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350-401 Practice Question: Drag and drop the steps of MAB (MAC…
Drag and drop the steps of MAB (MAC Authentication Bypass) fallback flow 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
Host connects; switch detects link up
MAB is a fallback method when 802.1X fails: the switch detects the host MAC, sends a RADIUS Access-Request with the MAC as username/password, ISE checks the MAC against its database, and then either grants access (placing the port in the authorized VLAN) or denies it.
Visual reference
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.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Access Control and AAA
Key term
MAB Authentication
MAB Authentication is a network access control method that grants or denies device access to a network by checking the device's MAC address against a list of approved addresses.
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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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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