- A
Configure RSTP mode globally, then enable PortFast on the interface, then enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
This is correct because the proper order is to first set the spanning-tree mode to rapid-pvst (RSTP), then enable PortFast on the interface to skip listening and learning states, then enable BPDU Guard to protect against rogue BPDUs, and finally verify the state transitions using show commands.
- B
Enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then configure RSTP mode globally, then enable PortFast on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
This is incorrect because BPDU Guard should be enabled after PortFast, not before. BPDU Guard is typically configured as a feature of PortFast, and enabling it before PortFast may not apply correctly.
- C
Enable PortFast on the interface, then configure RSTP mode globally, then enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
This is incorrect because the global RSTP mode should be configured before interface-specific features like PortFast. Configuring PortFast before setting the spanning-tree mode may lead to inconsistent behavior.
- D
Configure RSTP mode globally, then enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then enable PortFast on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
This is incorrect because BPDU Guard should be enabled after PortFast, not before. PortFast is a prerequisite for BPDU Guard to function properly on an interface.
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 correct order to configure RSTP and enable PortFast with BPDU Guard on a switch port, then verify the state transitions.
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
Configure RSTP mode globally, then enable PortFast on the interface, then enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
Correct order: First configure RSTP globally because interface commands like PortFast and BPDU Guard depend on the spanning-tree mode being set. Next enable PortFast on the interface to immediately transition to forwarding. Then enable BPDU Guard as a protective feature for PortFast ports. Finally verify state transitions. Other orders are incorrect: enabling PortFast or BPDU Guard before setting RSTP mode may cause the commands to be rejected or not take effect; enabling BPDU Guard before PortFast is not typical because BPDU Guard is designed to protect PortFast ports.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure RSTP mode globally, then enable PortFast on the interface, then enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the proper order is to first set the spanning-tree mode to rapid-pvst (RSTP), then enable PortFast on the interface to skip listening and learning states, then enable BPDU Guard to protect against rogue BPDUs, and finally verify the state transitions using show commands.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then configure RSTP mode globally, then enable PortFast on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because BPDU Guard should be enabled after PortFast, not before. BPDU Guard is typically configured as a feature of PortFast, and enabling it before PortFast may not apply correctly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Enable PortFast on the interface, then configure RSTP mode globally, then enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the global RSTP mode should be configured before interface-specific features like PortFast. Configuring PortFast before setting the spanning-tree mode may lead to inconsistent behavior.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Configure RSTP mode globally, then enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then enable PortFast on the interface, then verify the port state transitions.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because BPDU Guard should be enabled after PortFast, not before. PortFast is a prerequisite for BPDU Guard to function properly on an interface.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Switching and Network Access — study guide chapter
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Switching and Network Access practice questions
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure RSTP mode globally, then enable PortFast on the interface, then enable BPDU Guard on the interface, then verify the port state transitions. — Correct order: First configure RSTP globally because interface commands like PortFast and BPDU Guard depend on the spanning-tree mode being set. Next enable PortFast on the interface to immediately transition to forwarding. Then enable BPDU Guard as a protective feature for PortFast ports. Finally verify state transitions. Other orders are incorrect: enabling PortFast or BPDU Guard before setting RSTP mode may cause the commands to be rejected or not take effect; enabling BPDU Guard before PortFast is not typical because BPDU Guard is designed to protect PortFast ports.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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