350-701 Practice Question: Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement
Which TWO conditions must be met for a Cisco switch to initiate 802.1X authentication? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that the endpoint must have a supplicant enabled for the switch to initiate 802.1X, but in reality the switch initiates authentication regardless, and the supplicant is only needed for the endpoint to respond.
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
✓
The switch port is configured with 'authentication port-control auto'.
The 'authentication port-control auto' command places the switch port in 802.1X authentication mode, allowing it to initiate the authentication process when a new endpoint connects. Without this configuration, the port remains in a force-authorized state and will not trigger 802.1X exchanges.
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 port is configured with 'authentication port-control auto'.
Why this is correct
This command enables 802.1X on the port.
- ✗
The switch port is configured with 'switchport mode access'.
Why it's wrong here
Trunk ports can also support 802.1X.
- ✗
The endpoint has a 802.1X supplicant enabled.
Why it's wrong here
The switch initiates authentication even without a supplicant; if no supplicant, it fails or falls back.
- ✗
The switch has a VLAN configured for guest access.
Why it's wrong here
Guest VLAN is optional and not required for initiation.
- ✓
The switch has a reachable RADIUS server configured.
Why this is correct
The switch must be able to communicate with a RADIUS server for authentication.
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
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.