The answer is a mismatched RADIUS shared secret between the access point and the RADIUS server. This is the most likely cause because WPA2-Enterprise relies on the access point acting as a proxy for authentication; the access point and RADIUS server must share a pre-configured secret key to encrypt and validate their communication. When this secret is incorrect on one side, the server rejects the authentication request, logging a failure even though the client credentials may be valid. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between network-layer issues and authentication-layer misconfigurations—a common trap is blaming channel interference or encryption mismatches, but those would cause connectivity drops or association failures, not specific RADIUS log entries. Remember the memory tip: “Secret mismatch, server dismiss.” If the RADIUS logs show authentication failures from a single access point, always verify the shared secret before touching wireless settings.
220-1202 Wireless Security Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. 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.
A technician is troubleshooting a wireless network where users report intermittent connectivity. The network uses WPA2-Enterprise with a RADIUS server. The technician notices that the RADIUS server logs show frequent authentication failures from one specific access point. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The access point's RADIUS shared secret is incorrect.
A mismatched pre-shared key or RADIUS secret between the access point and the RADIUS server will cause authentication failures. Other options like channel interference or encryption mismatch would not specifically show RADIUS authentication failures.
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.
✗
The access point is using a different channel than the others.
Why it's wrong here
Channel differences affect signal interference, not RADIUS authentication.
✗
The RADIUS server certificate has expired.
Why it's wrong here
An expired certificate would cause client authentication failures, not access point-to-RADIUS failures.
✓
The access point's RADIUS shared secret is incorrect.
Why this is correct
The shared secret is used for authentication between the AP and RADIUS server; a mismatch causes failures.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The clients are using WPA2-PSK instead of WPA2-Enterprise.
Why it's wrong here
Client misconfiguration would not cause RADIUS server logs to show failures from the access point.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Client misconfiguration would not cause RADIUS server logs to show failures from the access point.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The access point's RADIUS shared secret is incorrect. — A mismatched pre-shared key or RADIUS secret between the access point and the RADIUS server will cause authentication failures. Other options like channel interference or encryption mismatch would not specifically show RADIUS authentication failures.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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