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350-701 Practice Question: Is implementing Cisco Identity Services Engine…
A security engineer is implementing Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for 802.1X authentication. The requirement is to allow full network access for corporate devices that pass posture assessment, while providing limited access for guest devices. The engineer configures an authorization policy with conditions based on identity group and posture status. However, guest devices are still getting full access. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the concept that authorization rules are processed top-down and that a less specific rule placed above a more specific rule can cause unintended matches, leading candidates to overlook the importance of rule ordering and condition specificity.
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
✓
The authorization rule for corporate devices is placed above the guest rule, and guest devices are matching the corporate rule first
Cisco ISE authorization policies are evaluated in top-down order, and the first matching rule is applied. If the corporate device rule is placed above the guest rule, guest devices that do not meet the posture condition may still match the corporate rule if the condition is not restrictive enough (e.g., if the identity group condition is broad or the posture check is not enforced as a required match). This results in guest devices receiving full access instead of the intended limited 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 guest devices are not passing the certificate validation
Why it's wrong here
Certificate validation affects authentication, not the order of authorization policies.
- ✓
The authorization rule for corporate devices is placed above the guest rule, and guest devices are matching the corporate rule first
Why this is correct
ISE uses first-match; if guest devices match an earlier rule, they get the associated permissions.
- ✗
MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) is not enabled for the guest devices
Why it's wrong here
MAB is an authentication method, not directly related to authorization policy order.
- ✗
The RADIUS attributes for dACL are not being sent correctly
Why it's wrong here
dACL issues would affect enforcement, not policy matching order.
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.