The answer is the ability to change passwords or permissions in one place and the ability to maintain a unified audit trail for all login attempts. Centralized RADIUS authentication aggregates all AAA data on a single server, so when you update a password or adjust a privilege level, that change instantly applies across every network device using that RADIUS server. Local authentication, by contrast, forces you to manually reconfigure each switch or router individually, which is both error-prone and time-consuming. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of AAA architecture and the operational advantages of centralization over device-local databases. A common trap is assuming that local authentication offers better security because it is “self-contained,” but in reality, it lacks the aggregated logging and single-point administration that compliance frameworks require. Remember the mnemonic: “One change, all devices” for centralized; “One device, one change” for local.
350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 benefits does centralized RADIUS authentication provide over local authentication on network devices? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Centralized accounting and logging of all authentication attempts
Centralized RADIUS authentication aggregates all authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) data on a single server. This provides a unified audit trail for all login attempts across network devices, enabling comprehensive logging and accounting that local authentication cannot offer. Local authentication logs are device-specific and lack centralized aggregation, making forensic analysis and compliance reporting more difficult.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Centralized accounting and logging of all authentication attempts
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that centralized authentication is faster or eliminates the need for a backup method, when in reality it introduces dependency on network reachability and requires a fallback like local authentication for resilience.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RADIUS uses UDP (ports 1812 for authentication, 1813 for accounting) and relies on a shared secret for packet integrity. In a real-world scenario, centralized RADIUS allows network administrators to enforce consistent password policies and revoke access globally by updating a single user database, which is critical for compliance with standards like PCI DSS that mandate centralized logging and access control.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Centralized accounting and logging of all authentication attempts — Centralized RADIUS authentication aggregates all authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) data on a single server. This provides a unified audit trail for all login attempts across network devices, enabling comprehensive logging and accounting that local authentication cannot offer. Local authentication logs are device-specific and lack centralized aggregation, making forensic analysis and compliance reporting more difficult.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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