SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
An organization wants to ensure that only authorized devices can connect to the corporate wired network. Which technology should they implement to enforce this?
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
✓
Network Access Control (NAC) with 802.1X
Network Access Control (NAC) with 802.1X authenticates devices before granting network access, enforcing compliance and authorization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Network Access Control (NAC) with 802.1X
Why this is correct
802.1X port-based authentication requires a supplicant to authenticate against a RADIUS server before the switch port grants access, and NAC enforces the resulting policy. Together they ensure only authorised, compliant devices can connect to the wired network.
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VLAN segmentation
Why it's wrong here
VLAN segmentation partitions broadcast domains and isolates traffic between groups, but it does not authenticate endpoints, so any device plugged into an access port joins the VLAN. It is tempting because it limits lateral movement and enforces internal separation, and would be correct when the requirement is segmenting departments or quarantining sensitive systems.
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MAC address filtering
Why it's wrong here
MAC address filtering checks a hardware identifier that any attacker can spoof by changing their network adapter settings, so it cannot reliably authenticate a device. It is tempting because it appears to whitelist known hardware, and would be correct in low-security environments where casual, non-adversarial access control is the only goal.
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Firewall rules
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules filter traffic by IP address, port and protocol, but a device's IP address does not prove its identity, so an unauthorised host on an allowed subnet passes. It is tempting because firewalls control network flows, and would be correct when restricting which services or subnets may reach a protected segment.
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.