CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. A key principle to apply: dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames.. 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 switchport connected to another switch is configured with `switchport mode dynamic auto` on both ends. What is the most likely outcome if neither side actively negotiates trunking?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The link is likely to remain non-trunking because both sides are waiting passively.
If both ends are set to dynamic auto, the most likely outcome is that the link does not become a trunk automatically. In plain language, both interfaces are waiting passively for the other side to initiate the negotiation. Since neither side is actively trying to form the trunk, the link typically remains non-trunking unless one side is changed to a more active mode or trunk is configured directly.
This is a classic DTP behavior question because it tests whether you understand the difference between active and passive negotiation roles. The correct answer is the one that reflects the passive nature of dynamic auto on both sides.
Key principle: Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The link is likely to remain non-trunking because both sides are waiting passively.
Why this is correct
This is correct because dynamic auto on both ends does not normally force trunk formation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames.
✗
The link always becomes a trunk immediately.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because dynamic auto is passive, not a forced trunk mode.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where both switches are configured with `switchport mode trunk`, the link would always become a trunk immediately upon connection, regardless of negotiation. A question could specify that both ends are set to trunk mode, leading to this outcome.
✗
The link becomes a routed Layer 3 link.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because DTP behavior does not convert the switchport into a routed interface.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario, if the question specified that both switches were configured with `switchport mode access` and there was no trunk negotiation, then the link would indeed operate as a routed Layer 3 link if the switches were configured to route traffic.
✗
All VLANs are deleted from both switches.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because DTP negotiation does not delete VLANs.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where a question states that a switchport is configured to delete VLAN information upon a specific command or configuration change, option D could be correct. For example, if the question involved a command that explicitly removes VLAN configurations, then this option would apply.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
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.
✓The link is likely to remain non-trunking because both sides are waiting passively.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because dynamic auto on both ends does not normally force trunk formation.
✗The link always becomes a trunk immediately.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because `switchport mode dynamic auto` does not force immediate trunking; it relies on negotiation, and if neither side actively negotiates, the link remains non-trunking.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where both switches are configured with `switchport mode trunk`, the link would always become a trunk immediately upon connection, regardless of negotiation. A question could specify that both ends are set to trunk mode, leading to this outcome.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of dynamic trunking protocols, mistakenly believing that any configuration involving 'dynamic' would automatically result in trunking without considering the negotiation process.
✗The link becomes a routed Layer 3 link.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because a switchport configured with `switchport mode dynamic auto` does not automatically convert to a routed Layer 3 link unless explicitly configured to do so. The default behavior is to remain in access mode unless trunking is negotiated.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario, if the question specified that both switches were configured with `switchport mode access` and there was no trunk negotiation, then the link would indeed operate as a routed Layer 3 link if the switches were configured to route traffic.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option due to a misunderstanding of switchport modes and the assumption that dynamic configurations imply automatic Layer 3 functionality, leading to confusion between access and trunking modes.
✗All VLANs are deleted from both switches.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Option D is incorrect because configuring `switchport mode dynamic auto` does not delete VLANs; it merely affects trunk negotiation. VLANs remain configured on the switches regardless of trunking status.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where a question states that a switchport is configured to delete VLAN information upon a specific command or configuration change, option D could be correct. For example, if the question involved a command that explicitly removes VLAN configurations, then this option would apply.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may find this option tempting due to a misunderstanding of how switchport configurations impact VLANs, leading them to incorrectly associate trunking negotiation failures with VLAN deletion.
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
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Be careful not to confuse dynamic auto with dynamic desirable. Only dynamic desirable actively negotiates trunking.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) is a Cisco proprietary protocol used to negotiate trunk links between switches. It automates the process of trunk formation by exchanging DTP frames to agree on whether a link should be a trunk or access port. The main DTP modes are dynamic auto, dynamic desirable, trunk, and access. Dynamic auto mode is passive; it waits for the other side to initiate trunk negotiation but does not actively try to form a trunk itself.
When both ends of a switch-to-switch link are configured with switchport mode dynamic auto, neither side actively attempts to form a trunk. Both interfaces wait passively for the other to initiate the negotiation. Because no side sends DTP frames to actively request trunking, the link remains in access mode by default. To successfully form a trunk using DTP, at least one side must be set to dynamic desirable or trunk mode to actively negotiate trunking.
This behavior often confuses candidates who assume dynamic auto will automatically form trunks. The exam trap lies in misunderstanding the passive nature of dynamic auto mode and expecting trunk formation without active negotiation. In practical networks, to ensure trunk links form reliably, network engineers configure one side as dynamic desirable or trunk mode. This prevents link misconfigurations and ensures VLAN traffic is properly carried across the trunk.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames.
The dynamic auto mode is passive and waits for the other side to initiate trunk negotiation but does not initiate it itself.
A trunk link forms automatically only if at least one side is configured as dynamic desirable or trunk mode to actively negotiate.
When both ends are set to dynamic auto, the link remains in access mode because neither side initiates trunk negotiation.
DTP does not convert switchports into routed Layer 3 interfaces; it only negotiates trunk or access Layer 2 modes.
VLAN configurations are not deleted or affected by DTP negotiation failures or modes.
Understanding the difference between active and passive DTP modes is critical to correctly configuring trunk links in Cisco networks.
Misconfiguring both ends as dynamic auto leads to a non-trunking link, which can cause VLAN traffic segregation issues.
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.
Key takeaway
Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Review dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Switching and Network Access — This question tests Switching and Network Access — Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The link is likely to remain non-trunking because both sides are waiting passively. — If both ends are set to dynamic auto, the most likely outcome is that the link does not become a trunk automatically. In plain language, both interfaces are waiting passively for the other side to initiate the negotiation. Since neither side is actively trying to form the trunk, the link typically remains non-trunking unless one side is changed to a more active mode or trunk is configured directly.
This is a classic DTP behavior question because it tests whether you understand the difference between active and passive negotiation roles. The correct answer is the one that reflects the passive nature of dynamic auto on both sides.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) automates trunk negotiation between Cisco switches by exchanging negotiation frames.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.