Quick Answer
The answer is that the TACACS+ server authorized the user successfully. This conclusion is drawn directly from the debug aaa authorization output interpretation, where the sequence shows the router processing an EXEC authorization request for user jdoe, sending it to TACACS+ server 10.1.1.10, and critically receiving a “PASS response” followed by the word “Pass.” In AAA authorization, the PASS response from the TACACS+ server confirms that the user is permitted to access the requested service—in this case, the EXEC shell—while a FAIL response would deny access. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this debug output tests your ability to distinguish between authentication (who you are) and authorization (what you can do); a common trap is confusing a PASS response with authentication success, but remember that authorization happens after authentication. A useful memory tip is to associate “PASS” in the authorization debug with “Permission Allowed, Service Secured.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. 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.
A network administrator runs the following debug on a router:
R1# debug aaa authorization *Mar 1 00:02:45.678: AAA/AUTHOR/EXEC(00000002): Processing author request for user 'jdoe' *Mar 1 00:02:45.678: AAA/AUTHOR/EXEC(00000002): Method=TACACS+ *Mar 1 00:02:45.678: AAA/AUTHOR/EXEC(00000002): TACACS+ server 10.1.1.10:49, timeout 5 *Mar 1 00:02:45.678: AAA/AUTHOR/EXEC(00000002): Sent author request *Mar 1 00:02:45.678: AAA/AUTHOR/EXEC(00000002): Received PASS response *Mar 1 00:02:45.678: AAA/AUTHOR/EXEC(00000002): Pass
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
The user jdoe failed authorization.
Why wrong: The output shows 'Pass', indicating success.
Authorization was performed using RADIUS.
Why wrong: The method shown is TACACS+, not RADIUS.
The TACACS+ server authorized the user successfully.
The debug confirms a PASS response from the TACACS+ server.
The user was authenticated but not authorized.
Why wrong: The debug is for authorization, and it succeeded.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The TACACS+ server authorized the user successfully.
The debug shows a successful EXEC authorization using TACACS+. The router sent an authorization request for user jdoe to TACACS+ server 10.1.1.10 and received a PASS response. This indicates the user was authorized to access the EXEC shell.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The user jdoe failed authorization.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows 'Pass', indicating success.
Authorization was performed using RADIUS.
The TACACS+ server authorized the user successfully.
Why this is correct
The debug confirms a PASS response from the TACACS+ server.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
The user was authenticated but not authorized.
Why it's wrong here
The debug is for authorization, and it succeeded.
Common exam traps
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 'Pass', indicating success.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
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+ — study guide chapter
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FAQ
AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — This question tests AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: The TACACS+ server authorized the user successfully. — The debug shows a successful EXEC authorization using TACACS+. The router sent an authorization request for user jdoe to TACACS+ server 10.1.1.10 and received a PASS response. This indicates the user was authorized to access the EXEC shell.
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.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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