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200-901 Uses Cisco ISE for network access control Practice Question
An organization uses Cisco ISE for network access control. A user reports inability to access the network. The switch port shows the authenticator state as 'connecting'. What does this indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the 'connecting' state (meaning the process is ongoing) and the 'authenticated' or 'failed' states, so candidates mistakenly think 'connecting' implies a problem or failure rather than normal progress.
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 client is in the process of 802.1X authentication
In Cisco ISE and 802.1X, the authenticator state 'connecting' indicates that the switch (authenticator) has detected a new client on the port and has initiated the 802.1X authentication process. This state means the port is actively sending EAP-Request/Identity frames and waiting for the client to respond, so the client is in the process of authentication, not yet authenticated or failed.
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 client is in the process of 802.1X authentication
Why this is correct
'Connecting' means authentication is ongoing.
- ✗
The client has successfully authenticated
Why it's wrong here
Success state is 'authenticated'.
- ✗
The port is in a held state due to multiple failures
Why it's wrong here
Held state is 'auth-fail-vlan' or similar.
- ✗
Authentication has failed
Why it's wrong here
Failure state is 'failed'.
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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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.