hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
350-701 Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport access vlan 10 switchport mode access authentication host-mode multi-auth authentication port-control auto dot1x pae authenticator dot1x timeout tx-period 3 spanning-tree portfast interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport access vlan 20 switchport mode access authentication host-mode single-host authentication port-control auto dot1x pae authenticator dot1x timeout tx-period 30 spanning-tree portfast
Refer to the exhibit. An engineer configured 802.1X on two switch ports. On Gi1/0/1, a VoIP phone and a PC are connected via a hub. On Gi1/0/2, only a single PC is connected. Which port will successfully authenticate both devices, and what is the issue with the other port?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between `multi-auth` and `single-host` modes, and the trap here is that candidates assume 802.1X inherently supports multiple devices or that a long tx-period is the cause of failure, rather than recognizing the default single-host restriction on Gi1/0/2.
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
✓
Gi1/0/1 will authenticate both devices; Gi1/0/2 will only authenticate the PC, and any additional device will be denied.
Gi1/0/1 is configured with the `authentication port-control auto` and `authentication host-mode multi-auth` commands, which allow both the VoIP phone and the PC to authenticate independently. Gi1/0/2 is configured with `authentication host-mode single-host` (the default), which only permits a single authenticated device; any additional device, such as a second PC connected via a hub, will be denied 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.
- ✗
Both ports will authenticate all connected devices because 802.1X supports multiple hosts by default.
Why it's wrong here
Single-host mode restricts to one device.
- ✗
Gi1/0/2 will authenticate the PC; Gi1/0/1 will fail because multi-auth is not supported on access ports.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-auth is supported on access ports.
- ✗
Gi1/0/1 will authenticate both devices; Gi1/0/2 will fail because the tx-period is too long.
Why it's wrong here
The tx-period does not cause failure; it only delays retransmission.
- ✓
Gi1/0/1 will authenticate both devices; Gi1/0/2 will only authenticate the PC, and any additional device will be denied.
Why this is correct
Multi-auth allows multiple devices; single-host allows only one.
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.