Which AAA function does not depend on the other two functions?
- accounting
- authorization
- authentication
- All functions depend on each other.
Explanation: In the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) architectural framework, authentication is the only function that can be valid without the other two. It is the initial process of identifying a user by comparing provided credentials against a database.
According to the sources, while authentication can stand alone, authorization and accounting are dependent functions that cannot be performed unless authentication has been successfully completed first. Authorization requires a known identity to determine the specific level of access or commands allowed, and accounting requires that same identity to accurately track resource consumption and user activity. Therefore, authentication acts as the foundational requirement for the rest of the AAA model.
Related exam: Modules 14 – 16: Checkpoint Exam: Network Security Answers (CCNP ENCOR v9)
