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350-701 Practice Question: Which 802.1X component is responsible for…
Which 802.1X component is responsible for enforcing access control on the network and relaying authentication messages between the client and the authentication server?
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
✓
Authenticator
The authenticator (typically a switch or WLC) enforces access control and acts as a proxy between the supplicant and the authentication server (ISE).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Authentication server
Why it's wrong here
The authentication server (ISE) validates credentials and returns authorization.
- ✗
RADIUS server
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS server is a type of authentication server, but the question asks for the component that enforces access.
- ✗
Supplicant
Why it's wrong here
The supplicant is the client software that requests authentication.
- ✓
Authenticator
Why this is correct
The authenticator (switch/WLC) enforces access and relays EAP messages.
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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JA
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.