The answer is that user jdoe authenticated using local authentication, as confirmed by the "Method: LOCAL" field in the output of the show aaa sessions command. This command is the primary tool for AAA session monitoring, revealing that while the admin session uses RADIUS, the jdoe session relies on the local database, which typically indicates a fallback mechanism when the external RADIUS server is unreachable or for specific user configurations. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your ability to interpret real-time AAA session data and understand authentication method precedence, often appearing in troubleshooting scenarios where you must distinguish between centralized and local authentication. A common trap is assuming all sessions use the same method; instead, always check the "Method" column for each session ID. Memory tip: "Method tells the method" — the field name directly states the authentication source, so never guess based on the username alone.
350-401 AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+ Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of aaa, radius, and tacacs+. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 command on Router R1:
R1# show aaa sessions
Total sessions since last reload: 5
Session Id: 1
Unique Id: 1
User Name: admin
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
User jdoe authenticated using local authentication.
The output shows two active AAA sessions. The first session (admin) uses RADIUS authentication, while the second (jdoe) uses local authentication. This indicates that the router is configured to fall back to local authentication when RADIUS is unavailable or for certain users. The idle time for jdoe is 120 seconds, meaning the session has been idle for that long, but no timeout is configured.
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.
✗
All users are authenticated via RADIUS.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows one user (jdoe) authenticated via LOCAL, not RADIUS.
✓
User jdoe authenticated using local authentication.
Why this is correct
The 'Method: LOCAL' for session 2 confirms local authentication.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The RADIUS server is unreachable for all users.
Why it's wrong here
The admin session successfully used RADIUS, so the server is reachable.
✗
Both sessions are using TACACS+ for authorization.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows only authentication methods, and no TACACS+ is mentioned.
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 one user (jdoe) authenticated via LOCAL, not RADIUS.
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: User jdoe authenticated using local authentication. — The output shows two active AAA sessions. The first session (admin) uses RADIUS authentication, while the second (jdoe) uses local authentication. This indicates that the router is configured to fall back to local authentication when RADIUS is unavailable or for certain users. The idle time for jdoe is 120 seconds, meaning the session has been idle for that long, but no timeout is configured.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.