- A
Authentication server (ISE)
Why wrong: ISE is the server that validates credentials, but it does not relay messages; the authenticator does.
- B
RADIUS proxy
Why wrong: A RADIUS proxy can forward messages but is not a standard component of 802.1X; the authenticator is the standard relay.
- C
Authenticator
The authenticator (e.g., switch) forwards EAP messages between the supplicant and the authentication server.
- D
Supplicant
Why wrong: The supplicant is the client software that initiates authentication.
Question 992 of 988
350-701 Endpoint Security and Identity Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of endpoint security and identity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
In the 802.1X authentication process, which component is responsible for relaying authentication messages between the client and 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 the 802.1X authentication process, the authenticator (typically a switch or wireless access point) is responsible for relaying Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) messages between the supplicant (client) and the authentication server (e.g., ISE). The authenticator encapsulates EAP frames into RADIUS packets for transmission to the server, acting as a transparent proxy that does not modify or terminate the EAP conversation. This role is defined in IEEE 802.1X-2010, where the authenticator controls port access based on the authentication result.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Authentication server (ISE)
Why it's wrong here
ISE is the server that validates credentials, but it does not relay messages; the authenticator does.
- ✗
RADIUS proxy
- ✓
Authenticator
Why this is correct
The authenticator (e.g., switch) forwards EAP messages between the supplicant and the authentication server.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Supplicant
Why it's wrong here
The supplicant is the client software that initiates authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that the RADIUS proxy is the relay component, but the authenticator (switch/AP) is the standard relay in 802.1X, while a RADIUS proxy is an optional network element for routing RADIUS traffic between different administrative domains.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the authenticator uses the PAE (Port Access Entity) to manage the controlled/uncontrolled port states and encapsulates EAP over LAN (EAPoL) frames from the supplicant into RADIUS Access-Request packets (using EAP-Message attributes) to the server. A subtle behavior is that the authenticator must maintain a state machine (e.g., IEEE 802.1X-2010 state machine) to track the EAP conversation, including timeouts and retransmissions, without interpreting the EAP method itself. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured authenticators can cause authentication failures if they do not properly forward EAP-Request/Identity or handle EAP-Response/Identity messages.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-701 question test?
Endpoint Security and Identity — This question tests Endpoint Security and Identity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authenticator — In the 802.1X authentication process, the authenticator (typically a switch or wireless access point) is responsible for relaying Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) messages between the supplicant (client) and the authentication server (e.g., ISE). The authenticator encapsulates EAP frames into RADIUS packets for transmission to the server, acting as a transparent proxy that does not modify or terminate the EAP conversation. This role is defined in IEEE 802.1X-2010, where the authenticator controls port access based on the authentication result.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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