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Question 1,289 of 1,052
hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
CCNA Practice Question: A network administrator notices that a…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of a network administrator notices that a…. 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.
Exhibit
Switch# show interfaces gigabitEthernet 0/1
GigabitEthernet0/1 is up, line protocol is up (connected)
Hardware is Gigabit Ethernet, address is 0011.2233.4455 (bia 0011.2233.4455)
Description: Workstation port
MTU 1500 bytes, BW 100000 Kbit/sec, DLY 100 usec,
reliability 255/255, txload 1/255, rxload 1/255
Encapsulation ARPA, loopback not set
Keepalive set (10 sec)
Auto-duplex, Auto-speed, 100Mb/s, Half-duplex
input flow-control is off, output flow-control is off
ARP type: ARPA, ARP Timeout 04:00:00
Last input 00:00:00, output 00:00:00, output hang never
Last clearing of "show interface" counters never
Input queue: 0/75/0/0 (size/max/drops/flushes); Total output drops: 0
Queueing strategy: fifo
Output queue: 0/40 (size/max)
5 minute input rate 12000 bits/sec, 15 packets/sec
5 minute output rate 8000 bits/sec, 10 packets/sec
123456 packets input, 98765432 bytes, 0 no buffer
Received 0 broadcasts (0 IP multicasts)
0 runts, 0 giants, 0 throttles
0 input errors, 0 CRC, 0 frame, 0 overrun, 0 ignored
0 watchdog, 0 multicast, 0 pause input
0 input packets with dribble condition detected
98765 packets output, 87654321 bytes, 0 underruns
0 output errors, 0 collisions, 1 interface resets
0 unknown protocol drops
0 babbles, 0 late collision, 0 deferred
0 lost carrier, 0 no carrier, 0 pause output
0 output buffer failures, 0 output buffers swapped outA network administrator notices that a workstation connected to a Cisco switch port cannot communicate with other devices on the same VLAN. The switch port is up/up, but the workstation reports slow performance and intermittent connectivity. The administrator issues a show command on the switch. What is the most likely cause of this issue based on the output?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
✓
Configure the switch port to use the same duplex setting as the workstation (full-duplex).
The show interface output reveals that the switch port has negotiated to 100 Mb/s and Half-duplex, while the workstation is likely configured for 100 Mb/s and Full-duplex. This duplex mismatch causes collisions and retransmissions on the half-duplex side, leading to slow performance and intermittent connectivity. The correct solution is to set both sides to the same duplex setting, preferably full-duplex. The other options are incorrect because the port is up/up, input errors are zero, and VLAN configuration is not indicated as problematic.
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.
- ✗
Replace the faulty Ethernet cable between the switch and the workstation.
Why it's wrong here
Cable issues typically cause input errors, CRC errors, or interface resets, none of which are present in the output.
- ✓
Configure the switch port to use the same duplex setting as the workstation (full-duplex).
Why this is correct
The output shows the switch port is operating at half-duplex, while the workstation likely uses full-duplex. This duplex mismatch causes collisions and poor performance. Setting both sides to full-duplex resolves the issue.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
Assign the switch port to the correct VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
There is no evidence of VLAN misconfiguration in the output; the port is up/up and passing traffic.
- ✗
Disable spanning-tree on the port to prevent frequent topology changes.
Why it's wrong here
Spanning-tree issues would manifest as port flapping or err-disabled states, not slow performance with a stable up/up state.
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.
✓Configure the switch port to use the same duplex setting as the workstation (full-duplex).Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The output shows the switch port is operating at half-duplex, while the workstation likely uses full-duplex. This duplex mismatch causes collisions and poor performance. Setting both sides to full-duplex resolves the issue.
✗Replace the faulty Ethernet cable between the switch and the workstation.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
No cable-related errors are shown.
✗Assign the switch port to the correct VLAN.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
VLAN issues would typically prevent communication entirely or show input errors from misconfigured trunking.
✗Disable spanning-tree on the port to prevent frequent topology changes.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The port is stable and not flapping.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Cable issues typically cause input errors, CRC errors, or interface resets, none of which are present in the output.
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: Configure the switch port to use the same duplex setting as the workstation (full-duplex). — The show interface output reveals that the switch port has negotiated to 100 Mb/s and Half-duplex, while the workstation is likely configured for 100 Mb/s and Full-duplex. This duplex mismatch causes collisions and retransmissions on the half-duplex side, leading to slow performance and intermittent connectivity. The correct solution is to set both sides to the same duplex setting, preferably full-duplex. The other options are incorrect because the port is up/up, input errors are zero, and VLAN configuration is not indicated as problematic.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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