350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
Which TWO are valid options for configuring a switch port to handle authentication failures in an 802.1X environment? (Select two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'no-response' (supplicant silent) and 'fail' (explicit authentication rejection) events, and candidates may incorrectly assume that only 'fail' actions are valid for handling authentication failures, missing that 'no-response' is also a valid failure scenario.
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
✓
authentication event no-response action authorize vlan 100
The 'authentication event no-response action authorize vlan 100' command configures the switch port to place the endpoint into a restricted VLAN (e.g., VLAN 100) when the supplicant fails to respond to 802.1X authentication requests. This is a valid method for handling authentication failures, specifically a 'no-response' scenario, by authorizing the port with a limited-access VLAN instead of denying all traffic.
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 event no-response action authorize vlan 100
Why this is correct
This is used when the endpoint does not respond to 802.1X (e.g., non-802.1X device).
- ✗
dot1x critical profile
Why it's wrong here
This is for critical voice VLAN, not for handling authentication failures.
- ✗
authentication event server dead action reinitialize
Why it's wrong here
This action is for when the RADIUS server is unreachable, not for authentication failure.
- ✗
authentication port-control force-authorized
Why it's wrong here
This bypasses authentication and allows all traffic.
- ✓
authentication event fail action authorize vlan 999
Why this is correct
This moves the port to a guest VLAN when authentication fails.
Visual reference
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
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