The answer is the global command `dot1x system-auth-control`. This command is required because, while the interface-level `authentication port-control auto` enables 802.1X on the port, the switch’s control plane must be explicitly told to process and forward authentication traffic to the RADIUS server; without `dot1x system-auth-control` enabled globally, the switch ignores all EAPoL frames, which explains why the client sends an EAPoL-Start but never receives an EAP-Request/Identity. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this is a classic trap—candidates often focus only on interface commands like `dot1x pae authenticator` or `authentication port-control auto`, forgetting the mandatory global toggle that activates the 802.1X feature set. A reliable memory tip is to think of `system-auth-control` as the master power switch: without it flipped on globally, no amount of per-interface configuration will make 802.1X respond.
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. 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 an 802.1X deployment where some Windows 10 endpoints fail to authenticate. Logs show that the client sends an EAPoL-Start but never receives an EAP-Request/Identity. The switch port configuration is:
authentication port-control auto
dot1x pae authenticator
Which additional command is most likely needed?
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.
Clue: "never"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
dot1x system-auth-control
The 'authentication port-control auto' enables 802.1X, but the switch must also be configured to use the RADIUS server for authentication. The missing command is 'dot1x timeout tx-period 3' is irrelevant; 'dot1x reauthentication' is optional; 'spanning-tree portfast' is for STP. The correct answer is A: 'aaa new-model' and 'radius-server host...' but the option must be listed. Actually the stem asks for 'additional command', so option C 'dot1x system-auth-control' is necessary globally. In many Cisco switches, 'dot1x system-auth-control' must be enabled globally. Thus answer is C.
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.
✗
dot1x reauthentication
Why it's wrong here
This enables periodic reauthentication, but the initial authentication is not happening.
✓
dot1x system-auth-control
Why this is correct
This global command enables 802.1X authentication on the switch, which is required for the port to process EAPoL messages.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "never" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
spanning-tree portfast
Why it's wrong here
Portfast accelerates STP convergence but does not affect 802.1X behavior.
✗
dot1x timeout tx-period 3
Why it's wrong here
This tunes the timeout but does not enable the authentication process.
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: dot1x system-auth-control — The 'authentication port-control auto' enables 802.1X, but the switch must also be configured to use the RADIUS server for authentication. The missing command is 'dot1x timeout tx-period 3' is irrelevant; 'dot1x reauthentication' is optional; 'spanning-tree portfast' is for STP. The correct answer is A: 'aaa new-model' and 'radius-server host...' but the option must be listed. Actually the stem asks for 'additional command', so option C 'dot1x system-auth-control' is necessary globally. In many Cisco switches, 'dot1x system-auth-control' must be enabled globally. Thus answer is C.
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", "never". 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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