The answer is that the user will be authenticated using the local database. This occurs because when a RADIUS server is unreachable, the router’s AAA authentication method list will fall back to the next configured method, which in this case is the local database, provided the 'local' keyword is included in the list. This fallback mechanism is a critical safeguard in Cisco IOS to prevent lockout when external authentication servers fail. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of AAA method lists and the order of operations—a common trap is assuming authentication simply fails, but the router will try each method in sequence until one succeeds. Remember the memory tip: “RADIUS down? Local’s the crown”—the local database is the default safety net for administrative access.
350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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.
```
! RADIUS server configuration
radius server MY_RADIUS
address ipv4 192.168.10.10 auth-port 1812 acct-port 1813
key cisco123
!
aaa new-model
aaa authentication login default group radius local
aaa authorization exec default group radius local
aaa accounting exec default start-stop group radius
```
Refer to the exhibit. A user attempts to SSH to the router. The RADIUS server is unreachable. What will happen?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user will be authenticated using the local database
When RADIUS is unreachable and the router is configured for AAA authentication, the default behavior is to fall back to the local database if the 'local' keyword is included in the authentication method list. In this scenario, the user will be authenticated using the local database because the RADIUS server is unreachable, and the router has a local user account configured. This is a standard AAA fallback mechanism to ensure administrative access is not completely lost.
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 user will be denied access because RADIUS is unreachable
Why it's wrong here
The 'local' keyword provides a fallback to local authentication.
✗
The router will try TACACS+ as a fallback
Why it's wrong here
No TACACS+ server is configured; only RADIUS and local.
✓
The user will be authenticated using the local database
Why this is correct
When RADIUS is unreachable, the router uses local authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The user will be authenticated using RADIUS after a timeout
Why it's wrong here
The router will not wait indefinitely; it will fall back to local immediately.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a RADIUS timeout will eventually allow authentication, but the trap here is that the router immediately falls back to the next method in the list (local) when the server is unreachable, not after a timeout.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
The 'local' keyword provides a fallback to local authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the AAA authentication method list is processed sequentially. When the first method (RADIUS) fails due to the server being unreachable, the router immediately moves to the next method in the list (local) without waiting for a timeout. This behavior is controlled by the 'aaa authentication login default group radius local' command, where 'local' is the fallback method. In real-world scenarios, this prevents lockouts when the RADIUS server is down, but it also requires careful management of local credentials to avoid security gaps.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The user will be authenticated using the local database — When RADIUS is unreachable and the router is configured for AAA authentication, the default behavior is to fall back to the local database if the 'local' keyword is included in the authentication method list. In this scenario, the user will be authenticated using the local database because the RADIUS server is unreachable, and the router has a local user account configured. This is a standard AAA fallback mechanism to ensure administrative access is not completely lost.
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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Question Discussion
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