The correct answer is Gi1/0/1, because it is configured with multi-auth mode, which allows both the VoIP phone and PC to authenticate independently, while Gi1/0/2 uses single-host mode and will only authenticate one device. The key technical distinction is that multi-auth mode permits multiple endpoints on the same port to each perform their own 802.1X authentication, making it ideal for scenarios like a phone and PC behind a hub, whereas single-host mode strictly limits the port to a single authenticated MAC address, denying any additional device that attempts to connect. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this concept often appears in a topology exhibit where a hub connects multiple devices to one switch port, testing your ability to identify which host-mode configuration supports that setup. A common trap is assuming multi-host mode (which authenticates only the first device and then opens the port for others) works the same as multi-auth, but multi-auth requires each device to authenticate individually. Memory tip: think “multi-auth = each device gets its own authentication ticket,” while “single-host = one ticket, one device only.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit. An engineer configured 802.1X on two switch ports. On Gi1/0/1, a VoIP phone and a PC are connected via a hub. On Gi1/0/2, only a single PC is connected. Which port will successfully authenticate both devices, and what is the issue with the other port?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Gi1/0/1 will authenticate both devices; Gi1/0/2 will only authenticate the PC, and any additional device will be denied.
Option D is correct because Gi1/0/1 is configured with the `authentication port-control auto` and `authentication host-mode multi-auth` commands, which allow both the VoIP phone and the PC to authenticate independently. Gi1/0/2 is configured with `authentication host-mode single-host` (the default), which only permits a single authenticated device; any additional device, such as a second PC connected via a hub, will be denied access.
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.
✗
Both ports will authenticate all connected devices because 802.1X supports multiple hosts by default.
Why it's wrong here
Single-host mode restricts to one device.
✗
Gi1/0/2 will authenticate the PC; Gi1/0/1 will fail because multi-auth is not supported on access ports.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-auth is supported on access ports.
✗
Gi1/0/1 will authenticate both devices; Gi1/0/2 will fail because the tx-period is too long.
Why it's wrong here
The tx-period does not cause failure; it only delays retransmission.
✓
Gi1/0/1 will authenticate both devices; Gi1/0/2 will only authenticate the PC, and any additional device will be denied.
Why this is correct
Multi-auth allows multiple devices; single-host allows only one.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between `multi-auth` and `single-host` modes, and the trap here is that candidates assume 802.1X inherently supports multiple devices or that a long tx-period is the cause of failure, rather than recognizing the default single-host restriction on Gi1/0/2.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco IOS, the `authentication host-mode` command determines how many devices can authenticate on a port: `single-host` allows only one, `multi-auth` allows multiple devices each with their own credentials, and `multi-domain` allows one voice and one data device. The `authentication port-control auto` enables 802.1X, and the `dot1x pae authenticator` command is required for the switch to act as the authenticator. The tx-period (default 30 seconds) controls how often the switch sends EAP-Request/Identity frames; a longer value can delay authentication but does not prevent multiple devices from authenticating if the host-mode permits it.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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: Gi1/0/1 will authenticate both devices; Gi1/0/2 will only authenticate the PC, and any additional device will be denied. — Option D is correct because Gi1/0/1 is configured with the `authentication port-control auto` and `authentication host-mode multi-auth` commands, which allow both the VoIP phone and the PC to authenticate independently. Gi1/0/2 is configured with `authentication host-mode single-host` (the default), which only permits a single authenticated device; any additional device, such as a second PC connected via a hub, will be denied access.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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.
This 350-701 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 350-701 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.