- A
The device is using a MAC address that matches a static CAM entry
Why wrong: Static CAM entries do not bypass 802.1X.
- B
The 'authentication fallback final mab' command allows the port to become authorized even if MAB fails
This command treats 'mab' as the final method; if it fails, the port is still authorized.
- C
The switch has 'aaa authentication dot1x default local' which allows local fallback
Why wrong: Local fallback would require local credentials, not bypass authentication.
- D
The 'dot1x timeout server-timeout' is too short, causing the switch to skip authentication
Why wrong: The timeout only affects how long the switch waits for a RADIUS response.
- E
The switch is running an IOS version that treats 'authentication fallback final mab' as a no-op
Why wrong: The command is valid and functions as described.
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. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
During a network audit, an engineer finds that a switch configured for 802.1X is allowing a device to access the network without authentication. The switch logs show 'MAB failed', 'dot1x failed', but the port is in the forwarding state. The port configuration includes 'authentication fallback final mab' and 'dot1x timeout server-timeout 10'. What is the most likely explanation?
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.
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
The 'authentication fallback final mab' command allows the port to become authorized even if MAB fails
Option D is correct because 'authentication fallback final mab' means if dot1x and MAB fail, the switch still authorizes the device as a final fallback, effectively overriding the authentication failure. Option A is wrong because the logs show authentication attempts. Option B is wrong because the logs explicitly show failures. Option C is wrong because server-timeout alone does not cause this behavior.
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 device is using a MAC address that matches a static CAM entry
Why it's wrong here
Static CAM entries do not bypass 802.1X.
- ✓
The 'authentication fallback final mab' command allows the port to become authorized even if MAB fails
Why this is correct
This command treats 'mab' as the final method; if it fails, the port is still authorized.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The switch has 'aaa authentication dot1x default local' which allows local fallback
Why it's wrong here
Local fallback would require local credentials, not bypass authentication.
- ✗
The 'dot1x timeout server-timeout' is too short, causing the switch to skip authentication
Why it's wrong here
The timeout only affects how long the switch waits for a RADIUS response.
- ✗
The switch is running an IOS version that treats 'authentication fallback final mab' as a no-op
Why it's wrong here
The command is valid and functions as described.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The command is valid and functions as described.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
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Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-701 question test?
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 'authentication fallback final mab' command allows the port to become authorized even if MAB fails — Option D is correct because 'authentication fallback final mab' means if dot1x and MAB fail, the switch still authorizes the device as a final fallback, effectively overriding the authentication failure. Option A is wrong because the logs show authentication attempts. Option B is wrong because the logs explicitly show failures. Option C is wrong because server-timeout alone does not cause this behavior.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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