- A
1. Create VLANs, 2. Assign access ports to VLANs, 3. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 4. Verify configuration
Why wrong: This is the correct order because VLANs must exist before ports can be assigned to them. Trunking configuration comes after port assignment, and verification is always the final step.
- B
1. Assign access ports to VLANs, 2. Create VLANs, 3. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 4. Verify configuration
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you cannot assign ports to VLANs that do not yet exist. VLANs must be created first.
- C
1. Create VLANs, 2. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 3. Assign access ports to VLANs, 4. Verify configuration
Creating VLANs first is essential. Configuring trunking with a non-default native VLAN next sets the trunk parameters before assigning access ports, following a recommended workflow that reduces native VLAN mismatches.
- D
1. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 2. Create VLANs, 3. Assign access ports to VLANs, 4. Verify configuration
Why wrong: This is incorrect because trunking configuration requires that VLANs already exist to be allowed on the trunk. Also, access port assignment should precede trunking.
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. 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 steps into the recommended configuration order for setting up VLANs, assigning access ports, configuring 802.1Q trunking with a non-default native VLAN, and verifying the setup on a Cisco IOS-XE switch.
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. Create VLANs, 2. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 3. Assign access ports to VLANs, 4. Verify configuration
After creating VLANs, the recommended order is to configure trunking with a non-default native VLAN before assigning access ports. This ensures the trunk is ready with the correct native VLAN, preventing mismatches and allowing the switch to carry traffic for the new VLANs. Options B and D fail because VLANs must exist first. Option A places trunking last, which is not the best practice.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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. Create VLANs, 2. Assign access ports to VLANs, 3. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 4. Verify configuration
Why it's wrong here
This is the correct order because VLANs must exist before ports can be assigned to them. Trunking configuration comes after port assignment, and verification is always the final step.
When this WOULD be correct
This knowledge applies when configuring VLANs and trunking on a Cisco switch, ensuring proper network segmentation and inter-VLAN routing.
- ✗
1. Assign access ports to VLANs, 2. Create VLANs, 3. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 4. Verify configuration
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot assign ports to VLANs that do not yet exist. VLANs must be created first.
- ✓
1. Create VLANs, 2. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 3. Assign access ports to VLANs, 4. Verify configuration
Why this is correct
Creating VLANs first is essential. Configuring trunking with a non-default native VLAN next sets the trunk parameters before assigning access ports, following a recommended workflow that reduces native VLAN mismatches.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
1. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 2. Create VLANs, 3. Assign access ports to VLANs, 4. Verify configuration
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because trunking configuration requires that VLANs already exist to be allowed on the trunk. Also, access port assignment should precede trunking.
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. Create VLANs, 2. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 3. Assign access ports to VLANs, 4. Verify configurationCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Creating VLANs first is essential. Configuring trunking with a non-default native VLAN next sets the trunk parameters before assigning access ports, following a recommended workflow that reduces native VLAN mismatches.
✗1. Create VLANs, 2. Assign access ports to VLANs, 3. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 4. Verify configurationWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
While VLANs must exist first, trunking can be done before or after access port assignment. This order places trunking after access ports, which is not the recommended sequence.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This knowledge applies when configuring VLANs and trunking on a Cisco switch, ensuring proper network segmentation and inter-VLAN routing.
✗1. Assign access ports to VLANs, 2. Create VLANs, 3. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 4. Verify configurationWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Access ports cannot be assigned to VLANs that have not yet been created, making this order invalid.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they may think port assignment is independent of VLAN creation, or they confuse the order with other configuration tasks.
✗1. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 2. Create VLANs, 3. Assign access ports to VLANs, 4. Verify configurationWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Trunking configuration depends on the existence of the VLANs it will carry, so VLANs must be created first.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they may think trunking is a prerequisite for VLANs, or they confuse the order with configuring a trunk port before adding VLANs.
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: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 200-301 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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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 — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 1. Create VLANs, 2. Configure trunking with non-default native VLAN, 3. Assign access ports to VLANs, 4. Verify configuration — After creating VLANs, the recommended order is to configure trunking with a non-default native VLAN before assigning access ports. This ensures the trunk is ready with the correct native VLAN, preventing mismatches and allowing the switch to carry traffic for the new VLANs. Options B and D fail because VLANs must exist first. Option A places trunking last, which is not the best practice.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 200-301 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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.
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