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300-410 Practice Question: Which TWO configuration steps are required to…
Which TWO configuration steps are required to enable TACACS+ authentication for device access control on a Cisco IOS router, assuming the TACACS+ server is already reachable? (Choose TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between authentication (verifying identity) and authorization (granting permissions), so candidates mistakenly select authorization commands like 'aaa authorization exec' when the question explicitly asks for authentication steps.
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
✓
Configure the TACACS+ server with the 'tacacs server' command and specify the server IP and key.
The 'tacacs server' command is required to define the TACACS+ server's IP address and the shared secret key, which is necessary for the router to communicate securely with the server. Option B is correct because 'aaa authentication login default group tacacs+' creates an authentication method list that tells the router to use TACACS+ as the primary method for login authentication, which is essential for device access control.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure the TACACS+ server with the 'tacacs server' command and specify the server IP and key.
Why this is correct
This is required to define the TACACS+ server for the router to communicate with.
- ✓
Create an AAA authentication login method list using 'aaa authentication login default group tacacs+' to use TACACS+ as the primary method.
Why this is correct
This applies TACACS+ authentication to the default login method list, enabling its use for device access.
- ✗
Configure 'aaa authorization exec default group tacacs+' to authorize user commands after authentication.
Why it's wrong here
This is for authorization, not authentication; it is optional and not required for authentication to work.
- ✗
Use 'radius-server host' to define the authentication server.
Why it's wrong here
This command is for RADIUS, not TACACS+; TACACS+ uses 'tacacs server'.
- ✗
Enable 'aaa new-model' to activate AAA services.
Why it's wrong here
While 'aaa new-model' is often needed to start AAA, the question assumes AAA is already enabled; it is a prerequisite but not a step specific to TACACS+ configuration.
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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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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