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CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure an LACP EtherChannel on two Cisco switches using active mode.
⚠ Common exam trap
Remember that LACP uses active and passive modes, while PAgP uses desirable and auto. Do not confuse the protocols or their modes.
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 physical ports (interface range gigabitethernet 0/1-2).
To configure an LACP EtherChannel in active mode, you must first enter interface configuration mode on the physical interfaces (e.g., using interface range). Next, assign those interfaces to a channel group using the channel-group command with the mode active keyword; this enables LACP negotiation and ensures the switch actively attempts to form a bundle. After the member ports are configured, you can optionally set parameters on the Port-Channel interface (such as switchport mode trunk). Finally, verify the EtherChannel is operational with show etherchannel summary. Using mode passive, on, or desirable would not enable LACP active negotiation or would use a different protocol (PAgP), which does not meet the requirement.
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 physical ports (interface range gigabitethernet 0/1-2).
Why this is correct
The initial step is to enter interface configuration mode for the member ports, typically via the interface range command (e.g., interface range gigabitethernet 0/1-2). This is mandatory because the channel-group command is only available in interface configuration mode, not in global configuration mode. Using a range ensures the same settings are applied consistently to both physical ports, which is a prerequisite for forming a single logical bundle.
- ✓
Configure the channel-group for the interfaces using mode active (channel-group 1 mode active).
Why this is correct
Executing channel-group 1 mode active on the physical interfaces is critical because it enables LACP negotiation. The active mode instructs the switch to actively send LACP PDUs and respond to the peer, allowing the EtherChannel to form regardless of whether the peer is configured as active or passive. This standard-based approach differs from PAgP and ensures interoperability with other vendors; the channel-group number (here 1) links the physical ports to the logical Port-Channel interface.
- ✓
Optionally configure the Port-Channel interface (for example, switchport mode trunk).
Why this is correct
While the Port-Channel interface is automatically created when a channel-group is configured, it is optional but highly recommended to apply Layer 2 settings (such as switchport mode trunk) directly to the logical interface. This guarantees that all member ports share identical VLAN and trunking parameters, avoiding conflicts that could cause inconsistent forwarding or spanning-tree loops. Without these settings on the Port-Channel, the bundle may form but traffic might not pass correctly, especially if the default access VLAN behavior is not intended.
- ✓
Verify the EtherChannel status with the show etherchannel summary command.
Why this is correct
Verification with show etherchannel summary is essential after configuration to confirm that the EtherChannel is actually operational. This command displays the protocol (LACP), the Port-Channel number, and the status of each member interface, typically showing SU and P flags for an up, layer 2 bundle. It reveals problems such as mismatched modes, physical port errors, or ports that failed to join due to mismatched parameters. This step is the last line of defense before relying on the bundle in production traffic.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Configuring Switch Ports for Desktops, VoIP Phones, APs, IoT, and Virtualized Hosts
Key term
Link Aggregation Control Protocol
Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) is a standard protocol that automatically bundles multiple physical network links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy.
Key term
PAgP
Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) is a Cisco proprietary protocol that automatically bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy.
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