- A
Enter interface configuration mode for the desired port, then configure spanning-tree portfast and spanning-tree bpduguard enable, then exit. After a BPDU guard violation, re-enable the interface using the shutdown and no shutdown commands.
This is correct because PortFast and BPDU Guard are configured in interface configuration mode using the spanning-tree portfast and spanning-tree bpduguard enable commands. Recovery from an errdisable state due to BPDU guard requires administratively shutting down and re-enabling the interface with shutdown and no shutdown.
- B
Enter global configuration mode, configure spanning-tree portfast default and spanning-tree bpduguard default, then exit. After a BPDU guard violation, the interface automatically recovers after 300 seconds.
This is incorrect because while global commands exist, they apply to all access ports, not a specific interface. Also, automatic recovery is not the default; it requires errdisable recovery configuration.
- C
Enter interface configuration mode for the desired port, then configure spanning-tree portfast and spanning-tree guard root, then exit. After a BPDU guard violation, reload the switch to recover the interface.
This is incorrect because spanning-tree guard root is a different feature (Root Guard) and does not provide BPDU guard functionality. Reloading the switch is not the standard recovery method; the interface must be re-enabled.
- D
Enter global configuration mode, configure spanning-tree portfast default, then enter interface configuration mode and configure spanning-tree bpduguard enable. After a BPDU guard violation, the interface recovers automatically after 60 seconds.
This is incorrect because while the configuration steps are partially correct, the recovery statement is false. Automatic recovery is not enabled by default and requires errdisable recovery configuration.
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 from a BPDU guard 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
Enter interface configuration mode for the desired port, then configure spanning-tree portfast and spanning-tree bpduguard enable, then exit. After a BPDU guard violation, re-enable the interface using the shutdown and no shutdown commands.
The correct configuration sequence applies PortFast and BPDU Guard directly in interface configuration mode with 'spanning-tree portfast' and 'spanning-tree bpduguard enable'. After a BPDU guard violation disables the port, manual recovery requires re-enabling the interface with 'shutdown' followed by 'no shutdown' (or configuring errdisable recovery). The other options incorrectly use global defaults, Root Guard, or false automatic recovery intervals.
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 interface configuration mode for the desired port, then configure spanning-tree portfast and spanning-tree bpduguard enable, then exit. After a BPDU guard violation, re-enable the interface using the shutdown and no shutdown commands.
Why this is correct
This is correct because PortFast and BPDU Guard are configured in interface configuration mode using the spanning-tree portfast and spanning-tree bpduguard enable commands. Recovery from an errdisable state due to BPDU guard requires administratively shutting down and re-enabling the interface with shutdown and no shutdown.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, configure spanning-tree portfast default and spanning-tree bpduguard default, then exit. After a BPDU guard violation, the interface automatically recovers after 300 seconds.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because while global commands exist, they apply to all access ports, not a specific interface. Also, automatic recovery is not the default; it requires errdisable recovery configuration.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter interface configuration mode for the desired port, then configure spanning-tree portfast and spanning-tree guard root, then exit. After a BPDU guard violation, reload the switch to recover the interface.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because spanning-tree guard root is a different feature (Root Guard) and does not provide BPDU guard functionality. Reloading the switch is not the standard recovery method; the interface must be re-enabled.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, configure spanning-tree portfast default, then enter interface configuration mode and configure spanning-tree bpduguard enable. After a BPDU guard violation, the interface recovers automatically after 60 seconds.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because while the configuration steps are partially correct, the recovery statement is false. Automatic recovery is not enabled by default and requires errdisable recovery configuration.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. 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.
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 interface configuration mode for the desired port, then configure spanning-tree portfast and spanning-tree bpduguard enable, then exit. After a BPDU guard violation, re-enable the interface using the shutdown and no shutdown commands. — The correct configuration sequence applies PortFast and BPDU Guard directly in interface configuration mode with 'spanning-tree portfast' and 'spanning-tree bpduguard enable'. After a BPDU guard violation disables the port, manual recovery requires re-enabling the interface with 'shutdown' followed by 'no shutdown' (or configuring errdisable recovery). The other options incorrectly use global defaults, Root Guard, or false automatic recovery intervals.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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