The correct configuration requires `switchport voice vlan 20` on GigabitEthernet0/1 and `power inline auto` on both access ports. This is because a Cisco IP phone uses a separate voice VLAN to tag its traffic, allowing the switch to prioritize voice packets over data from the attached PC, while PoE must be explicitly enabled via `power inline auto` to deliver power to the phone and the wireless AP. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this tests your understanding of QoS and PoE fundamentals in a converged network, with a common trap being that `switchport voice vlan` is forgotten or that PoE is assumed to be on by default—it is, but the scenario explicitly shows it disabled. For verification, `show interfaces switchport` confirms the voice VLAN assignment, and `show power inline` displays the PoE status. A helpful memory tip: “Voice gets its own VLAN, power gets ‘auto’ on the LAN.”
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.
You are connected to a single switch, SW1, which is a Cisco Catalyst 2960 running Cisco IOS. Configure port GigabitEthernet0/1 as an access port for a Cisco IP phone and a PC on the same VLAN (Voice VLAN 20, Data VLAN 10). The switch must provide PoE to the phone. Additionally, configure GigabitEthernet0/2 as an access port for a wireless access point (AP) that requires PoE. Verify both configurations using the appropriate show commands. The current running-config is incomplete; you must add the necessary commands.
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport voice vlan 20
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
This configuration correctly sets Gi0/1 as an access port with data VLAN 10 and voice VLAN 20, and enables PoE with 'power inline auto' on both ports. The voice VLAN command separates voice traffic from data traffic, and PoE is explicitly enabled to power the IP phone and AP.
B
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
Why wrong: This is incorrect because Gi0/1 is configured as a trunk port, which is not appropriate for a single IP phone and PC. Access ports with voice VLAN are used for this scenario, not trunk ports.
C
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport voice vlan 20
power inline never
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'power inline never' disables PoE on Gi0/1, but the IP phone requires PoE to operate. The command should be 'power inline auto' to enable PoE.
D
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 20
switchport voice vlan 10
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the data VLAN and voice VLAN are swapped. The data VLAN should be 10 and the voice VLAN should be 20, as specified in the question.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport voice vlan 20
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
The configuration was missing the voice VLAN assignment on Gi0/1 and PoE settings on both ports. For Gi0/1, the command 'switchport voice vlan 20' is required to separate voice traffic from data traffic. For both Gi0/1 and Gi0/2, PoE must be enabled; by default 'power inline auto' is set, but since the ports show 'off', they may have been disabled. The solution ensures PoE is enabled with 'power inline auto' and sets the voice VLAN correctly. Verification with 'show interfaces switchport' should show 'Voice VLAN: 20' and 'show power inline' should show 'auto' for both ports.
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.
✓
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport voice vlan 20
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
Why this is correct
This configuration correctly sets Gi0/1 as an access port with data VLAN 10 and voice VLAN 20, and enables PoE with 'power inline auto' on both ports. The voice VLAN command separates voice traffic from data traffic, and PoE is explicitly enabled to power the IP phone and AP.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because Gi0/1 is configured as a trunk port, which is not appropriate for a single IP phone and PC. Access ports with voice VLAN are used for this scenario, not trunk ports.
✗
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport voice vlan 20
power inline never
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'power inline never' disables PoE on Gi0/1, but the IP phone requires PoE to operate. The command should be 'power inline auto' to enable PoE.
✗
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 20
switchport voice vlan 10
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the data VLAN and voice VLAN are swapped. The data VLAN should be 10 and the voice VLAN should be 20, as specified in the question.
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.
✓interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport voice vlan 20
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline autoCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This configuration correctly sets Gi0/1 as an access port with data VLAN 10 and voice VLAN 20, and enables PoE with 'power inline auto' on both ports. The voice VLAN command separates voice traffic from data traffic, and PoE is explicitly enabled to power the IP phone and AP.
✗interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline autoWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that trunk ports are used to carry multiple VLANs between switches, not for connecting end devices like phones and PCs. The correct method is to use an access port with a voice VLAN.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that because two VLANs are needed (voice and data), a trunk port is required. However, Cisco's voice VLAN feature allows both VLANs on an access port.
✗interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport voice vlan 20
power inline never
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline autoWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that 'power inline never' explicitly disables PoE, which would prevent the phone from powering on. The correct command is 'power inline auto' to enable PoE detection and delivery.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse 'never' with 'auto' or think that PoE is enabled by default and doesn't need configuration. However, if the port shows 'off', it must be explicitly set to 'auto'.
✗interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 20
switchport voice vlan 10
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline autoWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the VLAN numbers are reversed. The access VLAN should be the data VLAN (10), and the voice VLAN should be 20. Swapping them would place data traffic in VLAN 20 and voice in VLAN 10, which is not the intended configuration.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might misread the question or confuse which VLAN is for voice and which for data. The question clearly states 'Voice VLAN 20, Data VLAN 10'.
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
This is incorrect because 'power inline never' disables PoE on Gi0/1, but the IP phone requires PoE to operate. The command should be 'power inline auto' to enable PoE.
Scenario analysis trap
This is incorrect because Gi0/1 is configured as a trunk port, which is not appropriate for a single IP phone and PC. Access ports with voice VLAN are used for this scenario, not trunk ports.
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: interface GigabitEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport voice vlan 20
power inline auto
interface GigabitEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
power inline auto — The configuration was missing the voice VLAN assignment on Gi0/1 and PoE settings on both ports. For Gi0/1, the command 'switchport voice vlan 20' is required to separate voice traffic from data traffic. For both Gi0/1 and Gi0/2, PoE must be enabled; by default 'power inline auto' is set, but since the ports show 'off', they may have been disabled. The solution ensures PoE is enabled with 'power inline auto' and sets the voice VLAN correctly. Verification with 'show interfaces switchport' should show 'Voice VLAN: 20' and 'show power inline' should show 'auto' for both ports.
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.
About these practice questions
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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. You are connected to the console of a Catalyst 2960+ switch named SW2. Configure the switch so that the IP phone connected to interface FastEthernet0/5 receives power via PoE and uses VLAN 150 for voice traffic, while the PC connected through the phone uses VLAN 50 for data. Additionally, the access point connected to interface FastEthernet0/10 must receive PoE and be placed in VLAN 100. Assume the interfaces are already correctly configured as access ports in VLAN 50 and VLAN 100, respectively. Verify your configuration using the appropriate show commands.
hard
✓ A.On interface FastEthernet0/5: switchport voice vlan 150, power inline auto. On interface FastEthernet0/10: power inline auto. Verify with show interfaces switchport and show power inline.
B.On interface FastEthernet0/5: switchport voice vlan 150, power inline auto. On interface FastEthernet0/10: switchport access vlan 100, power inline auto. Verify with show interfaces switchport and show power inline.
C.On interface FastEthernet0/5: switchport voice vlan 150, power inline auto. On interface FastEthernet0/10: power inline auto. Verify with show vlan and show power inline.
D.On interface FastEthernet0/5: switchport voice vlan 150, power inline auto. On interface FastEthernet0/10: power inline auto. Verify with show interfaces trunk and show power inline.
Why A: The switch had no voice VLAN or PoE configured on the ports. On FastEthernet0/5, you need to add 'switchport voice vlan 150' to separate voice traffic from data, and 'power inline auto' to enable PoE for the IP phone. On FastEthernet0/10, you only need to enable PoE with 'power inline auto' because the AP already has its access VLAN set. After configuration, 'show interfaces switchport' will confirm the voice VLAN, and 'show power inline' will verify PoE status.
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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