CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
A network engineer is deploying a new access layer switch stack in a building. The design requires that the switches share a single management IP address, that a failed stack member does not take down the entire stack, and that the stack operates with the highest available throughput between members. Which two statements about Cisco StackWise technology support these requirements? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is mixing StackWise with VSS or assuming stacking uses ordinary uplink ports, when StackWise relies on dedicated stacking cables and its own master election.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
StackWise uses a ring topology with redundant paths so that a single member or cable failure does not break the stack.
StackWise presents multiple switches as one logical device with a single management IP and shared configuration, and its ring cabling provides redundant paths so one failed member or cable does not break the stack. These two properties directly address the requirements for simplified management and resiliency in the access layer deployment.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
StackWise requires all members to run different IOS versions to provide redundancy.
Why it's wrong here
Stack members must run compatible IOS versions; the master synchronizes its image and configuration to the members. Running different versions is not a requirement and can cause compatibility issues. Redundancy comes from the master election and ring topology, not from mismatched software, so this statement does not support the stated design goals.
- ✓
StackWise uses a ring topology with redundant paths so that a single member or cable failure does not break the stack.
Why this is correct
StackWise cables form a ring, providing redundant paths between members. If one cable or member fails, traffic can traverse the remaining path, which supports the requirement that a failed member does not bring down the whole stack. This resiliency is a core benefit of the ring topology used by StackWise.
- ✓
StackWise creates a single logical switch with one management IP address and a unified configuration.
Why this is correct
StackWise combines multiple physical switches into one logical unit that is managed through a single IP address and a shared running configuration. This directly satisfies the requirement for a single management address, and it simplifies operations because VLANs, interfaces, and policies are configured once for the entire stack.
- ✗
StackWise provides a single management IP only when the stack is configured as a VSS pair.
Why it's wrong here
VSS is a different technology used on higher-end chassis and fixed platforms, not a prerequisite for StackWise. StackWise natively presents a single management IP through the master switch, so tying that capability to VSS is incorrect. The statement misattributes a VSS characteristic to StackWise and would mislead the engineer.
- ✗
StackWise member switches must be connected only through their uplink ports to form the stack ring.
Why it's wrong here
StackWise uses dedicated stacking ports and cables, not the regular uplink ports used for network connectivity. Connecting members through uplink ports would not create a StackWise ring and would consume ports needed for uplinks. This statement confuses stacking cabling with data uplinks and does not describe how StackWise operates.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Troubleshoot: Access Port in Wrong VLAN
Key term
Switch
A switch is a networking device that connects devices on a local area network and uses MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended recipient.
Key term
IP address
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.