EtherChannel bundles multiple physical links into a single logical port-channel. The CCNA tests LACP vs PAgP vs static EtherChannel, the mode combinations that form a channel, and common configuration errors. These appear as configuration tasks and troubleshooting scenarios.
Start Scenario PracticeWhich three of the following are valid considerations when configuring EtherChannel? (Choose three.)
Explanation: All three correct statements (A, B, C) are valid considerations when configuring EtherChannel. Option D is incorrect because load balancing can be based on source/destination IP, MAC, or Layer 4 port, not just MAC addresses. Option E is false because although up to 16 interfaces can be in a port channel, only 8 can be active simultaneously (the remaining are in standby). Option F is false because STP operates on the port-channel interface as a whole, not on individual links within the bundle.
A network engineer configures an EtherChannel between two Cisco switches SW1 and SW2 using LACP. After configuration, hosts connected to SW1 report intermittent connectivity to hosts on SW2. The engineer checks the EtherChannel status and sees that the trunk is up but only allows VLAN 1, while the hosts communicate across VLANs 10 and 20. Which command should the engineer apply to both switches to resolve the issue?
Explanation: The output shows the EtherChannel is up but only VLAN 1 is allowed on the trunk, while the hosts on SW1 and SW2 communicate across VLANs 10 and 20. Applying 'switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,10,20' on both switches ensures all necessary VLANs are permitted over the EtherChannel, resolving the intermittent connectivity caused by dropped traffic for VLANs 10 and 20.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure an LACP EtherChannel on two Cisco switches using active mode.
Explanation: To configure an LACP EtherChannel in active mode, you must first enter interface configuration mode on the physical interfaces (e.g., using interface range). Next, assign those interfaces to a channel group using the channel-group command with the mode active keyword; this enables LACP negotiation and ensures the switch actively attempts to form a bundle. After the member ports are configured, you can optionally set parameters on the Port-Channel interface (such as switchport mode trunk). Finally, verify the EtherChannel is operational with show etherchannel summary. Using mode passive, on, or desirable would not enable LACP active negotiation or would use a different protocol (PAgP), which does not meet the requirement.
Which two conditions must match on two switch ports before they can successfully form a Layer 2 EtherChannel? (Choose two.)
Explanation: Layer 2 EtherChannel members must have compatible Layer 2 configuration. Port mode, VLAN-related settings, speed, and duplex all need to align for the bundle to form correctly.
A network engineer checks EtherChannel status on a switch and sees the following output: Group Port-channel Protocol Ports ------+-------------+---------+----------------------------- 1 Po1(SD) LACP Gi1/0/1(s) Gi1/0/2(I) What is the most likely reason the EtherChannel is not forwarding traffic?
Explanation: The safest conclusion from this output is that the member interfaces are not successfully participating in the bundle, so the logical port-channel is down. Cisco exam questions often test whether you can read the status flags without overcommitting to a very specific root cause that the exhibit does not explicitly prove. One member is suspended and another is not bundled into the channel correctly, so the EtherChannel never reaches a healthy forwarding state. In the real world, that can happen because of trunk mismatches, allowed VLAN mismatches, native VLAN problems, inconsistent channel-group settings, or negotiation issues. The key exam skill is recognizing that the bundle itself failed, not guessing one hidden configuration line that is not shown.
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Practice all EtherChannel and LACP ScenariosEtherChannel bundles multiple physical links into a single logical port-channel. The CCNA tests LACP vs PAgP vs static EtherChannel, the mode combinations that form a channel, and common configuration errors. These appear as configuration tasks and troubleshooting scenarios. These appear throughout the 200-301 and require you to apply your knowledge, not just recall facts.
Cisco doesn't publish an exact breakdown, but scenario-based questions (especially exhibit and command-output formats) make up a significant portion of the 200-301. Practicing each scenario type ensures you're ready for any format.
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