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: lACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) uses active and passive modes to negotiate EtherChannel bundles between switches.. 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 two-switch EtherChannel bundle is configured with LACP. One side uses active mode on both member links, while the other side uses passive mode on both member links. What is the result?
The bundle forms successfully
Correct choice.
The links remain individual because both sides must use active
Why wrong: Distractor.
The bundle forms only if PAgP is also enabled
Why wrong: Distractor.
The channel comes up but forwards only one VLAN
Why wrong: Distractor.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The bundle forms successfully
LACP forms a channel when at least one side actively sends negotiation frames. Active-to-passive works. Passive-to-passive would fail, but that is not the case here.
Key principle: LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) uses active and passive modes to negotiate EtherChannel bundles between switches.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The bundle forms successfully
Why this is correct
Correct choice.
Related concept
LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) uses active and passive modes to negotiate EtherChannel bundles between switches.
The links remain individual because both sides must use active
Why it's wrong here
Distractor.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where a question specifies that both switches must be configured in active mode for LACP to function, this option would be correct. For example, if the question stated that both ends must use active mode for a successful EtherChannel formation, then this option would apply.
The bundle forms only if PAgP is also enabled
Why it's wrong here
Distractor.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the question specifies that both switches are configured with PAgP and the exam asks about compatibility with LACP, this option would be correct. If the question states that PAgP must be enabled for any channel to form, then this option would apply.
The channel comes up but forwards only one VLAN
Why it's wrong here
Distractor.
When this WOULD be correct
This option would be correct in a scenario where a switch is configured to use a static EtherChannel without LACP, and only one VLAN is allowed due to misconfiguration or limitations in the switch's capabilities, causing it to forward traffic for only that VLAN.
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 choice.
Why this is wrong here
LACP does not require both sides to be in active mode; active/passive is a valid combination. The passive side will respond to LACP packets from the active side, forming the bundle.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where a question specifies that both switches must be configured in active mode for LACP to function, this option would be correct. For example, if the question stated that both ends must use active mode for a successful EtherChannel formation, then this option would apply.
Why candidates choose this
Students often confuse LACP modes with PAgP modes, where PAgP requires at least one side to be in desirable mode. They may incorrectly assume both sides must be active for LACP.
Why this is wrong here
PAgP is a Cisco proprietary protocol and is not required for LACP. LACP and PAgP are independent; enabling PAgP does not affect LACP negotiation.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the question specifies that both switches are configured with PAgP and the exam asks about compatibility with LACP, this option would be correct. If the question states that PAgP must be enabled for any channel to form, then this option would apply.
Why candidates choose this
Test-takers may think that both protocols must be enabled for compatibility, but LACP and PAgP are separate and cannot be mixed on the same bundle.
Why this is wrong here
EtherChannel, once formed, forwards all VLANs allowed on the trunk or access ports. There is no mechanism in LACP that restricts the bundle to a single VLAN.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This option would be correct in a scenario where a switch is configured to use a static EtherChannel without LACP, and only one VLAN is allowed due to misconfiguration or limitations in the switch's capabilities, causing it to forward traffic for only that VLAN.
Why candidates choose this
This distractor plays on confusion with VLAN filtering or the concept of 'one VLAN' from other features like VTP pruning or port security, but it is not related to EtherChannel formation.
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
Ensure you know that LACP only needs one side in active mode to form a channel; both sides in passive mode would fail.
Detailed technical explanation
EtherChannel is a technology that allows multiple physical Ethernet links to be combined into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. LACP is one of the protocols used to dynamically negotiate and manage these bundles. LACP uses two modes: active and passive. Active mode means the device actively sends LACP negotiation frames to form the channel, while passive mode means the device only responds to LACP frames but does not initiate them. For an EtherChannel bundle to form using LACP, at least one side must be in active mode to initiate the negotiation. If one switch is set to active and the other to passive, the active side sends LACP frames, and the passive side responds, allowing the bundle to form successfully. However, if both sides are passive, no LACP frames are sent, so the channel does not form, and the links remain individual. A common exam trap is assuming both sides must be active for the bundle to form, which is incorrect. The key is that one side must initiate the negotiation. In practical networks, configuring one side as active and the other as passive is common to ensure the channel forms without unnecessary negotiation traffic. This behavior is specific to LACP; PAgP uses different modes and negotiation rules. Understanding these distinctions helps avoid misconfigurations that can cause link aggregation failures and network issues.
Key takeaway
LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) uses active and passive modes to negotiate EtherChannel bundles between switches.
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 lACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) uses active and passive modes to negotiate EtherChannel bundles between switches., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Switching and Network Access — This question tests Switching and Network Access — LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) uses active and passive modes to negotiate EtherChannel bundles between switches..
The correct answer is: The bundle forms successfully — LACP forms a channel when at least one side actively sends negotiation frames. Active-to-passive works. Passive-to-passive would fail, but that is not the case here.
Review lACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) uses active and passive modes to negotiate EtherChannel bundles between switches., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) uses active and passive modes to negotiate EtherChannel bundles between switches.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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