SDSI Secure Infrastructure Design Practice Question
You are designing an IoT network segment. Which technology allows you to verify device identity at the hardware level?
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
✓
802.1X with EAP-TLS.
802.1X (EAP-TLS) utilizing digital certificates stored in a TPM or secure element allows for hardware-based identity verification.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB).
Why it's wrong here
MAB is easily spoofed and does not verify hardware identity.
- ✗
SNMPv3.
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is for management, not access identity.
- ✗
Static IP filtering.
Why it's wrong here
Static filtering provides no identity assurance.
- ✓
802.1X with EAP-TLS.
Why this is correct
EAP-TLS ensures secure hardware-level identification.
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.
About these practice questions
This SDSI question is part of Courseiva's 299-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This SDSI 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 SDSI exam.