- A
PEAP-MSCHAPv2
Why wrong: PEAP-MSCHAPv2 uses server-side certificate but client-side password, not certificates for client.
- B
EAP-MD5
Why wrong: EAP-MD5 does not support certificates and is not recommended.
- C
EAP-TLS
EAP-TLS provides certificate-based mutual authentication.
- D
EAP-FAST
Why wrong: EAP-FAST uses PACs, not certificates, for client authentication.
Question 986 of 988
350-701 Endpoint Security and Identity Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint security and identity. 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 network administrator is configuring 802.1X on a Cisco switch for corporate Windows laptops. The organization uses certificates for authentication. Which EAP method should be configured on the supplicant and ISE to provide certificate-based mutual authentication?
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
✓
EAP-TLS
EAP-TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the correct choice because it provides certificate-based mutual authentication, where both the supplicant (Windows laptop) and the authentication server (ISE) present X.509 certificates to verify each other's identity. This meets the requirement for certificate-based authentication and is the only EAP method listed that inherently requires certificates on both sides for mutual authentication.
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.
- ✗
PEAP-MSCHAPv2
Why it's wrong here
PEAP-MSCHAPv2 uses server-side certificate but client-side password, not certificates for client.
- ✗
EAP-MD5
Why it's wrong here
EAP-MD5 does not support certificates and is not recommended.
- ✓
EAP-TLS
Why this is correct
EAP-TLS provides certificate-based mutual authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
EAP-FAST
Why it's wrong here
EAP-FAST uses PACs, not certificates, for client authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between EAP methods that use certificates only on the server side (like PEAP) versus those that require certificates on both sides (EAP-TLS), leading candidates to mistakenly choose PEAP-MSCHAPv2 when the question explicitly states 'certificate-based mutual authentication'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EAP-TLS, defined in RFC 5216, establishes a TLS tunnel where both endpoints exchange certificates and perform mutual authentication via certificate validation and digital signatures. In a Cisco ISE deployment, the supplicant must have a machine or user certificate issued by a trusted CA, and ISE must have a server certificate; the switch acts as the authenticator (RADIUS client) forwarding EAP frames between the supplicant and ISE. A common real-world scenario is that EAP-TLS is preferred for high-security environments because it eliminates password-based vulnerabilities and supports smart card integration.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-701 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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.
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.
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Endpoint Security and Identity — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-701 question test?
Endpoint Security and Identity — This question tests Endpoint Security and Identity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: EAP-TLS — EAP-TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the correct choice because it provides certificate-based mutual authentication, where both the supplicant (Windows laptop) and the authentication server (ISE) present X.509 certificates to verify each other's identity. This meets the requirement for certificate-based authentication and is the only EAP method listed that inherently requires certificates on both sides for mutual authentication.
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
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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