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.
Exhibit
MLS1#show running-config | section interface
interface FastEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
no shutdown
!
interface FastEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
no shutdown
!
interface FastEthernet0/3
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 30
no shutdown
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
no switchport
ip address 192.0.2.1 255.255.255.252
no shutdown
!
MLS1#show interfaces switchport
Name: Fa0/1
Switchport: Enabled
Administrative Mode: static access
Operational Mode: static access
Administrative Trunking Encapsulation: negotiate
Operational Trunking Encapsulation: native
Negotiation of Trunking: Off
Access Mode VLAN: 10 (VLAN0010)
Trunking Native Mode VLAN: 1 (default)
Administrative Native VLAN tagging: enabled
Voice VLAN: none
Administrative Private VLAN Host Association: none
Administrative Private VLAN Mapping: none
...
Name: Fa0/2
... (similar to Fa0/1)
...
Name: Fa0/3
... (similar to Fa0/1 but Access Mode VLAN: 30)
...
MLS1#show power inline
Module Available Used Remaining
(Watts) (Watts) (Watts)
1 370 0 370
Interface Admin Oper Power Device Class Max
(Watts)
--------- ------ ---------- ------- ------------- ----- ---
Fa0/1 auto off 0.0 n/a n/a 15.4
Fa0/2 auto off 0.0 n/a n/a 15.4
Fa0/3 auto off 0.0 n/a n/a 15.4
You are connected to a multilayer switch MLS1. Configure it so that IP phones connected to FastEthernet 0/1 and FastEthernet 0/2 use voice VLAN 20 and receive power via PoE. Additionally, FastEthernet 0/3 must be configured as an access port for a wireless access point (AP) on VLAN 30, with PoE enabled. Verify your configuration using 'show interfaces switchport' and 'show power inline'.
MLS1#show running-config | section interface
interface FastEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
no shutdown
!
interface FastEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
no shutdown
!
interface FastEthernet0/3
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 30
no shutdown
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
no switchport
ip address 192.0.2.1 255.255.255.252
no shutdown
!
MLS1#show interfaces switchport
Name: Fa0/1
Switchport: Enabled
Administrative Mode: static access
Operational Mode: static access
Administrative Trunking Encapsulation: negotiate
Operational Trunking Encapsulation: native
Negotiation of Trunking: Off
Access Mode VLAN: 10 (VLAN0010)
Trunking Native Mode VLAN: 1 (default)
Administrative Native VLAN tagging: enabled
Voice VLAN: none
Administrative Private VLAN Host Association: none
Administrative Private VLAN Mapping: none
...
Name: Fa0/2
... (similar to Fa0/1)
...
Name: Fa0/3
... (similar to Fa0/1 but Access Mode VLAN: 30)
...
MLS1#show power inline
Module Available Used Remaining
(Watts) (Watts) (Watts)
1 370 0 370
Interface Admin Oper Power Device Class Max
(Watts)
--------- ------ ---------- ------- ------------- ----- ---
Fa0/1 auto off 0.0 n/a n/a 15.4
Fa0/2 auto off 0.0 n/a n/a 15.4
Fa0/3 auto off 0.0 n/a n/a 15.4
A
Configure 'switchport voice vlan 20' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2; ensure PoE is enabled (auto) on all three ports.
This is correct because IP phones require a voice VLAN to separate voice traffic from data traffic. The 'switchport voice vlan 20' command assigns VLAN 20 for voice on the access ports. PoE is already enabled by default (auto) on Cisco switches, so no additional command is needed for PoE.
B
Configure 'switchport mode trunk' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and set the native VLAN to 20; enable PoE on Fa0/3.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because IP phones should be connected to access ports, not trunk ports. Trunk ports are used for inter-switch links. Also, the native VLAN is not used for voice; the voice VLAN is configured separately. PoE is already enabled by default.
C
Configure 'switchport access vlan 20' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and 'switchport voice vlan 30' on Fa0/3; enable PoE globally.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because Fa0/1 and Fa0/2 should remain on their data VLAN (VLAN 10) and use voice VLAN 20, not change the access VLAN to 20. Fa0/3 should be on VLAN 30 for the AP, not have a voice VLAN. PoE is enabled per interface by default, not globally.
D
Configure 'power inline never' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and 'switchport voice vlan 20' on Fa0/3; ensure Fa0/3 is in trunk mode.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'power inline never' disables PoE, which is the opposite of what is needed for IP phones. The voice VLAN should be on the IP phone ports (Fa0/1 and Fa0/2), not on the AP port. Fa0/3 should be an access port, not a trunk.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure 'switchport voice vlan 20' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2; ensure PoE is enabled (auto) on all three ports.
The switch ports Fa0/1 and Fa0/2 are currently configured as access ports on VLAN 10, with no voice VLAN. To support IP phones, you must configure a voice VLAN (VLAN 20) on these interfaces. Additionally, PoE is already enabled (auto) but needs to remain active. For Fa0/3, it is already an access port on VLAN 30, which is correct for an AP, but you must ensure PoE is enabled (it is). The missing configuration for Fa0/1 and Fa0/2 is the 'switchport voice vlan 20' command. After applying, verify using 'show interfaces switchport' to see the voice VLAN set, and 'show power inline' to confirm PoE delivery.
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.
✓
Configure 'switchport voice vlan 20' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2; ensure PoE is enabled (auto) on all three ports.
Why this is correct
This is correct because IP phones require a voice VLAN to separate voice traffic from data traffic. The 'switchport voice vlan 20' command assigns VLAN 20 for voice on the access ports. PoE is already enabled by default (auto) on Cisco switches, so no additional command is needed for PoE.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
Configure 'switchport mode trunk' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and set the native VLAN to 20; enable PoE on Fa0/3.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because IP phones should be connected to access ports, not trunk ports. Trunk ports are used for inter-switch links. Also, the native VLAN is not used for voice; the voice VLAN is configured separately. PoE is already enabled by default.
✗
Configure 'switchport access vlan 20' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and 'switchport voice vlan 30' on Fa0/3; enable PoE globally.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because Fa0/1 and Fa0/2 should remain on their data VLAN (VLAN 10) and use voice VLAN 20, not change the access VLAN to 20. Fa0/3 should be on VLAN 30 for the AP, not have a voice VLAN. PoE is enabled per interface by default, not globally.
✗
Configure 'power inline never' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and 'switchport voice vlan 20' on Fa0/3; ensure Fa0/3 is in trunk mode.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'power inline never' disables PoE, which is the opposite of what is needed for IP phones. The voice VLAN should be on the IP phone ports (Fa0/1 and Fa0/2), not on the AP port. Fa0/3 should be an access port, not a trunk.
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 'switchport voice vlan 20' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2; ensure PoE is enabled (auto) on all three ports.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because IP phones require a voice VLAN to separate voice traffic from data traffic. The 'switchport voice vlan 20' command assigns VLAN 20 for voice on the access ports. PoE is already enabled by default (auto) on Cisco switches, so no additional command is needed for PoE.
✗Configure 'switchport mode trunk' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and set the native VLAN to 20; enable PoE on Fa0/3.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: IP phones connect to access ports with a voice VLAN, not trunk ports. The native VLAN concept is misapplied here.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that because IP phones tag voice traffic, a trunk port is needed, but Cisco IP phones use a special access port configuration with a voice VLAN.
✗Configure 'switchport access vlan 20' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and 'switchport voice vlan 30' on Fa0/3; enable PoE globally.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Changing the access VLAN to 20 would place the PC on the voice VLAN, which is wrong. The AP does not need a voice VLAN. PoE is per-interface.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse the access VLAN with the voice VLAN, thinking the voice VLAN replaces the data VLAN. They might also think PoE needs a global command.
✗Configure 'power inline never' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2, and 'switchport voice vlan 20' on Fa0/3; ensure Fa0/3 is in trunk mode.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: Disabling PoE on IP phone ports prevents them from powering on. The voice VLAN is applied to the wrong interfaces. Trunk mode is unnecessary for an AP.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that disabling PoE on some ports saves power, or that the AP needs a voice VLAN. They may also confuse access and trunk modes for AP connections.
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.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
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.
Switching and Network Access — This question tests Switching and Network Access — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure 'switchport voice vlan 20' on Fa0/1 and Fa0/2; ensure PoE is enabled (auto) on all three ports. — The switch ports Fa0/1 and Fa0/2 are currently configured as access ports on VLAN 10, with no voice VLAN. To support IP phones, you must configure a voice VLAN (VLAN 20) on these interfaces. Additionally, PoE is already enabled (auto) but needs to remain active. For Fa0/3, it is already an access port on VLAN 30, which is correct for an AP, but you must ensure PoE is enabled (it is). The missing configuration for Fa0/1 and Fa0/2 is the 'switchport voice vlan 20' command. After applying, verify using 'show interfaces switchport' to see the voice VLAN set, and 'show power inline' to confirm PoE delivery.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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