Quick Answer
The answer is 802.1X and MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB). 802.1X is a valid NAC method because it enforces port-based access control by requiring end devices to authenticate via EAP before gaining network access, integrating with a RADIUS server like Cisco ISE to dynamically assign VLANs or ACLs based on policy. MAB is also valid, serving as a fallback NAC method for devices that lack 802.1X supplicant capability, where the switch authenticates the device based on its MAC address against the RADIUS server. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of core NAC technologies and their appropriate use cases; a common trap is confusing MAB with a security mechanism—it is an authentication bypass, not an enforcement of strong identity. Remember the memory tip: “802.1X for users, MAB for things.”
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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 valid methods for implementing Network Admission Control (NAC) in a Cisco environment?
802.1X authentication
802.1X is a standard for network access control.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
Why wrong: DAI prevents ARP spoofing, not NAC.
IP source guard
Why wrong: IP source guard prevents IP spoofing, not NAC.
DHCP snooping
Why wrong: DHCP snooping is a security feature for DHCP, not NAC.
MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB)
MAB is used for devices that cannot perform 802.1X.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
802.1X authentication
802.1X authentication is a valid NAC method because it enforces port-based access control by requiring end devices to authenticate via EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) before gaining network access. It integrates with a RADIUS server (e.g., Cisco ISE) to validate credentials and dynamically assign VLANs or ACLs based on policy, making it a core NAC technology.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
802.1X authentication
Why this is correct
802.1X is a standard for network access control.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
IP source guard
Why it's wrong here
IP source guard prevents IP spoofing, not NAC.
DHCP snooping
Why it's wrong here
DHCP snooping is a security feature for DHCP, not NAC.
MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB)
Why this is correct
MAB is used for devices that cannot perform 802.1X.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between NAC enforcement mechanisms (like 802.1X and MAB) and Layer 2 security features (like DAI, IP source guard, and DHCP snooping), causing candidates to confuse port security or DHCP snooping with actual admission control methods.
Detailed technical explanation
802.1X uses EAP over LAN (EAPoL) to transport authentication messages between the supplicant (client), authenticator (switch), and authentication server (RADIUS). MAB acts as a fallback for devices that lack 802.1X supplicant capability, authenticating based on the device's MAC address against a RADIUS server; it is often used for printers or IoT devices. In a real-world scenario, a Cisco switch configured with 802.1X and MAB can first attempt 802.1X, then fall back to MAB, and finally to a restricted VLAN if both fail, ensuring granular NAC enforcement.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 802.1X authentication — 802.1X authentication is a valid NAC method because it enforces port-based access control by requiring end devices to authenticate via EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) before gaining network access. It integrates with a RADIUS server (e.g., Cisco ISE) to validate credentials and dynamically assign VLANs or ACLs based on policy, making it a core NAC technology.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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