- A
Verify that the switch port is configured with 'authentication port-control auto'
Why wrong: That is needed but the logs show authentication attempt, so the port is configured.
- B
Check the MAC address format in the ISE endpoint identity store (such as using lowercase with a hyphen separator)
The switch sends MAC in form '001a.2b3c.4d5e' (no delimiter) or '00-1a-2b-3c-4d-5e'? ISE expects a specific format; mismatch causes 'Invalid Endpoint ID'.
- C
Confirm that the ISE policy for MAB allows the device to authenticate
Why wrong: If the endpoint ID is invalid, the policy is never evaluated.
- D
Ensure the RADIUS shared secret is correct on the switch and ISE
Why wrong: If shared secret was wrong, the authentication would not reach ISE or would be rejected with a different error.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to check the MAC address format in the ISE endpoint identity store, specifically ensuring it uses lowercase with a hyphen separator. This is because MAB authentication failure due to an "Invalid Endpoint ID" error almost always stems from a format mismatch between how the switch sends the MAC address (as the username and password) and how ISE expects it. The Catalyst 9300 switch typically sends the MAC in Cisco’s default format—lowercase, dotted-triple notation (e.g., 001a.2b3c.4d5e)—while ISE’s endpoint repository may store it with colons or uppercase, causing the RADIUS server to reject the authentication. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of MAB authentication flow and the critical role of MAC address formatting in ISE policies; a common trap is assuming the endpoint is missing from the repository when it is actually present but formatted incorrectly. Remember the memory tip: "MAC format must match the switch’s send—lowercase dots for the win."
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 hospital is deploying Cisco ISE for network access control. They have a mix of employee laptops, medical devices (e.g., infusion pumps), and guest smartphones. The network uses Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches and Aironet 3700 series access points. For medical devices, the policy must use Machine Authentication (MAB) since they are 802.1X incapable. The ISE policy authenticates via MAB and then assigns the device to a specific VLAN for medical devices. During a pilot, the network team notices that some infusion pumps (MAC: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) are failing MAB authentication. The switch logs show 'Authentication failed for MAC 001a.2b3c.4d5e on interface GigabitEthernet1/0/10'. ISE logs show 'Authentication failed - RADIUS server rejected - Reason: Invalid Endpoint ID'. The engineer has verified the MAC address is in the ISE endpoint repository with correct identity group. What should the engineer check next to resolve this issue?
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
Check the MAC address format in the ISE endpoint identity store (such as using lowercase with a hyphen separator)
The error 'Invalid Endpoint ID' typically indicates that the username/password used for MAB is not matching. For MAB, the switch sends the MAC address as both username and password. If the ISE repository has the MAC but the authentication profile expects a different format (e.g., lowercase, colon-separated), it can fail. Option B is correct because the switch might be sending the MAC in different case (upper vs lower) or without dashes. Option A would cause different error. Option C would prevent any auth. Option D would cause other services to fail, not specific to MAB.
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.
- ✗
Verify that the switch port is configured with 'authentication port-control auto'
Why it's wrong here
That is needed but the logs show authentication attempt, so the port is configured.
- ✓
Check the MAC address format in the ISE endpoint identity store (such as using lowercase with a hyphen separator)
Why this is correct
The switch sends MAC in form '001a.2b3c.4d5e' (no delimiter) or '00-1a-2b-3c-4d-5e'? ISE expects a specific format; mismatch causes 'Invalid Endpoint ID'.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Confirm that the ISE policy for MAB allows the device to authenticate
Why it's wrong here
If the endpoint ID is invalid, the policy is never evaluated.
- ✗
Ensure the RADIUS shared secret is correct on the switch and ISE
Why it's wrong here
If shared secret was wrong, the authentication would not reach ISE or would be rejected with a different error.
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
That is needed but the logs show authentication attempt, so the port is configured.
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.
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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: Check the MAC address format in the ISE endpoint identity store (such as using lowercase with a hyphen separator) — The error 'Invalid Endpoint ID' typically indicates that the username/password used for MAB is not matching. For MAB, the switch sends the MAC address as both username and password. If the ISE repository has the MAC but the authentication profile expects a different format (e.g., lowercase, colon-separated), it can fail. Option B is correct because the switch might be sending the MAC in different case (upper vs lower) or without dashes. Option A would cause different error. Option C would prevent any auth. Option D would cause other services to fail, not specific to MAB.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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