The answer is that the new employee’s account is not configured in the RADIUS database. This is the most likely cause because RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) acts as a central authentication server for network services like VPN; when a user attempts to log in, the VPN gateway forwards the credentials to the RADIUS server, which checks them against its own user database. If the account is missing or misconfigured there, authentication fails for that individual while other employees, whose accounts are already in the database, connect without issue. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how RADIUS decouples authentication from the VPN device itself—a common trap is assuming the problem lies with the VPN gateway or client software, when the real issue is a missing user entry in the central RADIUS store. Remember the memory tip: “RADIUS is the gatekeeper’s list; if the name isn’t on the list, the gate stays shut.”
220-1101 Network Services Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. 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 why a new employee cannot log into the company's VPN. The VPN uses RADIUS for authentication. Other employees can connect successfully. Which 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 new employee's account is not configured in the RADIUS database.
This question tests understanding of RADIUS in VPN authentication. RADIUS authenticates users against a central database. If the new employee's account isn't in that database or is misconfigured, authentication fails for that user only.
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 VPN server's IP address has changed.
Why it's wrong here
If the IP changed, no one would connect, but others are successful.
✗
The RADIUS server is not reachable from the VPN server.
Why it's wrong here
If unreachable, all users would fail, not just the new one.
✓
The new employee's account is not configured in the RADIUS database.
Why this is correct
RADIUS authenticates against its user database; a missing account prevents that user's login.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The DNS server is not resolving the VPN server's hostname.
Why it's wrong here
DNS issues would affect all users trying to connect by hostname, not just one.
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 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 220-1201 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 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The new employee's account is not configured in the RADIUS database. — This question tests understanding of RADIUS in VPN authentication. RADIUS authenticates users against a central database. If the new employee's account isn't in that database or is misconfigured, authentication fails for that user only.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 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 220-1201 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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