LPIC-2 Advanced Networking Configuration Practice Question
To implement 802.1X port-based authentication on a Linux network interface, which combination of software components is typically required when the Linux system acts as the supplicant?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates may incorrectly assume hostapd is also required on the supplicant side, but wpa_supplicant alone handles EAP authentication and EAPoL for both wired and wireless 802.1X. hostapd is for access points, not clients.
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
✓
wpa_supplicant and hostapd
To implement 802.1X port-based authentication as a Linux supplicant, only wpa_supplicant is required. hostapd is an authenticator (AP/switch side) and is not needed on the client. The other options include unnecessary components (hostapd, freeradius, sssd). Therefore none of the given combinations is correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
wpa_supplicant and hostapd
Why this is correct
Incorrect. hostapd is an authenticator, not needed on a supplicant. Only wpa_supplicant is required.
- ✗
hostapd and freeradius
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. hostapd and freeradius are both server-side components, not for a supplicant.
- ✗
wpa_supplicant and sssd
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. sssd is for system security services, not 802.1X authentication.
- ✗
freeradius and wpa_supplicant
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. freeradius is a RADIUS server, not needed on a supplicant. wpa_supplicant alone suffices.
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 LPIC-2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-2 exam.