hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: An engineer configures a Cisco router with 'aaa…
An engineer configures a Cisco router with 'aaa authentication login default local' and 'aaa authorization exec default local'. The engineer then attempts to log in via the console and is prompted for a username and password. The username 'admin' with password 'cisco' is configured locally. The login fails. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between defining a default AAA method list and applying it to a specific line, trapping candidates who assume that 'aaa authentication login default local' automatically applies to the console without the 'login authentication default' command.
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 console line is not configured with 'login authentication default'.
By default, the console line does not inherit the AAA authentication methods defined under 'aaa authentication login default local'. The 'login authentication default' command must be explicitly applied to the console line under line configuration to use the global AAA authentication method. Without it, the console line falls back to its default behavior, which does not use AAA, causing the login to fail despite the local user being configured.
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 console line is not configured with 'login authentication default'.
Why this is correct
Correct because the default AAA login method list must be applied to the console line using the 'login authentication' command.
- ✗
The username 'admin' is not in the local database.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the username is configured; the failure is due to the method list not being applied.
- ✗
The password 'cisco' is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the scenario states the password is configured correctly.
- ✗
The 'aaa new-model' command is missing.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because if 'aaa new-model' were missing, the AAA commands would not be accepted; the configuration exists.
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
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.