SISE Architecture And Deployment Practice Question
When configuring a load balancer for a group of PSNs, what is the best practice for handling RADIUS traffic?
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
✓
Source-IP affinity (persistence)
For RADIUS, the load balancer should use source-IP persistence (sticky sessions) to ensure that the Access-Request and subsequent Access-Challenge/Response messages hit the same PSN.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SSL-offloading
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS is not typically SSL-wrapped in standard enterprise deployments.
- ✓
Source-IP affinity (persistence)
Why this is correct
Source-IP affinity ensures the RADIUS state is maintained by the same PSN.
- ✗
Active-passive failover only
Why it's wrong here
Load balancing provides better distribution than simple failover.
- ✗
Round-robin without persistence
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS requires stateful processing; round-robin will break the exchange.
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
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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 SISE 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 SISE exam.