- A
Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode for the switch port. Configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device.
This follows the recommended order: establish the required configuration mode, set up the VLAN infrastructure (trunk, voice VLAN), then power the device.
- B
Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode. Configure PoE for the IoT device, then set the port as a trunk, and finally enable the voice VLAN.
Why wrong: This order is incorrect because PoE should be configured after the voice VLAN, not before. Configuring PoE first does not affect VLAN tagging, but the voice VLAN must be configured after trunk mode is set to ensure correct tagging.
- C
Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode. Configure the voice VLAN first, then set the port as a trunk, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device.
Why wrong: This order is incorrect because the voice VLAN must be configured after the port is set as a trunk. Configuring the voice VLAN before trunk mode may result in incorrect VLAN tagging or the voice VLAN not being applied properly.
- D
Enter interface configuration mode directly, configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and then configure PoE for the IoT device. Global configuration mode is not needed.
Why wrong: This order is incorrect because you must enter global configuration mode before interface configuration mode. Skipping global config mode is not possible in Cisco IOS; you must start with 'configure terminal'.
Quick Answer
The correct order is to enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode, configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device. This sequence follows a logical top-down workflow: you must first access the switch’s global settings, then target the specific interface, establish trunking to carry both data and voice VLANs, assign the voice VLAN for the VoIP phone, and lastly set PoE parameters for the powered device. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of switch port hierarchy and the recommended order for switch port configuration for VoIP and PoE, even though the IOS does not enforce a strict command sequence. A common trap is placing PoE before trunking or configuring the voice VLAN before setting the trunk mode, which can lead to confusion during troubleshooting. Remember the mnemonic “G.I.T.V.P.”—Global, Interface, Trunk, Voice, PoE—to keep the steps in the right flow.
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 following steps into the recommended order to configure a switch port for a VoIP phone (voice VLAN + data VLAN), an AP trunk, and a PoE-powered IoT device.
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
Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode for the switch port. Configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device.
Although the switch does not enforce a strict sequence for these commands, the recommended workflow for clarity and consistency is to first enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode, then set trunking to support multiple VLANs, assign the voice VLAN, and finally configure PoE. Option D incorrectly omits global configuration mode. Option B places PoE before trunking and voice VLAN, which is less logical. Option C configures the voice VLAN before setting the trunk mode, which can be confusing.
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.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode for the switch port. Configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device.
Why this is correct
This follows the recommended order: establish the required configuration mode, set up the VLAN infrastructure (trunk, voice VLAN), then power the device.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode. Configure PoE for the IoT device, then set the port as a trunk, and finally enable the voice VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
This order is incorrect because PoE should be configured after the voice VLAN, not before. Configuring PoE first does not affect VLAN tagging, but the voice VLAN must be configured after trunk mode is set to ensure correct tagging.
- ✗
Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode. Configure the voice VLAN first, then set the port as a trunk, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device.
Why it's wrong here
This order is incorrect because the voice VLAN must be configured after the port is set as a trunk. Configuring the voice VLAN before trunk mode may result in incorrect VLAN tagging or the voice VLAN not being applied properly.
- ✗
Enter interface configuration mode directly, configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and then configure PoE for the IoT device. Global configuration mode is not needed.
Why it's wrong here
This order is incorrect because you must enter global configuration mode before interface configuration mode. Skipping global config mode is not possible in Cisco IOS; you must start with 'configure terminal'.
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.
✓Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode for the switch port. Configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This follows the recommended order: establish the required configuration mode, set up the VLAN infrastructure (trunk, voice VLAN), then power the device.
✗Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode. Configure PoE for the IoT device, then set the port as a trunk, and finally enable the voice VLAN.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
While technically valid, PoE is typically configured last, after the VLAN settings, to ensure the device is powered only after the network configuration is complete.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think PoE should be configured early to ensure power is available for the IoT device, but the order of VLAN and trunk configuration is more critical for traffic separation.
✗Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode. Configure the voice VLAN first, then set the port as a trunk, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Although the switch does not require it, it is more logical to set the trunk mode before assigning the voice VLAN, as the voice VLAN concept is closely tied to the trunking functionality.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might assume that configuring the voice VLAN first is logical because it is a VLAN-specific setting, but the trunk mode must be established first to support multiple VLANs.
✗Enter interface configuration mode directly, configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and then configure PoE for the IoT device. Global configuration mode is not needed.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
You cannot enter interface configuration mode directly; you must first enter global configuration mode (configure terminal).
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that since they are only configuring one interface, they can skip global config mode, but Cisco IOS requires the global config context to access interface configuration.
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: 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: Enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode for the switch port. Configure the port as a trunk, enable the voice VLAN, and finally configure PoE for the IoT device. — Although the switch does not enforce a strict sequence for these commands, the recommended workflow for clarity and consistency is to first enter global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode, then set trunking to support multiple VLANs, assign the voice VLAN, and finally configure PoE. Option D incorrectly omits global configuration mode. Option B places PoE before trunking and voice VLAN, which is less logical. Option C configures the voice VLAN before setting the trunk mode, which can be confusing.
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.
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
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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