CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
A network technician is configuring a new Cisco switch. The technician wants to connect a server that requires 802.1Q trunking to carry multiple VLANs. The server's network interface card supports VLAN tagging and is configured to use VLAN 10, 20, and 30. Which switch port mode should be configured on the switch port connected to the server?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that dynamic auto or desirable modes will work with a server, but they require DTP, which servers typically do not support.
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
✓
Trunk mode
Trunk mode is required to carry multiple VLANs over a single link. The server supports 802.1Q tagging, so configuring the switch port as a trunk allows VLAN 10, 20, and 30 traffic to pass. Access mode is for single VLAN, and dynamic modes rely on DTP, which the server does not support.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Access mode
Why it's wrong here
Access mode is used for end devices that do not support VLAN tagging, such as typical PCs. It places the port in a single VLAN and does not allow multiple VLANs. The server requires multiple VLANs, so access mode is not appropriate.
- ✗
Dynamic auto mode
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic auto mode allows the port to become a trunk if the other side initiates trunking. However, the server is not a Cisco switch and does not use Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP). Therefore, the port may remain in access mode, which would not support multiple VLANs. It is unreliable for this scenario.
- ✗
Dynamic desirable mode
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic desirable mode actively attempts to form a trunk using DTP. Since the server does not run DTP, the port will not become a trunk. This mode is intended for switch-to-switch connections, not for servers with static VLAN tagging.
- ✓
Trunk mode
Why this is correct
Trunk mode allows multiple VLANs to traverse the link by tagging frames with VLAN IDs. The server's NIC supports 802.1Q tagging and needs to communicate on VLANs 10, 20, and 30. Configuring the switch port as a trunk will enable this functionality.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Dynamic ARP Inspection
Key term
Interface
An interface is a point of connection or interaction between two systems, devices, or software components that allows them to exchange information or signals.
Key term
VLAN
A VLAN logically segments a physical network into isolated broadcast domains without requiring separate physical switches.
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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
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