Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A switch port connected to a workstation is configured with sticky MAC learning and a maximum secure MAC count of 1. What is the main operational benefit of sticky learning in this case?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
It dynamically learns a secure MAC address and can preserve it if the configuration is saved.
This is correct because sticky MAC learning records the observed address as a secure port-security entry.
B
Distractor review
It disables the maximum secure MAC limit on the interface.
This is wrong because sticky learning does not remove the configured maximum.
C
Distractor review
It converts the interface into a trunk after the first MAC is learned.
This is wrong because sticky learning does not change the port role.
D
Distractor review
It prevents the port from ever generating a security violation.
This is wrong because violations can still occur if the secure MAC limit is exceeded or the wrong device appears.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is to confuse sticky MAC learning with disabling port security limits or changing port roles. Some candidates mistakenly believe sticky learning removes the maximum secure MAC count or converts the port into a trunk after learning a MAC address. However, sticky learning only dynamically learns and preserves MAC addresses as secure entries without altering the port’s fundamental security limits or operational mode. Misunderstanding this can lead to incorrect answers about port security behavior and violation handling.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Sticky MAC learning is a feature of Cisco switch port security that allows a switch to dynamically learn MAC addresses on a port and then convert those learned addresses into secure MAC addresses. This means the switch automatically records the MAC address of the first device connected to the port and treats it as a secure entry, preventing unauthorized devices from connecting without manual configuration. The learned MAC addresses are stored in the running configuration and can be saved to the startup configuration, ensuring persistence across reboots. The key operational rule with sticky MAC learning is that it combines the flexibility of dynamic learning with the security of static port security entries. When a port is configured with sticky MAC learning and a maximum secure MAC count (in this case, 1), the switch will learn the first MAC address it sees and lock it as the only allowed address. If a different device attempts to connect, the port security violation mechanism triggers, enforcing access control. Sticky learning does not disable or alter the maximum secure MAC count; it works within these limits to enhance security management. A common exam trap is to assume sticky MAC learning disables port security limits or automatically changes port roles, such as converting access ports to trunks. In reality, sticky learning only affects how MAC addresses are learned and stored. It does not disable the maximum secure MAC count or change the port type. Understanding this distinction is critical for correctly answering questions about port security behavior and avoiding confusion about how sticky MAC addresses interact with other port security features.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Sticky MAC learning allows a switch to dynamically learn and save MAC addresses as secure entries on a port, simplifying port security management.
- A switch port configured with sticky MAC learning and a maximum secure MAC count enforces that only the learned MAC addresses can access the port.
- Sticky MAC addresses are stored in the running configuration and can be saved to the startup configuration to persist after a reboot.
- Port security violation mechanisms still apply when the maximum secure MAC count is exceeded or an unauthorized MAC address is detected on a sticky port.
- Sticky MAC learning does not disable the maximum secure MAC count configured on the interface; it works within the port security limits.
- Sticky MAC learning does not change the port type or role, such as converting an access port into a trunk port.
- The main benefit of sticky MAC learning is balancing ease of deployment with strong access control by automating secure MAC address configuration.
- Misunderstanding sticky MAC learning can lead to exam mistakes, such as assuming it disables security limits or alters port behavior.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Sticky MAC learning allows a switch to dynamically learn and save MAC addresses as secure entries on a port, simplifying port security management.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It dynamically learns a secure MAC address and can preserve it if the configuration is saved. — Sticky learning gives the convenience of dynamic discovery while still treating the learned address as a secure port-security entry. In practical terms, the switch can observe the first legitimate MAC address on the port and record it as a secure address without the administrator having to type that address manually. If the running configuration is later saved, that sticky entry can persist after a reload. This is useful because it balances ease of deployment with access control. The maximum secure MAC count still matters, and port security is still active. Sticky learning does not replace port security; it works within it.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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