Question 1,130 of 2,015
802.1X and TrustSecmediumMatchingObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer for the drag-and-drop matching is that Multi-Domain mode allows one voice and one data device per port, but the core of the question tests your understanding of 802.1X authentication modes: open, closed, and monitor. Open mode permits traffic before authentication, which is useful for guest access but creates a security gap, while closed mode blocks all traffic until the device is successfully authenticated, enforcing strict port security. Monitor mode, often called "logging only," logs authentication attempts and traffic but does not block anything, making it ideal for troubleshooting without disrupting users. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept appears in the Security section, and a common trap is confusing monitor mode with open mode—remember that monitor observes without blocking, whereas open allows traffic freely. A helpful memory tip is "Open allows, Closed denies, Monitor spies."

350-401 802.1X and TrustSec Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.

Drag and drop each authentication mode on the left to its matching behavior on the right.

Question 1mediummatching
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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

Open: Port allows traffic even before successful authentication

Open mode allows traffic before authentication, closed mode blocks all until authenticated, and monitor mode logs but does not block.

Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
  • Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

  • Underline the problem statement mentally.
  • 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 practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Open: Port allows traffic even before successful authentication — Open mode allows traffic before authentication, closed mode blocks all until authenticated, and monitor mode logs but does not block.

What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?

Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

About these practice questions

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Same concept, more angles

1 more ways this is tested on 350-401

These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.

Variation 1. Drag and drop each authentication mode on the left to its matching behavior on the right.

medium
  • P1.Open: Allows traffic before authentication completes
  • P2.Closed: Blocks all traffic until authentication succeeds
  • P3.Monitor: Permits traffic but logs authentication failures
  • P4.Critical Auth: Allows traffic when RADIUS server is unreachable
  • P5.Multi-Domain: Supports one voice and one data device per port

Why P1: Open mode allows traffic before authentication, closed mode blocks until success, monitor mode logs but does not enforce.

Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026

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This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.