Quick Answer
The answer is Gi1/0/5. This interface is the correct choice because the output from the show interfaces command explicitly lists it as connected with a VLAN assignment of 20, and it does not show the word “trunk” in its status or VLAN column, which is the definitive indicator of an access port. In contrast, Gi1/0/24 is clearly labeled as a trunk, and Gi1/0/6 is not connected, so only Gi1/0/5 meets both conditions of being active and assigned to a single data VLAN. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your ability to identify access ports from show interfaces output, a fundamental skill for verifying switchport mode configurations. A common trap is assuming that any interface with a VLAN number is an access port, but you must also confirm the absence of the “trunk” keyword in the status or VLAN field. Memory tip: if you see a VLAN number without the word “trunk,” think “access trunk-free.”
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: a switch access port is assigned to a single VLAN and forwards untagged frames only for that VLAN.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A switch displays the following output:
Interface Status VLAN
Gi1/0/5 connected 20 Gi1/0/6 notconnect 1 Gi1/0/24 trunk trunk
Which interface is operating as an access port in VLAN 20?
Gi1/0/5
Correct. It is connected and assigned to VLAN 20.
Gi1/0/6
Why wrong: Gi1/0/6 is an access port in VLAN 1, but it is not in VLAN 20.
Gi1/0/24
Why wrong: Gi1/0/24 is a trunk, not an access port.
None of the interfaces
Why wrong: Gi1/0/5 clearly matches.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Gi1/0/5
The output explicitly shows Gi1/0/5 in VLAN 20 and not operating as a trunk.
Key principle: A switch access port is assigned to a single VLAN and forwards untagged frames only for that VLAN.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Gi1/0/5
Why this is correct
Correct. It is connected and assigned to VLAN 20.
Related concept
A switch access port is assigned to a single VLAN and forwards untagged frames only for that VLAN.
Gi1/0/6
Why it's wrong here
Gi1/0/6 is an access port in VLAN 1, but it is not in VLAN 20.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for an interface that is not currently operational but was previously configured as an access port in VLAN 20, Gi1/0/6 could be the correct answer. This could occur in a scenario where the interface has been administratively shut down but retains its VLAN assignment.
Gi1/0/24
Why it's wrong here
Gi1/0/24 is a trunk, not an access port.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked which interface is configured to allow traffic for multiple VLANs, or if it specified that Gi1/0/24 was set to access mode for VLAN 20, then this option would be correct.
None of the interfaces
Why it's wrong here
Gi1/0/5 clearly matches.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the question states that all interfaces are configured as trunk ports or are not assigned to any VLAN, then 'None of the interfaces' would be correct if no access port exists for VLAN 20.
Option-by-option analysis
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
Why this is correct
Correct. It is connected and assigned to VLAN 20.
Why this is wrong here
Gi1/0/6 is an access port in VLAN 1 (the default VLAN), not VLAN 20. The question specifically asks for an interface operating as an access port in VLAN 20, so this option is incorrect.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for an interface that is not currently operational but was previously configured as an access port in VLAN 20, Gi1/0/6 could be the correct answer. This could occur in a scenario where the interface has been administratively shut down but retains its VLAN assignment.
Why candidates choose this
A student might see that Gi1/0/6 is an access port (since it shows a VLAN number and not 'trunk') and assume it could be in VLAN 20, but the output clearly shows it is in VLAN 1.
Why this is wrong here
Gi1/0/24 is configured as a trunk port, which carries traffic for multiple VLANs and is not an access port. Access ports belong to a single VLAN, so this option is incorrect.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked which interface is configured to allow traffic for multiple VLANs, or if it specified that Gi1/0/24 was set to access mode for VLAN 20, then this option would be correct.
Why candidates choose this
A student might confuse the word 'trunk' in the VLAN column with being a trunk port, but the question asks for an access port, and trunk ports are not access ports.
Why this is wrong here
Gi1/0/5 is clearly an access port in VLAN 20, so there is an interface that matches the description. Therefore, 'None of the interfaces' is incorrect.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the question states that all interfaces are configured as trunk ports or are not assigned to any VLAN, then 'None of the interfaces' would be correct if no access port exists for VLAN 20.
Why candidates choose this
A student might overlook Gi1/0/5 if they misinterpret the output or think that 'connected' status does not imply access port, but the VLAN assignment confirms it.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Be careful not to confuse trunk ports with access ports or assume interfaces not shown in the output are relevant.
Detailed technical explanation
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) segments a switch into multiple broadcast domains, allowing devices in the same VLAN to communicate as if they were on the same physical network. Access ports are switch interfaces assigned to a single VLAN and carry traffic for that VLAN only. Trunk ports, in contrast, carry traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously, tagging frames with VLAN identifiers to maintain separation across the link. In the provided switch output, the interface Gi1/0/5 is listed as "connected" and assigned to VLAN 20, indicating it is an access port operating within VLAN 20. The interface Gi1/0/6 is "notconnect" and assigned to VLAN 1, which is the default VLAN, but it is not active or connected. The interface Gi1/0/24 is labeled as "trunk" and operates as a trunk port, carrying multiple VLANs rather than a single access VLAN. A common exam trap is confusing the interface status and VLAN assignment with port mode. For example, a trunk port can show "trunk" status and carry VLAN 20 traffic, but it is not an access port. Similarly, an interface in VLAN 1 but not connected is not operational. Understanding that an access port is assigned to a single VLAN and shows "connected" status is critical to correctly identifying the interface operating as an access port in VLAN 20.
Key takeaway
A switch access port is assigned to a single VLAN and forwards untagged frames only for that VLAN.
Real-world example
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Review a switch access port is assigned to a single VLAN and forwards untagged frames only for that VLAN., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — A switch access port is assigned to a single VLAN and forwards untagged frames only for that VLAN..
The correct answer is: Gi1/0/5 — The output explicitly shows Gi1/0/5 in VLAN 20 and not operating as a trunk.
Review a switch access port is assigned to a single VLAN and forwards untagged frames only for that VLAN., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
A switch access port is assigned to a single VLAN and forwards untagged frames only for that VLAN.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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