SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
A security team is implementing Network Access Control (NAC) to enforce endpoint compliance before granting network access. Which technology allows port-based authentication on wired networks?
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, commonly used with RADIUS for authentication.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS is an authentication server protocol, not a port-based control mechanism.
- ✗
WPA2-Enterprise
Why it's wrong here
WPA2-Enterprise is for wireless, not wired.
- ✓
802.1X
Why this is correct
802.1X provides port-based authentication for wired networks.
- ✗
MAC filtering
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering is a simple access control, not a standard.
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.