- A
Create VLANs → Assign access ports → Configure 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
This is the correct sequence because VLANs must exist before ports can be assigned to them. Trunk configuration and native VLAN setting come after access port assignment, and verification is the final step to confirm all configurations.
- B
Assign access ports → Create VLANs → Configure 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
This is incorrect because access ports cannot be assigned to VLANs that do not yet exist. VLANs must be created first.
- C
Create VLANs → Configure 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Assign access ports → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
This is incorrect because trunk configuration should be done after access port assignment, as trunks are typically configured on interfaces that will carry multiple VLANs, and access ports are configured first to ensure they are in the correct VLAN.
- D
Configure 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Create VLANs → Assign access ports → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
This is incorrect because VLANs must exist before they can be used on trunks or assigned to access ports. Configuring trunks before creating VLANs is invalid.
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.
A network engineer is configuring a new access switch that will connect to a distribution switch. The engineer must ensure that local hosts are placed in the correct VLANs before enabling trunking to the distribution switch to prevent VLAN mismatches and broadcast issues. Drag and drop the steps into the correct order.
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 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
The correct order is to create VLANs first, then assign access ports to those VLANs so local hosts are properly placed and operational. Only then should 802.1Q trunks be configured to extend VLANs to other switches, because trunking before access port assignment could lead to operational inconsistencies. Options B and D would require access ports before VLANs exist, and Option C configures trunks prematurely in this scenario.
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 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
Why this is correct
This is the correct sequence because VLANs must exist before ports can be assigned to them. Trunk configuration and native VLAN setting come after access port assignment, and verification is the final step to confirm all configurations.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Assign access ports → Create VLANs → Configure 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because access ports cannot be assigned to VLANs that do not yet exist. VLANs must be created first.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Create VLANs → Configure 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Assign access ports → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because trunk configuration should be done after access port assignment, as trunks are typically configured on interfaces that will carry multiple VLANs, and access ports are configured first to ensure they are in the correct VLAN.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Configure 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Create VLANs → Assign access ports → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because VLANs must exist before they can be used on trunks or assigned to access ports. Configuring trunks before creating VLANs is invalid.
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 802.1Q trunks with native VLAN → Verify with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk — The correct order is to create VLANs first, then assign access ports to those VLANs so local hosts are properly placed and operational. Only then should 802.1Q trunks be configured to extend VLANs to other switches, because trunking before access port assignment could lead to operational inconsistencies. Options B and D would require access ports before VLANs exist, and Option C configures trunks prematurely in this scenario.
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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