The answer is that an access-class applied to the HTTP server is blocking the client’s source IP address. Even with valid local credentials and privilege level 15, the `ip http authentication local` command works in tandem with any configured access-class, which acts as a packet filter for incoming HTTP sessions. If the client’s IP is not explicitly permitted by that access-class, the router denies the connection at the authentication stage, prompting for credentials but never completing the login. This scenario tests your understanding of how Cisco’s HTTP server combines authentication and access control—a common trap on the CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam is assuming that local authentication alone guarantees access. The exam often hides the access-class in a running-config snippet, so always check for `ip http access-class` under the HTTP server configuration. Memory tip: “Auth checks who you are, access-class checks where you are from—both must pass.”
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.
An engineer configures a Cisco router with 'ip http server' and 'ip http authentication local' for web-based management. The engineer creates a local username 'admin' with privilege level 15. However, when accessing the router via HTTP, the engineer is prompted for credentials but access is denied. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The HTTP server is not configured with an access-class that permits the client.
The 'ip http authentication local' command requires the HTTP server to authenticate users against the local username database. However, even with valid credentials, the router's HTTP server may deny access if an access-class is applied to the HTTP server that does not permit the client's IP address. The access-class restricts which source IP addresses can connect to the HTTP server, and if the client is not in the permitted list, authentication will fail with a denial even if the username and password are correct.
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.
✓
The HTTP server is not configured with an access-class that permits the client.
Why this is correct
Correct because 'ip http access-class' is required to permit specific IP addresses; without it, HTTP access is denied by default.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The username 'admin' does not have a password.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the scenario states the username is created with privilege level 15, implying a password is set.
✗
The HTTP server is using a different port.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the default port 80 is used unless changed; the issue is access control.
✗
The 'ip http secure-server' is required for HTTP access.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'ip http server' enables standard HTTP; HTTPS requires 'ip http secure-server' but is not mandatory for HTTP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the nuance that an access-class on the HTTP server can block access even with correct local credentials, leading candidates to incorrectly blame password issues or missing secure-server commands.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Incorrect because the scenario states the username is created with privilege level 15, implying a password is set.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'ip http access-class' command applies an extended access list to the HTTP server, filtering incoming connections before authentication occurs. This is often used to restrict management access to specific subnets. Under the hood, the HTTP server process checks the source IP against the access-class before even presenting the login prompt; if the source is denied, the connection is dropped immediately, which can appear as a credential denial if the client is not explicitly rejected with a TCP reset. In real-world scenarios, engineers often forget to configure an access-class or misconfigure it, leading to this exact symptom.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
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 HTTP server is not configured with an access-class that permits the client. — The 'ip http authentication local' command requires the HTTP server to authenticate users against the local username database. However, even with valid credentials, the router's HTTP server may deny access if an access-class is applied to the HTTP server that does not permit the client's IP address. The access-class restricts which source IP addresses can connect to the HTTP server, and if the client is not in the permitted list, authentication will fail with a denial even if the username and password are correct.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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