Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of Forescout Platform Administration and Deployment:

Guest authentication is a User Directory feature. According to the Forescout Authentication Module Overview Guide and the User Directory Plugin Configuration Guide, the User Directory Plugin enables guest authentication and management through configured directory servers.​

User Directory Plugin Features:

The User Directory Plugin (version 6.4+) provides the following core features:​

Endpoint User Resolution - Resolves endpoint user details by querying directory servers

User Authentication - Performs user authentication via configured internal and external directory servers (Active Directory, LDAP, etc.)

Guest Authentication - Enables authentication and registration of guest users on the network

Guest Sponsorship - Allows corporate employee sponsors to approve guest network access

Guest Management Portal - Provides functionality for managing guest hosts and guest portal access

Directory Server Integration - Integrates with enterprise directory servers for credential validation

Guest Management Capabilities:

The User Directory Plugin specifically enables:​

Guest user registration and authentication

Guest approval workflows through sponsor groups

Guest session management

Guest password policies

Guest tag management for categorization

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Dashboard - This is a general console feature, not specific to the User Directory plugin

C. Radius authorization - This is the function of the RADIUS plugin, not the User Directory plugin (though they work together in the Authentication Module)​

D. Query Switches - This is a function of the Switch plugin, not the User Directory plugin

E. Assets portal - This is a general Forescout platform feature, not specific to the User Directory plugin

Authentication Module Structure:

According to the documentation, the Authentication Module consists of two plugins:​

RADIUS Plugin - Handles 802.1X authentication, authorization, and accounting

User Directory Plugin - Handles user resolution, authentication, and guest management

These work together but have distinct responsibilities. The User Directory Plugin specifically handles guest authentication among its feature set.​

Referenced Documentation:

Forescout Authentication Module Overview Guide Version 1.1​

About the User Directory Plugin documentation​

User Directory Plugin Server and Guest Management Configuration Guide