- A
DHCP server
Why wrong: DHCP server provides IP addresses after authentication, not required for authentication itself.
- B
Authentication server (ISE)
ISE validates credentials and grants access.
- C
Supplicant (client software)
The supplicant initiates authentication on the endpoint.
- D
DNS server
Why wrong: DNS is not required for 802.1X authentication.
- E
RADIUS proxy
Why wrong: A RADIUS proxy is optional, not required for basic 802.1X.
Question 785 of 988
350-701 Endpoint Security and Identity Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint security and identity. 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 802.1X authentication failures. Which two components are required for a successful 802.1X authentication? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Authentication server (ISE)
In 802.1X authentication, the supplicant (client software) initiates the authentication process by sending an EAPOL-Start message, and the authentication server (ISE) validates the client's credentials via RADIUS. Without both, the authentication cannot complete. The supplicant provides identity, while the authentication server makes the final permit/deny decision.
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.
- ✗
DHCP server
Why it's wrong here
DHCP server provides IP addresses after authentication, not required for authentication itself.
- ✓
Authentication server (ISE)
Why this is correct
ISE validates credentials and grants access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Supplicant (client software)
Why this is correct
The supplicant initiates authentication on the endpoint.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
DNS server
- ✗
RADIUS proxy
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests that candidates mistakenly include supporting infrastructure (DHCP, DNS) as required components, but 802.1X authentication is purely Layer 2 and does not depend on IP-based services until after successful authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
802.1X operates at Layer 2 using EAPOL frames between the supplicant and the authenticator (switch/AP), which then encapsulates EAP in RADIUS packets to the authentication server. The authentication server must support the specific EAP method (e.g., EAP-TLS, PEAP) configured on the supplicant; a mismatch in EAP method is a common cause of failure. In a real-world scenario, if the supplicant is missing or misconfigured, the port remains in an unauthorized state, blocking all traffic except EAPOL.
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.
Visual reference
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.
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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: Authentication server (ISE) — In 802.1X authentication, the supplicant (client software) initiates the authentication process by sending an EAPOL-Start message, and the authentication server (ISE) validates the client's credentials via RADIUS. Without both, the authentication cannot complete. The supplicant provides identity, while the authentication server makes the final permit/deny decision.
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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