- A
Configure the port security violation mode to restrict, increase the maximum number of MAC addresses, and then recover the port.
This directly addresses the symptom (err-disabled due to a port security violation) by making the policy more permissive while still retaining security. Increasing max MACs prevents the violation, and switching to restrict mode avoids future shutdowns. The err-disable state is cleared so the port becomes operational again.
- B
Disable port security on the interface.
Why wrong: This would restore connectivity but removes the beneficial security control. It is a drastic step that should only be considered after tuning the security parameters has failed, and it does not investigate the root cause.
- C
Enter the shutdown and no shutdown commands to recover the port, then enable port security with sticky MAC learning.
Why wrong: Recovering the port immediately without changing the violation mode or max MACs will likely cause another err-disable when the PC tries to communicate again. Sticky MAC learning converts dynamically learned addresses to static entries, but if the maximum is still 1 and a second MAC appears, the shutdown will still occur. This step does not prevent the recurrence.
- D
Verify the spanning-tree portfast configuration on the interface.
Why wrong: Spanning-tree PortFast enables faster forwarding when a device connects, but it does not cause err-disabled due to security violations. The err-disabled state here is clearly caused by port security, so troubleshooting spanning tree would target the wrong layer and waste time.
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to configure the port security violation mode to restrict, increase the maximum number of MAC addresses, and then recover the port. This is because the default violation mode of shutdown immediately places the port into an err-disabled state when a new MAC address is seen, exceeding the default limit of one. By changing the mode to restrict, the port remains up and forwards traffic from authorized MACs while logging and dropping traffic from violating sources, preventing future err-disabled shutdowns. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of port security recovery and the distinction between shutdown, restrict, and protect violation modes. A common trap is to only recover the port without adjusting the configuration, which would cause the same violation to recur. Remember the memory tip: “Shutdown kills the port, restrict logs and lets it live.”
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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 technician connects a PC to a switch port that has port security enabled with the default maximum of one MAC address and violation mode shutdown. Immediately after connecting, the port goes into the err-disabled state. The technician runs the show interfaces command and sees the port status as err-disabled. What should the technician do next?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"immediately / without restart"Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure the port security violation mode to restrict, increase the maximum number of MAC addresses, and then recover the port.
Option A is correct because the port went into err-disabled state due to a port security violation (default maximum of one MAC address was exceeded). To resolve this, the technician must first recover the port (shutdown/no shutdown) or use the 'errdisable recovery cause psecure-violation' command, but the question asks what to do next. The best next step is to configure the violation mode to 'restrict' (which allows traffic from violating MACs but logs them) and increase the maximum MAC addresses to accommodate the PC, then recover the port. This prevents immediate err-disable on future violations while maintaining security.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure the port security violation mode to restrict, increase the maximum number of MAC addresses, and then recover the port.
Why this is correct
This directly addresses the symptom (err-disabled due to a port security violation) by making the policy more permissive while still retaining security. Increasing max MACs prevents the violation, and switching to restrict mode avoids future shutdowns. The err-disable state is cleared so the port becomes operational again.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disable port security on the interface.
Why it's wrong here
This would restore connectivity but removes the beneficial security control. It is a drastic step that should only be considered after tuning the security parameters has failed, and it does not investigate the root cause.
- ✗
Enter the shutdown and no shutdown commands to recover the port, then enable port security with sticky MAC learning.
Why it's wrong here
Recovering the port immediately without changing the violation mode or max MACs will likely cause another err-disable when the PC tries to communicate again. Sticky MAC learning converts dynamically learned addresses to static entries, but if the maximum is still 1 and a second MAC appears, the shutdown will still occur. This step does not prevent the recurrence.
- ✗
Verify the spanning-tree portfast configuration on the interface.
Why it's wrong here
Spanning-tree PortFast enables faster forwarding when a device connects, but it does not cause err-disabled due to security violations. The err-disabled state here is clearly caused by port security, so troubleshooting spanning tree would target the wrong layer and waste time.
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.
✓Configure the port security violation mode to restrict, increase the maximum number of MAC addresses, and then recover the port.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This directly addresses the symptom (err-disabled due to a port security violation) by making the policy more permissive while still retaining security. Increasing max MACs prevents the violation, and switching to restrict mode avoids future shutdowns. The err-disable state is cleared so the port becomes operational again.
✗Disable port security on the interface.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Assumes port security is the problem itself rather than its configuration, leading to a full removal of the feature.
✗Enter the shutdown and no shutdown commands to recover the port, then enable port security with sticky MAC learning.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Focuses on clearing the error state without addressing why the violation occurred, leading to a loop of repeated err-disabled events.
✗Verify the spanning-tree portfast configuration on the interface.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Mistakenly attributes the err-disabled condition to a Layer 2 loop-prevention feature instead of the explicitly configured Layer 2 security feature.
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
Cisco often tests the misconception that simply recovering the port (shutdown/no shutdown) is sufficient, but candidates must realize that the underlying violation condition must be corrected first to prevent immediate reoccurrence.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Port security with violation mode 'shutdown' places the interface in err-disabled state when a violation occurs, requiring manual or automatic recovery. The 'restrict' mode drops traffic from unauthorized MACs but keeps the port up, while 'protect' drops silently. The default maximum of one MAC address means only the first learned MAC is allowed; connecting a PC with a different MAC triggers the violation. In real-world scenarios, administrators often use 'sticky' MAC learning to dynamically bind the first MAC and set a higher maximum to avoid such issues.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Switching and Network Access — This question tests Switching and Network Access — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the port security violation mode to restrict, increase the maximum number of MAC addresses, and then recover the port. — Option A is correct because the port went into err-disabled state due to a port security violation (default maximum of one MAC address was exceeded). To resolve this, the technician must first recover the port (shutdown/no shutdown) or use the 'errdisable recovery cause psecure-violation' command, but the question asks what to do next. The best next step is to configure the violation mode to 'restrict' (which allows traffic from violating MACs but logs them) and increase the maximum MAC addresses to accommodate the PC, then recover the port. This prevents immediate err-disable on future violations while maintaining security.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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