- A
If no AAA authentication method list is explicitly configured, the default method list uses the local user database.
Why wrong: The default method list uses the enable password, not the local database, unless 'aaa authentication login default local' is configured.
- B
The 'aaa authentication login default local' command creates a default method list that uses the local user database for login authentication.
This command defines the default method list for login authentication, using the local database as the first (and only) method.
- C
When a named method list is applied to a line with 'login authentication LISTNAME', the default method list is ignored for that line.
Applying a named method list overrides the default method list on that line; authentication uses only the methods in the named list.
- D
The 'aaa authentication login default group radius local' command will first try RADIUS, and if RADIUS fails (not just rejects), it will fall back to local.
Why wrong: This command will try RADIUS and then local, but 'fails' means the server is unreachable; if RADIUS rejects the user, authentication stops and does not fall back to local.
- E
The 'aaa authentication login default method' command creates a method list with no authentication methods, which denies all login attempts.
Why wrong: There is no 'method' keyword; the correct syntax is 'aaa authentication login default none' to allow login without authentication.
300-410 Device Access Control Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device access control. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 TWO statements about AAA authentication on Cisco IOS-XE are true? (Choose TWO.)
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 'aaa authentication login default local' command creates a default method list that uses the local user database for login authentication.
Option B is correct because the 'aaa authentication login default local' command explicitly configures the default method list to use the local user database for login authentication. This is the standard way to define a fallback or primary local authentication method for all lines that do not have a named method list applied.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
If no AAA authentication method list is explicitly configured, the default method list uses the local user database.
Why it's wrong here
The default method list uses the enable password, not the local database, unless 'aaa authentication login default local' is configured.
- ✓
The 'aaa authentication login default local' command creates a default method list that uses the local user database for login authentication.
Why this is correct
This command defines the default method list for login authentication, using the local database as the first (and only) method.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
When a named method list is applied to a line with 'login authentication LISTNAME', the default method list is ignored for that line.
Why this is correct
Applying a named method list overrides the default method list on that line; authentication uses only the methods in the named list.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 'aaa authentication login default group radius local' command will first try RADIUS, and if RADIUS fails (not just rejects), it will fall back to local.
Why it's wrong here
This command will try RADIUS and then local, but 'fails' means the server is unreachable; if RADIUS rejects the user, authentication stops and does not fall back to local.
- ✗
The 'aaa authentication login default method' command creates a method list with no authentication methods, which denies all login attempts.
Why it's wrong here
There is no 'method' keyword; the correct syntax is 'aaa authentication login default none' to allow login without authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between a method list 'failure' (which allows fallback) and a 'reject' (which denies access immediately), and the fact that an unconfigured AAA defaults to line password authentication, not local database.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
There is no 'method' keyword; the correct syntax is 'aaa authentication login default none' to allow login without authentication.
Command / output trap
This command will try RADIUS and then local, but 'fails' means the server is unreachable; if RADIUS rejects the user, authentication stops and does not fall back to local.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AAA authentication method lists are processed in order; if a method returns an error (not a rejection), the next method is tried. The 'default' method list applies to all lines unless overridden by a named list applied with 'login authentication LISTNAME'. Understanding the difference between a RADIUS 'reject' (Access-Reject) and a 'failure' (no response or timeout) is critical for designing resilient authentication policies.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Device Access Control — This question tests Device Access Control — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'aaa authentication login default local' command creates a default method list that uses the local user database for login authentication. — Option B is correct because the 'aaa authentication login default local' command explicitly configures the default method list to use the local user database for login authentication. This is the standard way to define a fallback or primary local authentication method for all lines that do not have a named method list applied.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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