The answer is to check the ISE authentication logs for failure reasons. This is the correct first step because the switch port is already in an unauthorized state, confirming that the 802.1X authentication process has failed at the RADIUS server level. ISE logs provide the most granular failure reason—such as invalid credentials, unknown client, or EAP method mismatch—which directly pinpoints the root cause without guesswork. Checking switch RADIUS reachability or endpoint configuration would be premature, as those checks assume the server received the request. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your ability to follow a logical troubleshooting workflow; a common trap is jumping to switch-side diagnostics when the server already holds the definitive answer. Remember the memory tip: “Port unauthorized? Logs first.” This ensures you let the RADIUS server tell you exactly why authentication was denied before touching any other device.
350-701 Network Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network 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 network engineer is troubleshooting an issue where an endpoint is failing to authenticate via 802.1X on a Cisco switch. The switch port is in unauthorized state. Which step should the engineer take first to identify the root cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the ISE authentication logs for failure reasons.
The correct first step is to check the ISE authentication logs for failure reasons because the switch port is already in an unauthorized state, meaning the 802.1X authentication process has failed. ISE (the RADIUS server) logs provide the most granular failure reason, such as invalid credentials, unknown client, or EAP method mismatch, which directly pinpoints the root cause. Checking the switch's RADIUS reachability or endpoint configuration would be premature without first understanding why authentication was denied.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Check the switch's RADIUS server reachability.
Why it's wrong here
While important, checking server reachability is secondary if logs are available.
✓
Check the ISE authentication logs for failure reasons.
Why this is correct
ISE logs provide detailed failure reasons, often indicating the exact step where authentication fails. This is the best first step.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Check the endpoint's supplicant configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Endpoint configuration is relevant but should be examined after reviewing logs.
✗
Check the CA server for certificate issues.
Why it's wrong here
Certificate issues are only one possible cause; logs would point to certificate problems if present.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the principle of 'start at the most specific source of truth'—the trap here is that candidates jump to checking network connectivity (Option A) or client configuration (Option C) without first consulting the authentication server logs, which contain the definitive failure reason.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In 802.1X, the switch acts as an authenticator that forwards EAP frames between the supplicant and the RADIUS server (ISE). When the port is in unauthorized state, the switch has already sent an Access-Request to the RADIUS server and received an Access-Reject (or no response). ISE logs contain detailed RADIUS attributes such as FailureReason, Calling-Station-ID, and EAP-Key-Name, which allow the engineer to distinguish between a bad password, an unknown MAC address, or a certificate validation failure. A common real-world scenario is that the RADIUS server is reachable but the endpoint's certificate is untrusted, which would only be visible in the ISE logs, not in switch-level debug commands.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the ISE authentication logs for failure reasons. — The correct first step is to check the ISE authentication logs for failure reasons because the switch port is already in an unauthorized state, meaning the 802.1X authentication process has failed. ISE (the RADIUS server) logs provide the most granular failure reason, such as invalid credentials, unknown client, or EAP method mismatch, which directly pinpoints the root cause. Checking the switch's RADIUS reachability or endpoint configuration would be premature without first understanding why authentication was denied.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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