350-601 Security Practice Question
Which authentication protocol is recommended by Cisco for network device administration due to its separation of authentication, authorization, and accounting?
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
✓
TACACS+
TACACS+ separates the three AAA functions, while RADIUS combines authentication and authorization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
TACACS+
Why this is correct
TACACS+ separates the AAA functions, making it the recommended protocol for network device administration.
- ✗
802.1X
Why it's wrong here
802.1X is for port-based network access control, not device admin.
- ✗
RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS combines authentication and authorization; it is not recommended for device admin.
- ✗
LDAP
Why it's wrong here
LDAP is used for directory services, not primarily for AAA.
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 350-601 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.