- A
Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify traffic based on user or device identity.
Correct because SGTs are 16-bit values that represent the security group of the source, enabling identity-based policy enforcement.
- B
SGTs are typically assigned to IP addresses using a centralized SGT mapping database.
Why wrong: Incorrect because SGTs are assigned to endpoints or users, not directly to IP addresses; the mapping is done via the Identity Services Engine (ISE) and propagated through SXP or inline tagging.
- C
802.1X can be used as the authentication mechanism to dynamically assign an SGT to a supplicant.
Correct because during 802.1X authentication, the RADIUS server (ISE) can send an SGT as part of the Access-Accept message, dynamically assigning the tag.
- D
Cisco TrustSec eliminates the need for all traditional ACLs in the network.
Why wrong: Incorrect because TrustSec simplifies policy but does not eliminate all ACLs; it provides an additional layer of security, and ACLs may still be used for other purposes.
- E
SGTs can be carried in the Ethernet frame header using Cisco's inline tagging method.
Correct because Cisco TrustSec supports inline tagging where the SGT is inserted into the Ethernet frame header (e.g., using a Cisco proprietary tag) between the source and destination MAC addresses.
350-401 802.1X and TrustSec Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which three statements about Cisco TrustSec (CTS) are true? (Choose three.)
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
Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify traffic based on user or device identity.
Cisco TrustSec uses SGTs for role-based access control, can use 802.1X for initial authentication, and supports dynamic SGT assignment via RADIUS. SGTs are not IP-based but are 16-bit tags. CTS does not replace all ACLs but augments them with SGT-based policies.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify traffic based on user or device identity.
Why this is correct
Correct because SGTs are 16-bit values that represent the security group of the source, enabling identity-based policy enforcement.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
SGTs are typically assigned to IP addresses using a centralized SGT mapping database.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because SGTs are assigned to endpoints or users, not directly to IP addresses; the mapping is done via the Identity Services Engine (ISE) and propagated through SXP or inline tagging.
- ✓
802.1X can be used as the authentication mechanism to dynamically assign an SGT to a supplicant.
- ✗
Cisco TrustSec eliminates the need for all traditional ACLs in the network.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because TrustSec simplifies policy but does not eliminate all ACLs; it provides an additional layer of security, and ACLs may still be used for other purposes.
- ✓
SGTs can be carried in the Ethernet frame header using Cisco's inline tagging method.
Why this is correct
Correct because Cisco TrustSec supports inline tagging where the SGT is inserted into the Ethernet frame header (e.g., using a Cisco proprietary tag) between the source and destination MAC addresses.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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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802.1X and TrustSec — study guide chapter
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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: Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) to classify traffic based on user or device identity. — Cisco TrustSec uses SGTs for role-based access control, can use 802.1X for initial authentication, and supports dynamic SGT assignment via RADIUS. SGTs are not IP-based but are 16-bit tags. CTS does not replace all ACLs but augments them with SGT-based policies.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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