- A
Create VLANs, assign access ports, configure trunk with native VLAN, verify with show commands
This is the correct sequence on IOS-XE: first create VLANs, then assign access ports to those VLANs, configure trunk ports with the native VLAN, and finally verify using show commands like 'show vlan brief' and 'show interfaces trunk'.
- B
Assign access ports, create VLANs, configure trunk with native VLAN, verify with show commands
This is incorrect because VLANs must exist before they can be assigned to access ports. Assigning ports to non-existent VLANs will fail or cause errors.
- C
Create VLANs, configure trunk with native VLAN, assign access ports, verify with show commands
This is incorrect because trunk configuration should come after access port assignment. Trunking is typically configured on uplink ports, not on access ports, and the order does not affect functionality but best practice is to assign access ports before configuring trunks.
- D
Configure trunk with native VLAN, create VLANs, assign access ports, verify with show commands
This is incorrect because VLANs must exist before trunk configuration references them, especially when setting the native VLAN. Configuring a trunk with a native VLAN that doesn't exist yet will cause errors.
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.
You need to configure a new switch. According to Cisco’s recommended workflow, you should assign access ports to their VLANs before configuring trunk links to ensure that end devices are functional before inter-switch connectivity is tested. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure VLANs, assign access ports, set up 802.1Q trunking with a native VLAN, and verify the configuration on a Cisco switch running IOS-XE.
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, assign access ports, configure trunk with native VLAN, verify with show commands
The correct order is to first create VLANs so they exist, then assign access ports to those VLANs to make end devices operational, then configure the trunk link with a native VLAN to connect to another switch, and finally verify with show commands. This sequence follows Cisco best practices by getting access ports functional before establishing trunking. Option C is incorrect because configuring the trunk before assigning access ports could leave end devices in the wrong VLAN while the trunk is already active, potentially causing unexpected broadcast domain behavior. Options B and D are wrong because they attempt to assign ports or configure a trunk before the VLANs are created, which would fail.
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.
- ✓
Create VLANs, assign access ports, configure trunk with native VLAN, verify with show commands
Why this is correct
This is the correct sequence on IOS-XE: first create VLANs, then assign access ports to those VLANs, configure trunk ports with the native VLAN, and finally verify using show commands like 'show vlan brief' and 'show interfaces trunk'.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Assign access ports, create VLANs, configure trunk with native VLAN, verify with show commands
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because VLANs must exist before they can be assigned to access ports. Assigning ports to non-existent VLANs will fail or cause errors.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Create VLANs, configure trunk with native VLAN, assign access ports, verify with show commands
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because trunk configuration should come after access port assignment. Trunking is typically configured on uplink ports, not on access ports, and the order does not affect functionality but best practice is to assign access ports before configuring trunks.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Configure trunk with native VLAN, create VLANs, assign access ports, verify with show commands
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because VLANs must exist before trunk configuration references them, especially when setting the native VLAN. Configuring a trunk with a native VLAN that doesn't exist yet will cause errors.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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: Create VLANs, assign access ports, configure trunk with native VLAN, verify with show commands — The correct order is to first create VLANs so they exist, then assign access ports to those VLANs to make end devices operational, then configure the trunk link with a native VLAN to connect to another switch, and finally verify with show commands. This sequence follows Cisco best practices by getting access ports functional before establishing trunking. Option C is incorrect because configuring the trunk before assigning access ports could leave end devices in the wrong VLAN while the trunk is already active, potentially causing unexpected broadcast domain behavior. Options B and D are wrong because they attempt to assign ports or configure a trunk before the VLANs are created, which would fail.
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
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