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Question 300 of 1,052
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CCNA Practice Question: Which TWO statements accurately describe the use…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of 200-301 exam topics. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 accurately describe the use of packet capture tools for troubleshooting Layer 2/3 issues?
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
✓
A packet capture that shows frames with the same source and destination MAC addresses but different 802.1Q VLAN tags indicates a possible trunk misconfiguration.
Packet captures allow network engineers to inspect frames and packets at various OSI layers. A capture showing frames with the same source and destination MAC addresses but different VLAN tags indicates a trunk interface issue (Layer 2). A capture with ICMP echo requests but no replies suggests a Layer 3 routing problem, as the packets are being sent but not returned.
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.
- ✗
A packet capture that shows ARP requests with no ARP replies indicates a Layer 3 routing issue.
Why it's wrong here
ARP operates at Layer 2 (Data Link layer). Lack of ARP replies indicates a Layer 2 connectivity or addressing problem, not a Layer 3 routing issue.
- ✓
A packet capture that shows frames with the same source and destination MAC addresses but different 802.1Q VLAN tags indicates a possible trunk misconfiguration.
Why this is correct
Frames traversing a trunk should have consistent VLAN tags. Inconsistent tags suggest a mismatch in allowed VLANs or native VLAN on the trunk.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
A packet capture that shows ICMP echo requests but no echo replies confirms a Layer 2 switching loop.
- ✓
A packet capture that shows ICMP echo requests leaving a router but no echo replies returning suggests a Layer 3 routing problem.
Why this is correct
If the request leaves the router but no reply returns, the destination may not have a route back, or an intermediate router is dropping the reply.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
A packet capture that shows TCP SYN packets with no SYN-ACK replies indicates a Layer 1 physical issue.
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.
✓A packet capture that shows frames with the same source and destination MAC addresses but different 802.1Q VLAN tags indicates a possible trunk misconfiguration.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Frames traversing a trunk should have consistent VLAN tags. Inconsistent tags suggest a mismatch in allowed VLANs or native VLAN on the trunk.
✗A packet capture that shows ARP requests with no ARP replies indicates a Layer 3 routing issue.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
ARP is a Layer 2 protocol; no replies suggest a Layer 2 issue like incorrect VLAN or interface misconfiguration.
✗A packet capture that shows ICMP echo requests but no echo replies confirms a Layer 2 switching loop.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Layer 2 loops cause excessive broadcasts and MAC table instability, not specifically missing ICMP replies.
✗A packet capture that shows TCP SYN packets with no SYN-ACK replies indicates a Layer 1 physical issue.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Physical issues (Layer 1) usually cause complete loss of carrier or CRC errors, not selective blocking of TCP handshakes.
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: A packet capture that shows frames with the same source and destination MAC addresses but different 802.1Q VLAN tags indicates a possible trunk misconfiguration. — Packet captures allow network engineers to inspect frames and packets at various OSI layers. A capture showing frames with the same source and destination MAC addresses but different VLAN tags indicates a trunk interface issue (Layer 2). A capture with ICMP echo requests but no replies suggests a Layer 3 routing problem, as the packets are being sent but not returned.
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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