The correct answer is that the new device is not authenticated and remains unauthorized. This occurs because the switch has reached its platform-specific maximum authentication sessions limit, and by default, any new authentication request is denied without additional configuration. The 802.1X and MAB processes simply reject the new device, leaving it in an unauthorized state—the port does not shut down, forward traffic, or fail open automatically. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how authentication thresholds interact with port security and fallback mechanisms; a common trap is assuming the port will err-disable or that MAB will override the session limit. Remember the key default behavior: once the max is hit, new devices are locked out unless you explicitly configure the `authentication limit authen-fail-action` command. Memory tip: “Maxed out means locked out—no fail-open, no forward, just denied.”
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1
description User Access
switchport access vlan 100
switchport mode access
authentication port-control auto
authentication periodic
authentication timer reauthenticate 3600
dot1x pae authenticator
dot1x timeout tx-period 3
dot1x max-reauth-req 2
mab
!
!Global:
aaa new-model
aaa authentication dot1x default group radius
aaa authorization network default group radius
radius-server host 10.1.1.20 key cisco123
Refer to the exhibit. A switch port is configured for 802.1X with MAB. The switch has reached its maximum number of authentication sessions (platform limit). When a new device attempts to connect, what happens?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The new device is not authenticated and remains unauthorized
Option C is correct because when the maximum number of authentication sessions is reached, new authentication requests are denied unless 'authentication limit authen-fail-action' is configured otherwise. Option A is wrong because the port does not shut down by default. Option B is wrong because the port does not forward immediately. Option D is wrong because the switch does not fail open automatically.
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.
✓
The new device is not authenticated and remains unauthorized
Why this is correct
If the platform limit is reached, the switch cannot create new sessions, so the port remains unauthorized for the new device.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The new device is allowed to pass traffic due to fallback
Why it's wrong here
Fallback only applies if configured; even then, it would not bypass session limits.
✗
The switch sends a CoA to ISE to free up a session
Why it's wrong here
CoA is not automatically sent; the administrator must configure session limits and actions.
✗
The port is automatically shut down
Why it's wrong here
There is no automatic shutdown; the new device is simply not authenticated.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 practitioner preparing for the 350-701 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The new device is not authenticated and remains unauthorized — Option C is correct because when the maximum number of authentication sessions is reached, new authentication requests are denied unless 'authentication limit authen-fail-action' is configured otherwise. Option A is wrong because the port does not shut down by default. Option B is wrong because the port does not forward immediately. Option D is wrong because the switch does not fail open automatically.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which 350-701 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-701 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.