Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A switch port connected to an end host should forward traffic for one VLAN only and should not negotiate trunking. Which configuration approach best fits that requirement?
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
Configure the interface with `switchport mode access`
This is correct because access mode is the normal one-VLAN configuration for an end-host port.
B
Distractor review
Configure the interface with `switchport mode trunk`
This is wrong because a trunk is intended to carry multiple VLANs.
C
Distractor review
Configure the interface with `switchport mode dynamic desirable`
This is wrong because it still involves trunk negotiation behavior.
D
Distractor review
Configure the interface with `no switchport`
This is wrong because that converts the interface to routed-port behavior on supported devices.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is selecting `switchport mode dynamic desirable` or `switchport mode trunk` for an end-host port because these modes allow trunk negotiation or multiple VLANs. Candidates may mistakenly believe dynamic desirable offers flexibility, but it can cause the port to form a trunk link, exposing multiple VLANs to an end device unnecessarily. Another trap is choosing `no switchport`, which converts the interface to a Layer 3 routed port, unsuitable for typical end-host connections that require Layer 2 VLAN membership. The exam tests understanding that end-host ports should be statically set to access mode to avoid VLAN leakage and simplify network design.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
In Cisco switching, a switch port connected to an end host is typically configured as an access port. An access port carries traffic for a single VLAN and does not participate in VLAN trunking protocols. This setup ensures that the port forwards frames tagged or untagged for one VLAN only, simplifying traffic management and reducing the risk of VLAN hopping or misconfiguration. Access ports are the default mode for switch ports connected to devices like PCs, printers, or IP phones that do not require multiple VLAN access. The command `switchport mode access` explicitly sets the interface to access mode, disabling Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) negotiation. This prevents the port from attempting to form a trunk link, which is designed to carry multiple VLANs simultaneously. By contrast, trunk ports use `switchport mode trunk` and allow multiple VLANs to traverse the link, which is unnecessary and potentially insecure for end-host connections. Dynamic modes like `dynamic desirable` enable DTP negotiation, which can unintentionally form trunks if the connected device supports it, causing VLAN leakage or connectivity issues. A common exam trap is confusing access mode with dynamic trunking modes. Candidates might incorrectly select dynamic desirable or trunk mode, assuming flexibility is better. However, for end hosts, trunking is not only unnecessary but can cause security risks and operational problems. The practical behavior in Cisco switches is that access ports simplify VLAN assignment and reduce complexity, making them the standard for user-facing connections. Understanding this distinction is critical for the CCNA exam and real-world network design.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A switch port configured with `switchport mode access` forwards traffic for exactly one VLAN and disables trunk negotiation protocols.
- Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) enables ports to negotiate trunk links, which is inappropriate for end-host connections requiring a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs simultaneously and are intended for switch-to-switch or switch-to-router links, not end devices.
- Configuring a port with `no switchport` converts it to a routed port, which is used for Layer 3 interfaces, not typical end-host connections.
- Access ports prevent VLAN hopping attacks by restricting traffic to a single VLAN and disabling trunk negotiation.
- Dynamic desirable mode allows a port to actively negotiate trunking, which can cause unintended trunk formation on end-host ports.
- End hosts such as PCs and printers should connect to access ports to ensure predictable VLAN membership and network segmentation.
- Explicitly setting a port to access mode avoids reliance on DTP and reduces configuration errors in VLAN assignment.
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?
A switch port configured with `switchport mode access` forwards traffic for exactly one VLAN and disables trunk negotiation protocols.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the interface with `switchport mode access` — The best approach is to configure the interface as an access port. In plain language, this tells the switch that the interface is for a normal endpoint and should belong to one VLAN rather than carry multiple VLANs like a trunk. It also avoids reliance on dynamic trunk negotiation, which is usually unnecessary and potentially confusing for a user-facing connection. This is a standard access-layer design principle. End hosts such as PCs and printers usually connect to access ports, not trunks. That is why the correct answer is the one centered on explicit access-port behavior.
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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