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mediumDrag & DropObjective-mapped
350-401 Practice Question: Drag and drop the steps of the 802.1X EAP-TLS…
Drag and drop the steps of the 802.1X EAP-TLS authentication exchange into the correct order, from first to last.
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
✓
Supplicant sends EAPoL-Start
In the 802.1X EAP-TLS authentication exchange, the process begins with the supplicant sending an EAPoL-Start message to initiate authentication. The authenticator then sends an EAP-Request/Identity. The supplicant replies with EAP-Response/Identity, which the authenticator forwards to the RADIUS server. Finally, the RADIUS server sends an EAP-Request for the client certificate to begin the TLS handshake.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Supplicant sends EAPoL-Start
Why this is correct
EAPoL-Start is the first message sent by the supplicant to begin the 802.1X authentication process.
- ✓
Authenticator sends EAP-Request/Identity
Why this is correct
The authenticator responds to the EAPoL-Start by sending an EAP-Request/Identity to request the supplicant's identity.
- ✓
Supplicant sends EAP-Response/Identity
Why this is correct
The supplicant sends an EAP-Response/Identity containing its identity to the authenticator.
- ✓
Authenticator forwards EAP-Response to RADIUS
Why this is correct
The authenticator encapsulates the EAP-Response/Identity in a RADIUS Access-Request packet and forwards it to the RADIUS server.
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RADIUS server sends EAP-Request for client certificate
Why this is correct
The RADIUS server sends an EAP-Request for the client certificate, initiating the TLS handshake for mutual authentication.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
Go deeper
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Key term
RADIUS vs TACACS+
RADIUS and TACACS+ are two network protocols used to verify user identities and control access to network devices and services, with different approaches to security and flexibility.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.