Drag and drop each 802.1X component on the left to its matching role on the right.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Client device that initiates authentication
Network device that controls port access
Server that validates credentials and grants access
Protocol used between Supplicant and Authenticator
Protocol used between Authenticator and Authentication Server
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Supplicant: Client device that initiates authentication
Supplicant requests access, Authenticator enforces port state, Authentication Server validates credentials.
Quick reference
| 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
Learn chapter
Network Access Control and AAA
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.
Key term
Cisco ISE
Cisco Identity Services Engine is a security policy management platform that controls who can access a network and what they can do once connected.
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