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SSCP Practice Question: Enforce network access control (NAC) for both…
A company wants to enforce network access control (NAC) for both wired and wireless devices. Which protocol is used for this purpose?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse EAP (a framework) with 802.1X (the protocol that enforces NAC), leading candidates to pick EAP because it is directly involved in authentication, but it does not control network access itself.
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
✓
802.1X
802.1X is the IEEE standard for port-based network access control (NAC) that authenticates devices before granting access to both wired and wireless networks. It operates at the data link layer and uses an authentication server (e.g., RADIUS) to validate credentials, ensuring only authorized devices connect to the network.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
802.1X
Why this is correct
802.1X provides port-based authentication for NAC.
- ✗
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
Why it's wrong here
SNMP manages devices, not access control.
- ✗
EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol)
Why it's wrong here
EAP is used inside 802.1X, but 802.1X is the standard.
- ✗
PAP (Password Authentication Protocol)
Why it's wrong here
PAP is insecure and used in PPP.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 SSCP exam.