The answer is that the switch does not support downloadable ACLs (dACLs). This is the correct choice because when a switch lacks dACL support, it ignores the dACL attribute sent by ISE during RADIUS authorization, leaving the port without any applied filtering. Without that filter, the switch may default to a restrictive behavior that blocks all traffic, even though 802.1X authentication succeeded. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the dependency between the network access device (the switch) and the security policy enforcement mechanism—specifically, that dACLs require switch-level support to function. A common trap is assuming the RADIUS server or subnet placement is at fault, but the issue is purely hardware or IOS feature support. Memory tip: “No dACL support means no filter applied—the switch ignores the rule, and the user is left out in the cold.”
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 network engineer is troubleshooting an issue where a user's device is successfully authenticated via 802.1X, but the user cannot access the corporate network. ISE logs show that the user was granted access with a downloadable ACL (dACL). What could be the cause of no network access?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The switch does not support downloadable ACLs.
Option A is correct because if the switch does not support downloadable ACLs, it will ignore the dACL attribute and not apply any filtering, potentially blocking traffic. Option B is incorrect because subnet placement does not affect dACL application. Option C is incorrect because the RADIUS server is not involved after authentication. Option D is incorrect because 'access-session port-control auto' is correct configuration.
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 switch does not support downloadable ACLs.
Why this is correct
Switches that do not support dACLs will ignore the attribute, resulting in no access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The user's device is in a different subnet.
Why it's wrong here
Subnet location does not affect dACL application.
✗
The RADIUS server is not reachable after authentication.
Why it's wrong here
After authentication, the RADIUS server is no longer required for data traffic.
✗
The switch port is configured with 'access-session port-control auto'.
Why it's wrong here
This is the correct configuration and does not cause issues.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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 switch does not support downloadable ACLs. — Option A is correct because if the switch does not support downloadable ACLs, it will ignore the dACL attribute and not apply any filtering, potentially blocking traffic. Option B is incorrect because subnet placement does not affect dACL application. Option C is incorrect because the RADIUS server is not involved after authentication. Option D is incorrect because 'access-session port-control auto' is correct configuration.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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