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350-701 Practice Question: Wants to deploy 802.1X for network access control
An organization wants to deploy 802.1X for network access control. Which component is responsible for forwarding authentication requests from the endpoint to the authentication server?
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
✓
Authenticator
In 802.1X, the authenticator (switch or wireless LAN controller) acts as the middleman, relaying EAP messages between the supplicant and the authentication server.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Authenticator
Why this is correct
The authenticator (switch/WLC) forwards authentication traffic.
- ✗
Authentication server
Why it's wrong here
The authentication server validates credentials but does not forward requests from the endpoint.
- ✗
Supplicant
Why it's wrong here
The supplicant is the client software on the endpoint.
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RADIUS proxy
Why it's wrong here
A RADIUS proxy is not a core 802.1X component.
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.