- A
1. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors and duplex mismatch. 2. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 3. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
This order correctly follows the troubleshooting methodology: first gather current stats, then fix the mismatch by manually setting speed/duplex, then clear counters to reset, and finally verify that errors are no longer incrementing.
- B
1. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 2. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 3. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because clearing counters before examining the current state removes the evidence needed to diagnose the problem. You must first check the interface to see the errors.
- C
1. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 2. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 3. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because clearing counters before fixing the mismatch is premature. The fix should be applied before resetting counters to ensure the counters reflect the corrected state.
- D
1. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 2. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 3. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you should first examine the interface to confirm the problem before making changes. Applying a fix without diagnosis is not proper troubleshooting.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to troubleshoot a suspected duplex mismatch and CRC errors on a Cisco switch interface using CLI commands.
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
1. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors and duplex mismatch. 2. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 3. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
Start by examining current interface stats, then fix the mismatch, and finally clear and recheck counters.
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.
- ✓
1. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors and duplex mismatch. 2. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 3. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
Why this is correct
This order correctly follows the troubleshooting methodology: first gather current stats, then fix the mismatch by manually setting speed/duplex, then clear counters to reset, and finally verify that errors are no longer incrementing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
1. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 2. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 3. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because clearing counters before examining the current state removes the evidence needed to diagnose the problem. You must first check the interface to see the errors.
- ✗
1. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 2. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 3. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because clearing counters before fixing the mismatch is premature. The fix should be applied before resetting counters to ensure the counters reflect the corrected state.
- ✗
1. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 2. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 3. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you should first examine the interface to confirm the problem before making changes. Applying a fix without diagnosis is not proper troubleshooting.
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.
✓1. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors and duplex mismatch. 2. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 3. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This order correctly follows the troubleshooting methodology: first gather current stats, then fix the mismatch by manually setting speed/duplex, then clear counters to reset, and finally verify that errors are no longer incrementing.
✗1. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 2. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 3. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Clearing counters before inspection destroys the diagnostic data (CRC errors) that indicate the problem.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think clearing counters is a necessary first step to get a clean baseline, but you need to see the current errors first.
✗1. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 2. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 3. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Clearing counters before applying the fix means the counters will start from zero even though the mismatch still exists, leading to a false sense of resolution.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think clearing counters after inspection but before the fix is acceptable, but the correct sequence is to fix first, then clear, then verify.
✗1. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 2. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors. 3. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Skipping the initial inspection step means you are making changes without confirming the issue, which could be unnecessary or even harmful.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that since duplex mismatch is suspected, they can go straight to fixing it, but proper troubleshooting requires verification first.
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
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 1. Use 'show interfaces' to check for CRC errors and duplex mismatch. 2. Manually set speed and duplex on both ends to match. 3. Use 'clear counters' to reset interface statistics. 4. Use 'show interfaces' again to verify no new errors. — Start by examining current interface stats, then fix the mismatch, and finally clear and recheck counters.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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