easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
350-701 Practice Question: An administrator is troubleshooting…
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to 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.
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
✓
test aaa group radius user password
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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.
- ✗
debug radius authentication
Why it's wrong here
Debug commands are for real-time analysis, not for testing connectivity.
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.