- A
Enter global configuration mode on both switches.
This is the first step in any configuration process on Cisco IOS devices. You must enter global configuration mode to make changes to the switch's configuration.
- B
Create the port-channel interface using the 'interface port-channel' command.
This is incorrect because the port-channel interface must be created before assigning physical interfaces to it. However, the correct order is to first enter global config, then create the port-channel, then configure the physical interfaces. This option is out of order.
- C
Set the LACP mode to 'active' on the physical interfaces.
This is incorrect because the LACP mode must be set on the physical interfaces after they are assigned to the port-channel. The correct order is to first create the port-channel, then assign the physical interfaces, then set the LACP mode.
- D
Assign the physical interfaces to the port-channel using the 'channel-group' command with LACP active mode.
This is incorrect because assigning the physical interfaces to the port-channel should come after creating the port-channel interface but before setting the LACP mode. The correct order is to create the port-channel, then assign the interfaces, then set the LACP mode.
Quick Answer
The correct first step is to enter global configuration mode on both switches. This is because LACP EtherChannel configuration requires a consistent, synchronized setup across both ends of the link, and global configuration mode is the gateway to all interface-level commands on a Cisco switch. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this task tests your understanding of the logical sequence for link aggregation, often appearing as a drag-and-drop ordering question. A common trap is to jump directly to the physical interfaces or to configure the port-channel number before entering global config, but the switch will reject those commands without the proper mode. After entering global config, you create the port-channel interface (optional but best practice), then assign physical ports using the channel-group command with the active keyword to enable LACP negotiation. Remember the mnemonic "Global First, Channel Second, Ports Third" to lock in the order and avoid losing points on the exam.
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 on both switches.
To configure LACP EtherChannel, start by entering global configuration mode on both switches. Then create the port-channel interface using 'interface port-channel' (optional but good practice). Finally, assign physical interfaces to the port-channel with LACP active mode using the 'channel-group' command, which handles both port binding and mode setting in one step. Verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
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 on both switches.
Why this is correct
This is the first step in any configuration process on Cisco IOS devices. You must enter global configuration mode to make changes to the switch's configuration.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Create the port-channel interface using the 'interface port-channel' command.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the port-channel interface must be created before assigning physical interfaces to it. However, the correct order is to first enter global config, then create the port-channel, then configure the physical interfaces. This option is out of order.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Set the LACP mode to 'active' on the physical interfaces.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the LACP mode must be set on the physical interfaces after they are assigned to the port-channel. The correct order is to first create the port-channel, then assign the physical interfaces, then set the LACP mode.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Assign the physical interfaces to the port-channel using the 'channel-group' command with LACP active mode.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because assigning the physical interfaces to the port-channel should come after creating the port-channel interface but before setting the LACP mode. The correct order is to create the port-channel, then assign the interfaces, then set the LACP mode.
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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Switching and Network Access practice questions
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200-301 practice test guide
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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 on both switches. — To configure LACP EtherChannel, start by entering global configuration mode on both switches. Then create the port-channel interface using 'interface port-channel' (optional but good practice). Finally, assign physical interfaces to the port-channel with LACP active mode using the 'channel-group' command, which handles both port binding and mode setting in one step. Verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
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
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 →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 200-301
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure an LACP EtherChannel on two Cisco switches using active mode.
medium- ✓ A.Create the port-channel interface, configure its properties, then assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode.
- B.Assign physical interfaces with channel-group active mode, then create the port-channel interface and configure its properties.
- C.Configure physical interfaces with channel-group passive mode, then create the port-channel interface.
- D.Create the port-channel interface, assign physical interfaces with channel-group desirable mode, then configure properties.
Why A: 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.
Variation 2. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure an LACP EtherChannel on Cisco IOS-XE switches.
medium- ✓ A.Enter global configuration mode, create the port-channel interface, configure channel-group mode active on each physical interface, verify the configuration.
- B.Create the port-channel interface, enter global configuration mode, configure channel-group mode active on each physical interface, verify the configuration.
- C.Enter global configuration mode, configure channel-group mode active on each physical interface, create the port-channel interface, verify the configuration.
- D.Create the port-channel interface, configure channel-group mode active on each physical interface, enter global configuration mode, verify the configuration.
Why A: First, enter global config mode. Then create the port-channel interface. Next, configure the channel-group mode on each physical interface to active for LACP. Finally, verify the configuration.
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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