- A
Enter global configuration mode, select the interfaces to be part of the EtherChannel, set the channel-group mode to active on both switches, and verify the configuration.
This is the correct order: first enter global config, then select interfaces, then set LACP active mode on both ends, then verify. This ensures consistent negotiation and correct channel formation.
- B
Enter interface configuration mode, set the channel-group mode to active, then enter global configuration mode to select the interfaces, and verify.
This is incorrect because you cannot set channel-group mode before selecting the interfaces; you must first enter interface configuration mode for the specific interfaces.
- C
Enter global configuration mode, set the channel-group mode to active on both switches, then select the interfaces, and verify.
This is incorrect because channel-group mode is configured per interface, not globally. You must select interfaces first.
- D
Select the interfaces, enter global configuration mode, set the channel-group mode to active, and verify.
This is incorrect because you must enter global configuration mode before selecting interfaces; interface selection occurs in interface configuration mode, which is entered from global config.
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.
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 global configuration mode, select the interfaces to be part of the EtherChannel, set the channel-group mode to active on both switches, and verify the configuration.
Start in global config, select interfaces, set channel-group mode to active on each interface (at least one side must be active; the other can be active or passive), then verify. This order ensures consistent negotiation and correct channel formation.
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.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, select the interfaces to be part of the EtherChannel, set the channel-group mode to active on both switches, and verify the configuration.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order: first enter global config, then select interfaces, then set LACP active mode on both ends, then verify. This ensures consistent negotiation and correct channel formation.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter interface configuration mode, set the channel-group mode to active, then enter global configuration mode to select the interfaces, and verify.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because you cannot set channel-group mode before selecting the interfaces; you must first enter interface configuration mode for the specific interfaces.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, set the channel-group mode to active on both switches, then select the interfaces, and verify.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because channel-group mode is configured per interface, not globally. You must select interfaces first.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Select the interfaces, enter global configuration mode, set the channel-group mode to active, and verify.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because you must enter global configuration mode before selecting interfaces; interface selection occurs in interface configuration mode, which is entered from global config.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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.
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 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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. 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.
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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Switching and Network Access — study guide chapter
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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: Enter global configuration mode, select the interfaces to be part of the EtherChannel, set the channel-group mode to active on both switches, and verify the configuration. — Start in global config, select interfaces, set channel-group mode to active on each interface (at least one side must be active; the other can be active or passive), then verify. This order ensures consistent negotiation and correct channel formation.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.
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