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. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which TWO are common causes for CoA (Change of Authorization) failures in a Cisco ISE deployment? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The switch does not support the CoA protocol.
Options A and B are correct. The switch must support CoA (RFC 3576), and the RADIUS shared secret must match for CoA packets to be accepted. Option C is not a cause (periodic reauthentication is a feature). Option D is not inherently a cause (proxy can still forward CoA). Option E is incorrect because ISE and switch can be in different subnets as long as network connectivity exists.
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.
✓
The switch does not support the CoA protocol.
Why this is correct
The switch must implement RFC 3576 for CoA to work.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The ISE node serving the CoA is not in the same subnet as the switch.
Why it's wrong here
CoA works across subnets as long as routing is in place.
✓
The RADIUS shared secret between ISE and switch is mismatched.
Why this is correct
CoA packets are authenticated using the shared secret; a mismatch causes failure.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The switch port is configured with 'authentication periodic'.
Why it's wrong here
Periodic reauthentication does not affect CoA.
✗
The endpoint is connected through a wireless controller that proxies RADIUS.
Why it's wrong here
Wireless controllers can proxy CoA messages without issues.
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.
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 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.
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.
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: The switch does not support the CoA protocol. — Options A and B are correct. The switch must support CoA (RFC 3576), and the RADIUS shared secret must match for CoA packets to be accepted. Option C is not a cause (periodic reauthentication is a feature). Option D is not inherently a cause (proxy can still forward CoA). Option E is incorrect because ISE and switch can be in different subnets as long as network connectivity exists.
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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