The answer is MAC filtering. This security feature directly addresses the requirement to restrict guest Wi-Fi access to only devices with known MAC addresses by maintaining an allowlist on the wireless controller, which prevents any device not on that list from associating with the guest SSID. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of basic wireless security controls, often appearing in scenarios where you must choose between MAC filtering, WPA2/3 encryption, or captive portals—a common trap is confusing MAC filtering with authentication, since MAC filtering controls association but does not verify user identity. Remember the memory tip: MAC filtering is like a bouncer checking a guest list by name, not by ID card; it works only if you know the exact addresses ahead of time.
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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 company wants to ensure that only devices with known MAC addresses can connect to the guest Wi-Fi network. Which security feature should be configured on the wireless controller?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
MAC filtering
MAC filtering allows the wireless controller to maintain an allowlist of known MAC addresses, so only devices with those addresses can associate with the guest SSID. This directly meets the requirement to restrict access based on MAC addresses without requiring authentication credentials from users.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
WPA2-Enterprise
Why it's wrong here
WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X authentication, not MAC-based access control.
✓
MAC filtering
Why this is correct
MAC filtering restricts network access to clients whose MAC addresses are on an allowed list.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
802.1X
Why it's wrong here
802.1X is a port-based authentication protocol that requires credentials, not based on MAC addresses.
✗
WPA3-Personal
Why it's wrong here
WPA3-Personal uses a pre-shared key for authentication, not device-specific MAC filtering.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that 802.1X or WPA2-Enterprise can filter by MAC address, but these are authentication protocols for user/device identity, not MAC-based access control.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
MAC filtering operates at Layer 2 by comparing the source MAC address in association requests against a configured list; it can be implemented as an allowlist or blocklist on the wireless controller. However, MAC addresses can be easily spoofed using tools like `macchanger` or `smac`, so this method provides only weak security and is often used in combination with captive portals for guest networks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the N10-009 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: MAC filtering — MAC filtering allows the wireless controller to maintain an allowlist of known MAC addresses, so only devices with those addresses can associate with the guest SSID. This directly meets the requirement to restrict access based on MAC addresses without requiring authentication credentials from users.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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