The answer is that Central Web Authentication (CWA) is not enabled on the switch. This is the most likely cause because when a guest portal is configured for self-registration, the switch must be configured with CWA to intercept HTTP traffic and redirect it to the Cisco ISE portal for authentication; without CWA, the switch treats the guest’s HTTP request as unauthorized traffic and returns a 401 error instead of performing the redirect. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of the ISE guest access flow and the critical role of CWA on the network access device—a common trap is confusing this with a certificate or authorization policy issue. Remember the memory tip: “No CWA, no redirect—401 is the switch’s reject.”
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 company is using Cisco ISE for guest access. They have configured a guest portal with a self-registration page. Some guests report that after registering, they are not redirected to the success page but instead see a '401 Unauthorized' error. What is the most likely cause?
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.
Why wrong: ISE node configuration for HTTP redirect is part of the portal settings; if misconfigured, it would affect redirection but not typically result in 401.
B
The guest portal certificate is not trusted by the client.
Why wrong: A certificate issue would cause a security warning, not a 401 error.
C
The central web authentication (CWA) is not enabled on the switch.
Without CWA, the switch does not redirect HTTP traffic to ISE, causing a 401 unauthorized error.
D
The authorization policy for guests is missing.
Why wrong: Missing authorization policy would likely result in 'Access Denied' after successful registration.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The central web authentication (CWA) is not enabled on the switch.
Option D is correct because for guest portal redirection after authentication, the switch must be configured for central web authentication (CWA). If CWA is not enabled, the switch does not redirect HTTP traffic to the ISE portal, resulting in a 401 error. Option A is incorrect because a certificate trust issue would cause a warning, not a 401. Option B is incorrect because ISE HTTP redirect is configured as part of the portal. Option C is incorrect because a missing authorization policy would cause a different error, such as 'Access Denied'.
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.
✗
The ISE node is not configured for HTTP redirect.
Why it's wrong here
ISE node configuration for HTTP redirect is part of the portal settings; if misconfigured, it would affect redirection but not typically result in 401.
✗
The guest portal certificate is not trusted by the client.
Why it's wrong here
A certificate issue would cause a security warning, not a 401 error.
✓
The central web authentication (CWA) is not enabled on the switch.
Why this is correct
Without CWA, the switch does not redirect HTTP traffic to ISE, causing a 401 unauthorized error.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The authorization policy for guests is missing.
Why it's wrong here
Missing authorization policy would likely result in 'Access Denied' after successful registration.
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 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.
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: The central web authentication (CWA) is not enabled on the switch. — Option D is correct because for guest portal redirection after authentication, the switch must be configured for central web authentication (CWA). If CWA is not enabled, the switch does not redirect HTTP traffic to the ISE portal, resulting in a 401 error. Option A is incorrect because a certificate trust issue would cause a warning, not a 401. Option B is incorrect because ISE HTTP redirect is configured as part of the portal. Option C is incorrect because a missing authorization policy would cause a different error, such as 'Access Denied'.
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". 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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