The answer is that the switch must have 'aaa server radius dynamic-author' configured with a client entry for ISE. This is correct because Change of Authorization (CoA) relies on the switch acting as a RADIUS client for dynamic authorization, which requires this specific global configuration command to listen for unsolicited CoA messages from ISE on UDP port 3799. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how ISE CoA switch configuration for endpoint quarantine works in a live 802.1X environment, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse CoA with RADIUS accounting or server dead actions. A common mistake is thinking CoA uses standard RADIUS port 1812, but it defaults to port 3799. Remember the mnemonic: "Dynamic Author listens on 3799" to keep the port and command straight.
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. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 security incident, an engineer needs to quickly quarantine an endpoint that is connected to a switch via 802.1X. The engineer wants to use ISE to send a Change of Authorization (CoA) to move the port to a restrictive VLAN. What must be configured on the switch to allow ISE to send CoA?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The switch must have 'aaa server radius dynamic-author' configured with a client entry for ISE
Option D is correct because CoA requires the switch to act as a RADIUS client for dynamic authorization, configured with 'aaa server radius dynamic-author'. Option A is wrong because RADIUS accounting is separate. Option B is wrong because CoA uses UDP port 3799 by default. Option C is wrong because 'authentication event server dead action' is for RADIUS server failure, not CoA.
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 must listen on UDP port 1700 for CoA packets
The switch must have 'aaa server radius dynamic-author' configured with a client entry for ISE
Why this is correct
This command enables the switch to accept CoA requests from ISE.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The switch must have a VTY line configured with 'transport input ssh'
Why it's wrong here
VTY is for CLI access, not for CoA.
✗
RADIUS accounting must be enabled on the switch
Why it's wrong here
Accounting is not required for CoA to function.
✗
The switch must have 'authentication event server dead action authorize' configured
Why it's wrong here
This is for fail-open when RADIUS server is unreachable.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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 must have 'aaa server radius dynamic-author' configured with a client entry for ISE — Option D is correct because CoA requires the switch to act as a RADIUS client for dynamic authorization, configured with 'aaa server radius dynamic-author'. Option A is wrong because RADIUS accounting is separate. Option B is wrong because CoA uses UDP port 3799 by default. Option C is wrong because 'authentication event server dead action' is for RADIUS server failure, not CoA.
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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