Quick Answer
The correct answer is RADIUS. WPA2-Enterprise relies on the 802.1X authentication framework, which requires a central authentication server to validate user credentials; RADIUS is the service that performs this role, typically checking domain credentials against Active Directory. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of enterprise wireless security—specifically that WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X and RADIUS together, while WPA2-Personal uses a pre-shared key. A common trap is confusing RADIUS with DHCP or DNS, but remember that DHCP assigns IP addresses, DNS resolves names, and NTP syncs time—none handle authentication. To lock it in, use the mnemonic: “RADIUS Rules Authentication, DHCP Does IPs, DNS Does Names.”
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 network administrator is deploying a new wireless network that requires users to authenticate using their domain credentials. The network uses WPA2-Enterprise. Which service must be configured to validate these credentials?
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses, not authentication.
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves names, not credentials.
RADIUS
RADIUS authenticates users for network access, commonly used with 802.1X.
NTP
Why wrong: NTP synchronizes time, not authentication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
RADIUS
This question tests knowledge of 802.1X and RADIUS. WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X for authentication, which typically relies on a RADIUS server to validate domain credentials against Active Directory. DHCP, DNS, and NTP don't handle authentication.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: RADIUS — This question tests knowledge of 802.1X and RADIUS. WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X for authentication, which typically relies on a RADIUS server to validate domain credentials against Active Directory. DHCP, DNS, and NTP don't handle authentication.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user complains that their laptop cannot connect to the company's wireless network, but other devices work fine. The network uses WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication. Which service is most likely misconfigured on the laptop?
mediumWhy D: This question tests knowledge of enterprise wireless authentication. WPA2-Enterprise uses RADIUS for centralized authentication. If the laptop's 802.1X settings are wrong, it will fail authentication even though the network is operational.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 220-1201 exam.
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