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350-701 Practice Question: Is troubleshooting 802.1X authentication on a…
A network engineer is troubleshooting 802.1X authentication on a Cisco switch. Users report that they cannot authenticate. The engineer verifies that the switch (authenticator) is configured correctly and the RADIUS server (ISE) is reachable. Which component is most likely misconfigured on the client side?
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
✓
Supplicant
The supplicant is the client software that initiates 802.1X authentication. If users cannot authenticate, the supplicant configuration (e.g., EAP method, credentials) is often the issue.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Authentication server
Why it's wrong here
The authentication server (ISE) is reachable and presumably configured correctly.
- ✗
RADIUS shared secret
Why it's wrong here
Since ISE is reachable, the shared secret is likely correct.
- ✓
Supplicant
Why this is correct
Correct. The supplicant on the client may be misconfigured or not enabled.
- ✗
Authenticator
Why it's wrong here
The switch (authenticator) is verified as configured correctly.
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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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.