- A
Verify that both switches are using the same EtherChannel protocol (LACP or PAgP).
Why wrong: This is unnecessary because both switches are already configured with channel-group 1 mode active, which explicitly enables LACP. They are using the same protocol; a protocol mismatch cannot be the cause.
- B
Check that the speed and duplex settings match on all member interfaces.
Why wrong: While speed/duplex mismatch is a valid cause of the 'I' state, it is not the most targeted next step after confirming LACP mode. The technician should first rule out VLAN configuration mismatches, which are equally likely and require immediate inspection when trunk ports are involved.
- C
Check for a VLAN mismatch on the member interfaces (e.g., mismatched native VLAN or allowed VLAN list).
LACP requires that all member ports have identical VLAN configurations (switchport mode, allowed VLANs, native VLAN). A mismatch in any of these parameters keeps the ports in stand-alone state. Since the protocol is already confirmed as LACP, verifying VLAN consistency is the most appropriate next step.
- D
Determine whether Spanning Tree Protocol is blocking one of the ports.
Why wrong: STP blocking state does not affect EtherChannel negotiation. A port that is part of a bundle will be shown in the 'P' (bundled) state regardless of STP status. The 'I' state indicates the port is not even joining the bundle, so STP is not the cause.
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.
An EtherChannel between SW1 and SW2 is not forming. The technician runs the show etherchannel summary command on both switches and sees that all configured interfaces are in the 'I' (stand-alone) state. Both switches have their interfaces configured with channel-group 1 mode active. What should the technician check next?
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
Check for a VLAN mismatch on the member interfaces (e.g., mismatched native VLAN or allowed VLAN list).
Option C is correct because when both switches are configured with channel-group 1 mode active, they are using LACP (active/active). The 'I' (stand-alone) state indicates the ports are not forming an EtherChannel despite LACP being enabled. A VLAN mismatch—such as differing native VLANs or allowed VLAN lists—can prevent LACP from successfully negotiating the bundle, as the control plane sees a Layer 2 inconsistency and keeps the ports in stand-alone mode.
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.
- ✗
Verify that both switches are using the same EtherChannel protocol (LACP or PAgP).
Why it's wrong here
This is unnecessary because both switches are already configured with channel-group 1 mode active, which explicitly enables LACP. They are using the same protocol; a protocol mismatch cannot be the cause.
- ✗
Check that the speed and duplex settings match on all member interfaces.
Why it's wrong here
While speed/duplex mismatch is a valid cause of the 'I' state, it is not the most targeted next step after confirming LACP mode. The technician should first rule out VLAN configuration mismatches, which are equally likely and require immediate inspection when trunk ports are involved.
- ✓
Check for a VLAN mismatch on the member interfaces (e.g., mismatched native VLAN or allowed VLAN list).
Why this is correct
LACP requires that all member ports have identical VLAN configurations (switchport mode, allowed VLANs, native VLAN). A mismatch in any of these parameters keeps the ports in stand-alone state. Since the protocol is already confirmed as LACP, verifying VLAN consistency is the most appropriate next step.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Determine whether Spanning Tree Protocol is blocking one of the ports.
Why it's wrong here
STP blocking state does not affect EtherChannel negotiation. A port that is part of a bundle will be shown in the 'P' (bundled) state regardless of STP status. The 'I' state indicates the port is not even joining the bundle, so STP is not the cause.
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.
✓Check for a VLAN mismatch on the member interfaces (e.g., mismatched native VLAN or allowed VLAN list).Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
LACP requires that all member ports have identical VLAN configurations (switchport mode, allowed VLANs, native VLAN). A mismatch in any of these parameters keeps the ports in stand-alone state. Since the protocol is already confirmed as LACP, verifying VLAN consistency is the most appropriate next step.
✗Verify that both switches are using the same EtherChannel protocol (LACP or PAgP).Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Assuming that a protocol mismatch might exist without checking the existing configuration first.
✗Check that the speed and duplex settings match on all member interfaces.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Prioritizing a Layer 1 check over a Layer 2 parameter that must be identical for EtherChannel to bundle.
✗Determine whether Spanning Tree Protocol is blocking one of the ports.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Confusing STP port states with EtherChannel negotiation states.
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 the 'I' (stand-alone) state always indicates a physical or protocol mismatch, when in fact it frequently points to Layer 2 configuration inconsistencies like VLAN mismatches that prevent LACP from completing negotiation.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
STP blocking state does not affect EtherChannel negotiation. A port that is part of a bundle will be shown in the 'P' (bundled) state regardless of STP status. The 'I' state indicates the port is not even joining the bundle, so STP is not the cause.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
LACP uses the Link Aggregation Control Protocol Data Units (LACPDUs) to exchange system and port attributes; a VLAN mismatch (e.g., native VLAN 1 on one side and VLAN 10 on the other) causes the LACP state machine to detect a partner mismatch and set the port to stand-alone mode (state 'I') rather than bundling. In real-world scenarios, this often occurs after VLAN changes are made without re-evaluating the EtherChannel configuration, and the 'show etherchannel summary' command's 'I' state is a direct indicator to check Layer 2 consistency before troubleshooting physical parameters.
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 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
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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: Check for a VLAN mismatch on the member interfaces (e.g., mismatched native VLAN or allowed VLAN list). — Option C is correct because when both switches are configured with channel-group 1 mode active, they are using LACP (active/active). The 'I' (stand-alone) state indicates the ports are not forming an EtherChannel despite LACP being enabled. A VLAN mismatch—such as differing native VLANs or allowed VLAN lists—can prevent LACP from successfully negotiating the bundle, as the control plane sees a Layer 2 inconsistency and keeps the ports in stand-alone mode.
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.
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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