The correct conclusion is that the RADIUS server at 10.1.1.10 authenticated the user successfully, as confirmed by the "Received PASS response" and final "Pass" messages in the debug output. This output demonstrates the complete AAA authentication debug interpretation process: the router binds the session, selects the default method list, attempts RADIUS as the first method, sends the username and a masked password to the specified server, and receives a positive acknowledgment. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this type of debug output tests your ability to trace the authentication flow and distinguish between a successful PASS and a failure like FAIL or ERROR. A common trap is assuming the "password ****" line indicates a problem—it is normal masking, not an error. The key is to look for the final "Pass" or "PASS response" line, which explicitly confirms success. Memory tip: think of the debug as a story—Bind, Pick, Send, Receive, Pass—if you see all five steps ending with "Pass," authentication is good.
350-401 AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. 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.
A network engineer runs the following debug on a router:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The RADIUS server 10.1.1.10 authenticated the user successfully.
The debug output shows a successful AAA authentication using RADIUS. The router selected the default method list, used RADIUS as the first method, sent credentials to server 10.1.1.10, and received a PASS response. The 'Pass' message indicates authentication succeeded.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Authentication failed due to incorrect password.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows 'Received PASS response' and 'Pass', indicating success.
The RADIUS server 10.1.1.10 authenticated the user successfully.
Why this is correct
The debug confirms a successful PASS response from the RADIUS server.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The user 'admin' was authenticated using local database.
Why it's wrong here
The method list used RADIUS, not local authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output shows 'Received PASS response' and 'Pass', indicating success.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — This question tests AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The RADIUS server 10.1.1.10 authenticated the user successfully. — The debug output shows a successful AAA authentication using RADIUS. The router selected the default method list, used RADIUS as the first method, sent credentials to server 10.1.1.10, and received a PASS response. The 'Pass' message indicates authentication succeeded.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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