- A
Create the port-channel interface, configure its properties, then assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode.
This is correct because the logical port-channel interface must be created first to define properties like trunking or VLANs, then physical interfaces are added using channel-group active mode to initiate LACP negotiation.
- B
Assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode, then create the port-channel interface and configure its properties.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the port-channel interface must exist before assigning physical interfaces; otherwise, the channel-group command will fail or create the interface automatically, but best practice is to create it first.
- C
Configure physical interfaces with channel-group passive mode, then create the port-channel interface.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because passive mode does not initiate LACP negotiation; it only responds to LACP packets. The question specifies active mode, and the order is also wrong.
- D
Create the port-channel interface, assign physical interfaces with channel-group desirable mode, then configure properties.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because desirable mode is a PAgP mode, not LACP. The question specifies LACP, which uses active/passive modes. Also, properties should be configured before assigning interfaces.
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 an LACP EtherChannel on two Cisco switches using active mode.
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
Create the port-channel interface, configure its properties, then assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode.
First create the logical port-channel interface and configure its properties, then assign physical interfaces to it using channel-group with active mode to initiate LACP negotiation.
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.
- ✓
Create the port-channel interface, configure its properties, then assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the logical port-channel interface must be created first to define properties like trunking or VLANs, then physical interfaces are added using channel-group active mode to initiate LACP negotiation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode, then create the port-channel interface and configure its properties.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the port-channel interface must exist before assigning physical interfaces; otherwise, the channel-group command will fail or create the interface automatically, but best practice is to create it first.
- ✗
Configure physical interfaces with channel-group passive mode, then create the port-channel interface.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because passive mode does not initiate LACP negotiation; it only responds to LACP packets. The question specifies active mode, and the order is also wrong.
- ✗
Create the port-channel interface, assign physical interfaces with channel-group desirable mode, then configure properties.
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.
✓Create the port-channel interface, configure its properties, then assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because the logical port-channel interface must be created first to define properties like trunking or VLANs, then physical interfaces are added using channel-group active mode to initiate LACP negotiation.
✗Assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode, then create the port-channel interface and configure its properties.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The order is reversed; physical interfaces cannot be assigned to a non-existent port-channel interface.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think the physical interfaces are configured first because they are the actual ports, but the logical interface must be created first.
✗Configure physical interfaces with channel-group passive mode, then create the port-channel interface.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Passive mode is not active mode; it waits for the peer to initiate. Also, the port-channel interface must be created first.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse passive mode with active mode or think any channel-group mode works, but the question explicitly requires active mode.
✗Create the port-channel interface, assign physical interfaces with channel-group desirable mode, then configure properties.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Desirable mode is for PAgP, not LACP. LACP uses active or passive modes.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may mix up PAgP and LACP modes, as both have similar-sounding modes (desirable vs. 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: 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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is incorrect because the port-channel interface must exist before assigning physical interfaces; otherwise, the channel-group command will fail or create the interface automatically, but best practice is to create it first.
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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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: Create the port-channel interface, configure its properties, then assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode. — First create the logical port-channel interface and configure its properties, then assign physical interfaces to it using channel-group with active mode to initiate LACP negotiation.
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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