- A
Configure the TACACS+ server with the 'tacacs server' command and specify the server IP and key.
This is required to define the TACACS+ server for the router to communicate with.
- B
Create an AAA authentication login method list using 'aaa authentication login default group tacacs+' to use TACACS+ as the primary method.
This applies TACACS+ authentication to the default login method list, enabling its use for device access.
- C
Configure 'aaa authorization exec default group tacacs+' to authorize user commands after authentication.
Why wrong: This is for authorization, not authentication; it is optional and not required for authentication to work.
- D
Use 'radius-server host' to define the authentication server.
Why wrong: This command is for RADIUS, not TACACS+; TACACS+ uses 'tacacs server'.
- E
Enable 'aaa new-model' to activate AAA services.
Why wrong: 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 Answer
The correct answer is that you must configure both the TACACS+ server details and an AAA authentication login method list. Specifically, you need the 'tacacs server' command to define the server’s IP address and shared secret key, which establishes secure communication between the router and the TACACS+ server. Then, you must create an AAA authentication login method list using 'aaa authentication login default group tacacs+', which sets TACACS+ as the primary method for login authentication, ensuring device access control is enforced. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your understanding of AAA foundational configuration—a common trap is forgetting that the server definition is a separate, mandatory step before the method list can function. The exam often pairs these two steps as a pair of required actions, so watch for distractors that include only the method list or only the server definition. A helpful memory tip is "Define then Defend"—first define the server with 'tacacs server', then defend access with the 'aaa authentication login default' method list.
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 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.)
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.
Option A is correct because 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.
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.
- ✓
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
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.
- ✗
Enable 'aaa new-model' to activate AAA services.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command is for RADIUS, not TACACS+; TACACS+ uses 'tacacs server'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TACACS+ uses TCP port 49 by default and encrypts the entire packet body, including the username, password, and authorization data, unlike RADIUS which only encrypts the password. The 'aaa authentication login default group tacacs+' command creates a method list that can also include fallback methods (e.g., local or enable), but if the TACACS+ server is unreachable, the router will fail authentication unless a fallback is configured. In real-world deployments, the shared key must match exactly between the router and the TACACS+ server, and the server must be reachable via IP routing for authentication to succeed.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Device Access Control — study guide chapter
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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: Configure the TACACS+ server with the 'tacacs server' command and specify the server IP and key. — Option A is correct because 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.
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
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.
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