An organization wants to implement network access control (NAC) to ensure only compliant endpoints connect to the production VLAN. Which 802.1X component authenticates the endpoint device?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation and Infographic
Here's the deal — a is correct because in 802.1X, the RADIUS server acts as the Authentication Server that validates credentials and issues access decisions. B is wrong because the managed switch is the Authenticator that passes credentials but does not validate them.
Full explanation below image
Full Explanation
A is correct because in 802.1X, the RADIUS server acts as the Authentication Server that validates credentials and issues access decisions. B is wrong because the managed switch is the Authenticator that passes credentials but does not validate them. C is wrong because the Supplicant is the client component that presents credentials, not the component that authenticates. D is wrong because the CA issues certificates but does not perform 802.1X authentication decisions.