SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
A network administrator wants to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the wired network. Which technology can be used to enforce authentication at the switch port level before granting network access?
⚠ Common exam trap
SSCP often tests the confusion between wireless security (WPA2-Enterprise) and wired port security (802.1X), or the misconception that MAC filtering is sufficient for authentication.
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 an IEEE standard for port-based network access control that authenticates devices before granting access to the wired network. It uses EAP over LAN to communicate with a RADIUS server, ensuring only authorized devices can connect. This directly enforces authentication at the switch port level.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MAC address filtering
Why it's wrong here
MAC address filtering checks a device's hardware address against a static list, but addresses are spoofable and it performs no authentication before granting access, so it cannot enforce port-level identity. It is tempting because it does restrict which devices associate, and it would suit a small, low-risk network where convenience outweighs spoofing concerns.
- ✗
WPA2-Enterprise
Why it's wrong here
WPA2-Enterprise authenticates over 802.1X, but it is a wireless security standard applying to Wi-Fi associations, not wired switch ports. It is tempting because it genuinely performs per-device authentication via a RADIUS server; it would be correct for securing a wireless LAN, whereas the wired equivalent is 802.1X port-based network access control.
- ✗
VLAN segmentation
Why it's wrong here
VLAN segmentation separates broadcast domains and traffic paths, but it grants access based on port membership rather than authenticating the connecting device, so an unauthorised device plugged into an access port still reaches the VLAN. It is tempting because VLANs isolate sensitive systems; they would be the right choice for limiting lateral movement between departments, not for port-level admission control.
- ✓
802.1X
Why this is correct
802.1X enforces port-based network access control, requiring a supplicant to authenticate via EAP through the switch to a RADIUS server before any traffic passes. Unauthorised devices fail authentication, so the port stays blocked, satisfying the switch-port-level requirement.
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 and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.