capable devices.
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.
EAP-TLS
Web authentication
Why it's wrong here
Web authentication requires user interaction and is not a common fallback in this context.
Local authentication using a pre-shared key
Why it's wrong here
Local authentication is not typical for 802.1X without a supplicant.
MAC authentication bypass
Why this is correct
MAB is the fallback method for devices that do not support 802.1X.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse MAB with web authentication or assume that any non-802.1X device will automatically trigger web authentication, but Cisco tests that MAB is the first fallback method when configured, and it uses the MAC address, not a pre-shared key or certificate.
Detailed technical explanation
MAB works by the switch sending a RADIUS Access-Request with the device's MAC address formatted as the username and password (e.g., 'aaaa.bbbb.cccc'). The RADIUS server must have the MAC address in its database, often with a specific service type (e.g., 'Call Check') to authorize the port. In a real-world scenario, MAB is commonly used for IP phones or printers that lack 802.1X supplicant support, but it is less secure than 802.1X because MAC addresses can be spoofed.
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
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FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: MAC authentication bypass — When a device that does not support 802.1X is connected to a port configured for 802.1X with MAB as fallback, the switch detects that no EAPOL frames are received from the device. It then initiates MAC authentication bypass (MAB), which uses the device's MAC address as the identity for authentication against the RADIUS server. If the MAC address is allowed, the port is authorized, providing a seamless fallback authentication method for non-802.1X-capable devices.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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