The answer is that the clients lack an enabled 802.1X supplicant. When a client does not send any EAP packets during the authentication process, it indicates the device has no supplicant software running to initiate the 802.1X handshake. Without a supplicant, the client remains silent on the wire, never responding to the switch’s EAP-Request Identity, which is why no EAP traffic is observed. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the 802.1X authentication phases, specifically the critical role of the supplicant as the client-side agent. A common trap is to blame the RADIUS server or switch port configuration, but remember: the switch can only see EAP packets if the client first sends them. For a quick memory tip, think “No supplicant, no EAP—the client stays asleep.”
350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of secure network access, visibility and enforcement. 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 engineer is configuring 802.1X on a Cisco switch for wired clients. After configuration, some clients fail authentication. The engineer notices that the clients are not sending any EAP packets. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The clients do not have an 802.1X supplicant enabled.
Option C is correct because if no EAP packets are sent, the client likely does not have an 802.1X supplicant enabled. Option A is incorrect because access VLAN assignment does not affect EAP transmission. Option B is incorrect because 'authentication port-control auto' is the correct command to enable 802.1X. Option D is incorrect because if the RADIUS server were unreachable, the switch would still see EAP packets from the client.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 switch port is configured with access VLAN instead of voice VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
VLAN assignment does not affect client EAP transmission.
✗
The RADIUS server is unreachable.
Why it's wrong here
If the server were unreachable, the switch would still receive EAP packets from the client but would not forward them successfully.
✓
The clients do not have an 802.1X supplicant enabled.
Why this is correct
Without a supplicant, clients cannot initiate EAP.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The switch port is configured with 'authentication port-control auto'.
Why it's wrong here
This is the correct configuration to enable 802.1X; it does not prevent EAP packets.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-701 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The clients do not have an 802.1X supplicant enabled. — Option C is correct because if no EAP packets are sent, the client likely does not have an 802.1X supplicant enabled. Option A is incorrect because access VLAN assignment does not affect EAP transmission. Option B is incorrect because 'authentication port-control auto' is the correct command to enable 802.1X. Option D is incorrect because if the RADIUS server were unreachable, the switch would still see EAP packets from the client.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-701 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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