Question 434 of 2,015

802.1X and TrustSec →mediumDrag & DropObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct order ends with the switch applying a dynamic ACL or VLAN from ISE, as this is the final step after the IBNS 2.0 concurrent authentication policy map successfully authenticates a client. This sequence is correct because IBNS 2.0 is designed to first trigger 802.1X, then, if that fails, concurrently attempt MAB and web authentication, evaluate the first successful method, and finally enforce the corresponding authorization result from ISE. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this drag-and-drop question tests your understanding of the policy map’s fallback logic and the order of operations, with a common trap being to place the authorization step before authentication completes. Remember that the policy map is a sequential decision tree: authentication methods run first, and only after success does the switch apply the dynamic ACL or VLAN. A helpful memory tip is “Auth first, then apply”—the switch never authorizes until a method succeeds.

350-401 802.1X and TrustSec Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.

Drag and drop the steps of IBNS 2.0 concurrent authentication policy map into the correct order, from first to last.

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.

Question 1mediumdrag order

Full question →

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

✓

Switch initiates 802.1X authentication

IBNS 2.0 uses a policy map that first triggers 802.1X, then if that fails, concurrently tries MAB and web authentication, evaluates the first successful method, and finally applies the corresponding authorization result.

Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.

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.

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?

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: Switch initiates 802.1X authentication — IBNS 2.0 uses a policy map that first triggers 802.1X, then if that fails, concurrently tries MAB and web authentication, evaluates the first successful method, and finally applies the corresponding authorization result.

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

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.

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. Drag and drop the steps of IBNS 2.0 concurrent authentication policy map into the correct order, from first to last.

medium

✓ A.Switch initiates 802.1X authentication
✓ B.802.1X times out after no EAP response
✓ C.Switch attempts MAB using source MAC
✓ D.MAB fails due to unknown MAC address
✓ E.Switch applies critical/default ACL to port

Why A: IBNS 2.0 uses a policy map to define concurrent methods; the switch first tries 802.1X, then MAB as fallback, and if both fail, applies a critical or default ACL; the order is defined in the policy map class.

Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026

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