Quick Answer
The correct command is test aaa group radius user password, as it directly performs a RADIUS communication test by simulating an actual authentication request against the configured RADIUS server. Unlike a simple ping, which only verifies IP-level reachability, this command validates the entire AAA chain—including the shared secret, user credentials, and attribute handling—making it the precise tool when users receive 'AAA authentication failed' despite the server being reachable. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that ping success does not guarantee RADIUS protocol success; a common trap is choosing debug radius authentication instead, which shows traffic but does not isolate credential processing. Remember the memory tip: "Ping proves path, test aaa proves process"—the test command is the only way to confirm whether the RADIUS server actually accepts the authentication attempt.
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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.
An administrator is troubleshooting authentication failures for VPN users. The RADIUS server is reachable via ping, but users receive 'AAA authentication failed'. Which command should be used to test communication with the RADIUS server?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
aaa new-model
Why wrong: This command enables AAA, but does not test communication.
show radius server statistics
Why wrong: This command shows server statistics, not a live test.
test aaa group radius user password
This command simulates RADIUS authentication to verify server reachability and credentials.
debug radius authentication
Why wrong: Debug commands are for real-time analysis, not for testing connectivity.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
test aaa group radius user password
Option C is correct because the 'test aaa group radius user password' command is specifically designed to simulate an authentication attempt against a RADIUS server, allowing the administrator to verify whether the RADIUS server is properly processing credentials. Since the RADIUS server is reachable via ping but users still fail, this command isolates whether the issue lies in the AAA authentication process itself, such as incorrect shared secret, user credentials, or RADIUS attribute mismatches.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
aaa new-model
Why it's wrong here
This command enables AAA, but does not test communication.
show radius server statistics
Why it's wrong here
This command shows server statistics, not a live test.
test aaa group radius user password
Why this is correct
This command simulates RADIUS authentication to verify server reachability and credentials.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
debug radius authentication
Why it's wrong here
Debug commands are for real-time analysis, not for testing connectivity.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse reachability (ping) with successful AAA authentication, or they select 'debug radius authentication' thinking it will test the server, when in fact debug commands only observe traffic and do not initiate a test transaction.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command enables AAA, but does not test communication.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'test aaa group radius' command sends an Access-Request packet to the RADIUS server using the configured shared secret and expects an Access-Accept or Access-Reject response, as defined in RFC 2865. This command is invaluable for verifying that the RADIUS server's shared secret matches the device's configuration and that the user exists in the RADIUS database, without needing an actual VPN client. In real-world scenarios, a common subtlety is that the RADIUS server may be reachable (ICMP) but the shared secret is mismatched or the NAS (Network Access Server) IP is not authorized, causing silent rejections that this test will expose.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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FAQ
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: test aaa group radius user password — Option C is correct because the 'test aaa group radius user password' command is specifically designed to simulate an authentication attempt against a RADIUS server, allowing the administrator to verify whether the RADIUS server is properly processing credentials. Since the RADIUS server is reachable via ping but users still fail, this command isolates whether the issue lies in the AAA authentication process itself, such as incorrect shared secret, user credentials, or RADIUS attribute mismatches.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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