- A
Create VLANs using 'vlan' command in global configuration mode
VLANs must exist before they can be assigned to ports or used in trunking. The 'vlan' command creates the VLAN in the VLAN database.
- B
Assign access ports to VLANs using 'switchport access vlan' command
This is incorrect because access ports should be assigned after VLANs are created but before trunk configuration. However, the correct order is to create VLANs first, then assign access ports, then configure trunks. This option is out of order if placed before VLAN creation.
- C
Configure 802.1Q trunking with native VLAN using 'switchport mode trunk' and 'switchport trunk native vlan' commands
This is incorrect because trunk configuration should occur after access ports are assigned. Placing it before access port assignment would be out of order.
- D
Verify configuration using 'show vlan brief' and 'show interfaces trunk' commands
This is incorrect because verification should be the final step after all configuration is complete. Placing it earlier would not show the full configuration.
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.
Arrange the following steps in a valid configuration order. Note: VLANs must be created first, verification last. The access-port assignment and trunk configuration (steps B and C) can be performed in any order after VLAN creation.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
Create VLANs using 'vlan' command in global configuration mode
The only mandatory ordering is to create VLANs first (step A) and verify last (step D). Steps B (assign access ports) and C (configure trunking with native VLAN) have no technical dependency on each other—both require VLANs to exist, but either can be done before the other. The explanation must not imply a fixed B→C sequence, as it is arbitrary and could mislead candidates.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create VLANs using 'vlan' command in global configuration mode
Why this is correct
VLANs must exist before they can be assigned to ports or used in trunking. The 'vlan' command creates the VLAN in the VLAN database.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Assign access ports to VLANs using 'switchport access vlan' command
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because access ports should be assigned after VLANs are created but before trunk configuration. However, the correct order is to create VLANs first, then assign access ports, then configure trunks. This option is out of order if placed before VLAN creation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Configure 802.1Q trunking with native VLAN using 'switchport mode trunk' and 'switchport trunk native vlan' commands
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because trunk configuration should occur after access ports are assigned. Placing it before access port assignment would be out of order.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Verify configuration using 'show vlan brief' and 'show interfaces trunk' commands
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because verification should be the final step after all configuration is complete. Placing it earlier would not show the full configuration.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Switching and Network Access — study guide chapter
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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 — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create VLANs using 'vlan' command in global configuration mode — The only mandatory ordering is to create VLANs first (step A) and verify last (step D). Steps B (assign access ports) and C (configure trunking with native VLAN) have no technical dependency on each other—both require VLANs to exist, but either can be done before the other. The explanation must not imply a fixed B→C sequence, as it is arbitrary and could mislead candidates.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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