- A
Enable PortFast, then enable BPDU Guard, then configure recovery
This is the correct order: PortFast must be enabled first to allow the port to transition immediately to forwarding state, then BPDU Guard is enabled to protect against BPDU reception. Recovery is configured last to automatically restore the port after a violation.
- B
Enable BPDU Guard, then enable PortFast, then configure recovery
Why wrong: This is incorrect because BPDU Guard should be enabled after PortFast. BPDU Guard relies on PortFast being active to function correctly; enabling BPDU Guard first may not apply properly.
- C
Configure recovery, then enable PortFast, then enable BPDU Guard
Why wrong: This is incorrect because recovery configuration should be done after enabling both PortFast and BPDU Guard. Configuring recovery first has no effect until the protective features are in place.
- D
Enable PortFast, configure recovery, then enable BPDU Guard
Why wrong: This is incorrect because BPDU Guard should be enabled before configuring recovery. Recovery is the last step after the protective features are in place.
Quick Answer
The correct order is to enable PortFast, then enable BPDU Guard, then configure recovery. This sequence is required because PortFast must be active first to allow the interface to bypass the normal Spanning Tree listening and learning states and transition immediately to forwarding, which is essential for end-user ports. Once PortFast is set, enabling BPDU Guard provides the protective layer that err-disables the port if any BPDU is received, preventing accidental loops. The recovery configuration, such as errdisable recovery cause bpduguard, is applied last to automatically restore the port after a violation. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of the logical dependency between these features—a common trap is trying to enable BPDU Guard before PortFast, which will not work because BPDU Guard relies on PortFast being active. Remember the memory tip: "PortFast first, Guard second, Recovery last—like putting on a seatbelt before driving, then knowing how to restart the car."
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 PortFast and BPDU Guard on a Cisco switch interface, then recover after a BPDU violation.
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
Enable PortFast, then enable BPDU Guard, then configure recovery
First enable PortFast to allow immediate transition to forwarding, then enable BPDU Guard to protect against BPDU reception. Recovery steps are configured last to automatically restore the port after a violation.
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.
- ✓
Enable PortFast, then enable BPDU Guard, then configure recovery
Why this is correct
This is the correct order: PortFast must be enabled first to allow the port to transition immediately to forwarding state, then BPDU Guard is enabled to protect against BPDU reception. Recovery is configured last to automatically restore the port after a violation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable BPDU Guard, then enable PortFast, then configure recovery
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because BPDU Guard should be enabled after PortFast. BPDU Guard relies on PortFast being active to function correctly; enabling BPDU Guard first may not apply properly.
- ✗
Configure recovery, then enable PortFast, then enable BPDU Guard
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because recovery configuration should be done after enabling both PortFast and BPDU Guard. Configuring recovery first has no effect until the protective features are in place.
- ✗
Enable PortFast, configure recovery, then enable BPDU Guard
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because BPDU Guard should be enabled before configuring recovery. Recovery is the last step after the protective features are in place.
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.
✓Enable PortFast, then enable BPDU Guard, then configure recoveryCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This is the correct order: PortFast must be enabled first to allow the port to transition immediately to forwarding state, then BPDU Guard is enabled to protect against BPDU reception. Recovery is configured last to automatically restore the port after a violation.
✗Enable BPDU Guard, then enable PortFast, then configure recoveryWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
BPDU Guard requires PortFast to be enabled on the interface; otherwise, the command may be rejected or not function as intended.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think BPDU Guard is the primary security feature and should be configured first, but PortFast is a prerequisite.
✗Configure recovery, then enable PortFast, then enable BPDU GuardWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Recovery settings (like errdisable recovery) are applied globally or per interface but only become relevant after a violation occurs, which requires BPDU Guard to be active.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think recovery should be set up in advance as a proactive measure, but the logical order is to enable the protection first.
✗Enable PortFast, configure recovery, then enable BPDU GuardWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
BPDU Guard must be enabled to trigger the errdisable state; recovery configuration is only meaningful after BPDU Guard is active.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think recovery can be configured at any time, but the sequence matters for proper operation and troubleshooting.
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: 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
Learn the concepts, then practise the 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: Enable PortFast, then enable BPDU Guard, then configure recovery — First enable PortFast to allow immediate transition to forwarding, then enable BPDU Guard to protect against BPDU reception. Recovery steps are configured last to automatically restore the port after a violation.
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 →
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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