350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
A laptop fails to authenticate via 802.1X on a Cisco switch. The switch logs show: 'Authentication failed for user 'jdoe' on interface GigabitEthernet1/0/24: EAP session timeout.' What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
The wired authentication timeout on the switch is too low.
The 'EAP session timeout' error specifically indicates that the authentication process did not complete within the configured timeout period on the switch. Option A is incorrect because an incorrect EAP method would typically result in an EAP failure or NAK, not a timeout. Option C is incorrect because an unreachable RADIUS server would cause a different error, such as 'RADIUS server timeout' or 'No response from server'. Option D is incorrect because if the switch had no RADIUS server configured, it would not even attempt 802.1X authentication or would fall back to other methods.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The supplicant is using an incorrect EAP method.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect method typically causes a method mismatch error, not timeout.
- ✓
The wired authentication timeout on the switch is too low.
Why this is correct
Low timeout setting can cause the session to time out before authentication completes.
- ✗
The RADIUS server is unreachable.
Why it's wrong here
Unreachable server would produce a different error like 'server timeout'.
- ✗
The switch is not configured with a RADIUS server.
Why it's wrong here
No RADIUS server would prevent authentication from starting.
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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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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