Question 998 of 2,015

AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ →mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answers are that the login local method authenticates users against the local username database, and the local method uses the enable password for privilege level 15 access. These two statements are true because AAA authentication methods define how a device verifies user identity, with local authentication checking a locally stored username and password, while the local method specifically grants full administrative access using the enable secret or enable password. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of the distinct authentication paths: login local requires a configured username, whereas the enable method bypasses the local database entirely and only checks the enable password. A common trap is confusing the line password method with the enable method—remember that line password uses the password command under the line configuration, not the enable password. For a quick memory tip, think "local needs a user, enable needs a secret."

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.

Which two statements about AAA authentication methods are true? (Choose two.)

Question 1mediummulti select

Study the full AAA explanation →

A
The local method for authentication uses the enable password for privilege level 15 access.
Correct because the local method authenticates using the enable password for privilege level 15 access.
B
The enable method for authentication checks the local username database.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the enable method uses the enable password, not the local username database.
C
The none method for authentication provides fallback to the local database if the server is unreachable.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the none method means no authentication is performed, not fallback.
D
The login local method authenticates users against the local username database.
Correct because login local uses the local username and password database.
E
The line password method for authentication uses the enable secret password.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the line password method uses the password configured under the line, not the enable secret.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

The local method for authentication uses the enable password for privilege level 15 access.

The correct answers highlight key differences between local and server-based authentication. Option A is correct because the local method uses the enable password for privilege level 15 access. Option D is correct because the login local method authenticates against the local username database. Option B is wrong because the enable method does not check the local database; it uses the enable password. Option C is wrong because the none method provides no authentication, not fallback. Option E is wrong because the line password method uses the password command under the line, not the enable password.

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.

✓
The local method for authentication uses the enable password for privilege level 15 access.
Why this is correct
Correct because the local method authenticates using the enable password for privilege level 15 access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The enable method for authentication checks the local username database.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the enable method uses the enable password, not the local username database.
✗
The none method for authentication provides fallback to the local database if the server is unreachable.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the none method means no authentication is performed, not fallback.
✓
The login local method authenticates users against the local username database.
Why this is correct
Correct because login local uses the local username and password database.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The line password method for authentication uses the enable secret password.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the line password method uses the password configured under the line, not the enable secret.

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.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

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 local method for authentication uses the enable password for privilege level 15 access. — The correct answers highlight key differences between local and server-based authentication. Option A is correct because the local method uses the enable password for privilege level 15 access. Option D is correct because the login local method authenticates against the local username database. Option B is wrong because the enable method does not check the local database; it uses the enable password. Option C is wrong because the none method provides no authentication, not fallback. Option E is wrong because the line password method uses the password command under the line, not the enable password.

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

What is the key concept behind this question?

Authentication checks who the user is.

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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. Which two statements about local AAA and fallback methods are true? (Choose two.)

easy

✓ A.Local AAA authentication uses the username and password configured in the running configuration.
B.The 'aaa authentication login default local' command configures the device to use a RADIUS server first, then fall back to local.
✓ C.When using a RADIUS server group, if the primary server fails to respond, the device automatically tries the next server in the group.
D.The 'aaa new-model' command is required only when using TACACS+ servers.
E.Fallback to local authentication occurs only if all remote servers explicitly reject the authentication request.

Why A: Local AAA uses the device's local database for authentication. Fallback methods define the order of servers to try. If all servers are unreachable, the local database can be used as a backup. The 'aaa authentication login default local' command uses the local database only. The 'aaa new-model' command enables AAA globally.

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