- A
SNMPv3
Why wrong: SNMPv3 is for management access, not command authorization.
- B
IP access lists
Why wrong: ACLs filter traffic, not commands.
- C
Role-based access control (RBAC) with task groups
Task groups are the RBAC mechanism in IOS XR.
- D
AAA with RADIUS
Why wrong: RADIUS can provide authentication but not granular command authorization via task groups.
Question 632 of 1,000
350-501 Security and Services Practice Question
This 350-501 practice question tests your understanding of security and services. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 IOS XR feature allows an administrator to grant specific commands to a user based on their role, using task groups?
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
✓
Role-based access control (RBAC) with task groups
IOS XR uses task groups (e.g., cisco-support, cisco-config) to define sets of commands or operations. Users are assigned to task groups to control access to specific router functions.
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.
- ✗
SNMPv3
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv3 is for management access, not command authorization.
- ✗
IP access lists
Why it's wrong here
ACLs filter traffic, not commands.
- ✓
Role-based access control (RBAC) with task groups
Why this is correct
Task groups are the RBAC mechanism in IOS XR.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
AAA with RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS can provide authentication but not granular command authorization via task groups.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SNMPv3 is for management access, not command authorization.
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 350-501 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-501 question test?
Security and Services — This question tests Security and Services — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Role-based access control (RBAC) with task groups — IOS XR uses task groups (e.g., cisco-support, cisco-config) to define sets of commands or operations. Users are assigned to task groups to control access to specific router functions.
What should I do if I get this 350-501 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 350-501 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 350-501 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 350-501 exam.
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