The answer is that the proxy target rules in ISE do not match the WLC’s NAS-IP-Address. This is the most likely cause because when ISE receives an authentication request and cannot find a matching proxy target rule for the incoming NAS-IP-Address, it returns the “unable to find a suitable proxy target” internal error. The proxy target rules define which ISE node should handle requests based on attributes like the NAS-IP-Address or calling-station-id; if these rules are missing or misconfigured, ISE has no way to forward the request to the correct proxy. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of distributed ISE deployments and proxy sequence configuration, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse proxy target errors with RADIUS timeout or certificate issues. Remember the mnemonic “Proxy Needs NAS” — if the NAS-IP-Address doesn’t match a rule, the proxy has no target, and authentication fails.
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 university is implementing 802.1X for student wireless networks using Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) and ISE. Students connect with their personal devices using PEAP-MSCHAPv2. During heavy usage, some students report authentication failures and sporadic disconnections. The network team examines the ISE live logs and sees many 'Authentication failed' entries with reason 'Internal error - unable to find a suitable proxy target'. The team has configured two ISE nodes as authentication proxies for the wireless subnets. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The proxy target rules in ISE do not match the WLC's NAS-IP-Address
The error 'unable to find a suitable proxy target' indicates that the ISE node cannot determine which proxy to use for the authentication request, often due to proxy target rules not matching the incoming request attributes like NAS-IP-Address. Option D is correct because if the proxy target rules are missing or incorrect, ISE cannot forward the request. Option A would cause different errors. Option B might cause performance but not internal error. Option C would cause connection errors, not proxy target errors.
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 WLC is not configured to use the ISE proxy nodes as RADIUS servers
Why it's wrong here
If WLC didn't point to ISE, authentication wouldn't reach ISE at all.
✗
The RADIUS shared secret is mismatched between WLC and ISE
Why it's wrong here
Shared secret mismatch would give a clear 'invalid secret' error.
✗
ISE node CPU is overloaded due to high authentication load
Why it's wrong here
CPU overload might cause timeouts but not 'unable to find proxy target'.
✓
The proxy target rules in ISE do not match the WLC's NAS-IP-Address
Why this is correct
Proxy target rules must include the NAS-IP-Address of the WLC to forward requests to the appropriate authentication node.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 proxy target rules in ISE do not match the WLC's NAS-IP-Address — The error 'unable to find a suitable proxy target' indicates that the ISE node cannot determine which proxy to use for the authentication request, often due to proxy target rules not matching the incoming request attributes like NAS-IP-Address. Option D is correct because if the proxy target rules are missing or incorrect, ISE cannot forward the request. Option A would cause different errors. Option B might cause performance but not internal error. Option C would cause connection errors, not proxy target errors.
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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