Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Practice Test

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What is the function of the RADIUS server in an 802.1x environment?

To encrypt data traffic
To authenticate users
To monitor bandwidth usage
To store configuration data

The correct answer is: To authenticate users

In an 802.1X environment, the primary function of the RADIUS server is to authenticate users. RADIUS, which stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, is a networking protocol that provides centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) management for users who connect and use a network service. When a user attempts to connect to a network through an 802.1X-enabled device, the device sends the user’s credentials to the RADIUS server. The server then verifies those credentials against a database (such as Active Directory or LDAP), confirming whether the user should be granted access to the network. If the authentication is successful, the RADIUS server sends a message back to the network device to allow the user to access the network. While encryption of data traffic and monitoring bandwidth usage are important in network security and management, they are not the functions of the RADIUS server in this context. The RADIUS server does not directly manage configuration data, although it can influence what configurations apply to users based on their authentication status. Hence, the role of the RADIUS server is fundamentally centered around authenticating users within an 802.1X framework.