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Question 334 of 1,052
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CCNA Practice Question: Which TWO statements correctly describe the…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of 200-301 exam topics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO statements correctly describe the behavior of PortFast and BPDU Guard on a Cisco switch?
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
✓
PortFast immediately transitions a port from blocking to forwarding state, bypassing listening and learning.
PortFast immediately transitions a port to the forwarding state, bypassing the listening and learning states, which is useful for end-user devices. BPDU Guard disables a PortFast-enabled port if a BPDU is received, preventing accidental loops from a misconfigured switch or a rogue device. The other options are incorrect: BPDU Guard does not allow BPDUs to pass, PortFast alone does not protect against loops, and BPDU Guard is specifically for PortFast ports, not all trunk ports.
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.
- ✓
PortFast immediately transitions a port from blocking to forwarding state, bypassing listening and learning.
- ✓
BPDU Guard disables a PortFast-enabled port if it receives any BPDU.
Why this is correct
This is correct. BPDU Guard err-disables a PortFast port upon receiving a BPDU, protecting against accidental loops.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
PortFast allows BPDUs to pass through the port normally, but the port remains in forwarding state.
Why it's wrong here
This is false. PortFast does not filter BPDUs; they are still processed. However, the port is in forwarding state from the start.
- ✗
BPDU Guard prevents the port from becoming a root port or designated port by ignoring superior BPDUs.
Why it's wrong here
This is false. BPDU Guard does not affect the STP election process; it simply disables the port if a BPDU is received.
- ✗
BPDU Guard is typically configured on trunk ports to prevent loops between switches.
Why it's wrong here
This is false. BPDU Guard is intended for access ports with PortFast, not for trunk ports between switches.
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.
✓PortFast immediately transitions a port from blocking to forwarding state, bypassing listening and learning.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct. PortFast allows a port to go directly to forwarding, reducing the time a host takes to start sending traffic.
✗PortFast allows BPDUs to pass through the port normally, but the port remains in forwarding state.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
PortFast still participates in STP; it just skips the listening/learning states. BPDUs are still received and sent.
✗BPDU Guard prevents the port from becoming a root port or designated port by ignoring superior BPDUs.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The port is disabled (err-disabled) upon receiving any BPDU, not just superior ones. The description confuses BPDU Guard with Root Guard.
✗BPDU Guard is typically configured on trunk ports to prevent loops between switches.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Trunk ports between switches should not have PortFast or BPDU Guard enabled, as they need to participate fully in STP.
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: 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?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: PortFast immediately transitions a port from blocking to forwarding state, bypassing listening and learning. — PortFast immediately transitions a port to the forwarding state, bypassing the listening and learning states, which is useful for end-user devices. BPDU Guard disables a PortFast-enabled port if a BPDU is received, preventing accidental loops from a misconfigured switch or a rogue device. The other options are incorrect: BPDU Guard does not allow BPDUs to pass, PortFast alone does not protect against loops, and BPDU Guard is specifically for PortFast ports, not all trunk ports.
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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