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350-401 Practice Question: Drag and drop the steps of 802.1X port…
Drag and drop the steps of 802.1X port authentication with MAB fallback 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
Switch sends EAP-Request/Identity
The switch first attempts 802.1X by sending an EAP-Request/Identity. If no response is received, it initiates MAB by sending a RADIUS Access-Request with the MAC address. The RADIUS server checks the MAC against its database and responds with Access-Accept or Access-Reject. The switch then opens or blocks the port accordingly.
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
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Access Control and AAA
Key term
802.1X Authentication
802.1X is a network access control protocol that prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to a wired or wireless network by requiring them to authenticate before gaining access.
Key term
Cisco TrustSec
Cisco TrustSec is a security architecture that uses identity-based access control and encryption to protect network traffic, rather than relying only on IP addresses and VLANs.
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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.