- A
Access privileged EXEC mode, create a capture buffer, associate a capture point, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
This order correctly follows the IOS-XE embedded packet capture workflow: first enter privileged EXEC mode, then create the capture buffer, associate a capture point, start the capture (which is a required step), stop and export the capture, and finally analyze in Wireshark.
- B
Create a capture buffer, access privileged EXEC mode, associate a capture point, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you must access privileged EXEC mode before creating a capture buffer, and you must stop and export the capture before analyzing in Wireshark.
- C
Access privileged EXEC mode, associate a capture point, create a capture buffer, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the capture buffer must be created before associating a capture point. The buffer is the storage location for captured packets.
- D
Access privileged EXEC mode, create a capture buffer, associate a capture point, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you must be in privileged EXEC mode before executing any capture commands. Also, the capture must be stopped before exporting.
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. 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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to capture and analyze traffic on IOS-XE using the embedded packet capture feature, and in Wireshark to isolate a Layer 2 or Layer 3 fault.
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
Access privileged EXEC mode, create a capture buffer, associate a capture point, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
For IOS‑XE embedded packet capture, the correct order is: 1) Access privileged EXEC mode (required for all monitor commands), 2) Create a capture buffer, 3) Associate a capture point, 4) Start the capture, 5) Stop the capture, 6) Export the capture, 7) Analyze in Wireshark. Options B, C, and D each violate the required sequence: B starts buffer creation before entering privileged mode, C associates the point before creating the buffer, and D omits the critical 'start' step entirely.
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.
- ✓
Access privileged EXEC mode, create a capture buffer, associate a capture point, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
Why this is correct
This order correctly follows the IOS-XE embedded packet capture workflow: first enter privileged EXEC mode, then create the capture buffer, associate a capture point, start the capture (which is a required step), stop and export the capture, and finally analyze in Wireshark.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Create a capture buffer, access privileged EXEC mode, associate a capture point, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you must access privileged EXEC mode before creating a capture buffer, and you must stop and export the capture before analyzing in Wireshark.
- ✗
Access privileged EXEC mode, associate a capture point, create a capture buffer, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the capture buffer must be created before associating a capture point. The buffer is the storage location for captured packets.
- ✗
Access privileged EXEC mode, create a capture buffer, associate a capture point, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you must be in privileged EXEC mode before executing any capture commands. Also, the capture must be stopped before exporting.
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.
✓Access privileged EXEC mode, create a capture buffer, associate a capture point, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in WiresharkCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This order correctly follows the IOS-XE embedded packet capture workflow: first enter privileged EXEC mode, then create the capture buffer, associate a capture point, start the capture (which is a required step), stop and export the capture, and finally analyze in Wireshark.
✗Create a capture buffer, access privileged EXEC mode, associate a capture point, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in WiresharkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The capture buffer must be created after entering privileged EXEC mode; attempting to create it before accessing the correct mode will fail.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think they can create a buffer without being in privileged mode, or that analysis can happen while capture is still running.
✗Access privileged EXEC mode, associate a capture point, create a capture buffer, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in WiresharkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The capture buffer must exist before the capture point is associated; associating a capture point to a non‑existent buffer is invalid.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think the capture point (interface) is defined first, then the buffer, but the buffer creation command comes first.
✗Access privileged EXEC mode, create a capture buffer, associate a capture point, stop and export the capture, analyze in WiresharkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The step 'start the capture' is missing. After associating the capture point, you must start the capture before you can stop and export it.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think they can configure capture in user EXEC mode or that exporting can happen while capture is active.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is incorrect because you must be in privileged EXEC mode before executing any capture commands. Also, the capture must be stopped before exporting.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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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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: Access privileged EXEC mode, create a capture buffer, associate a capture point, start the capture, stop and export the capture, analyze in Wireshark — For IOS‑XE embedded packet capture, the correct order is: 1) Access privileged EXEC mode (required for all monitor commands), 2) Create a capture buffer, 3) Associate a capture point, 4) Start the capture, 5) Stop the capture, 6) Export the capture, 7) Analyze in Wireshark. Options B, C, and D each violate the required sequence: B starts buffer creation before entering privileged mode, C associates the point before creating the buffer, and D omits the critical 'start' step entirely.
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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