This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
In Cisco TrustSec, which component is responsible for assigning a Security Group Tag (SGT) to a user or device based on authentication?
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 (ISE) assigns the SGT during authentication.
The Identity Services Engine (ISE) acts as the policy decision point, authenticating users/devices and assigning SGTs based on policy. The switch enforces based on the SGT.
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 RADIUS server (ISE) assigns the SGT during authentication.
Why this is correct
ISE authenticates the endpoint and returns the SGT in the RADIUS Access-Accept message.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The switch dynamically assigns the SGT based on the MAC address.
Why it's wrong here
The switch does not assign SGTs; it receives them from ISE.
✗
The endpoint device sends its SGT in the EAPOL-Start message.
Why it's wrong here
Endpoints do not send SGTs; they are assigned by the policy server.
✗
The SGT is derived from the VLAN ID assigned to the port.
Why it's wrong here
SGT is independent of VLAN; it is a security classification.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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.
802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The RADIUS server (ISE) assigns the SGT during authentication. — The Identity Services Engine (ISE) acts as the policy decision point, authenticating users/devices and assigning SGTs based on policy. The switch enforces based on the SGT.
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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Question Discussion
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