CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
Network Topology
You are connected to a Multilayer Switch MLS1. Configure the switch so that interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 is an access port for VLAN 10, with voice VLAN 110 for an IP phone, and enable PoE. Additionally, interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 must be an access port for VLAN 20 to connect an AP. Verify the configuration using 'show interfaces switchport' and 'show power inline'.
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out for the difference between access and trunk ports when a voice VLAN is involved. The voice VLAN is configured on an access port, not a trunk. Also, ensure PoE is enabled (auto) and not disabled (never). Finally, do not confuse the access VLAN with the voice VLAN.
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
✓
interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 10 switchport voice vlan 110 power inline auto interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20
It configures Gi1/0/1 as an access port in VLAN 10 with voice VLAN 110 and PoE enabled, and Gi1/0/2 as an access port in VLAN 20. Option B is wrong because it uses 'switchport mode trunk' instead of 'switchport mode access'. For a voice VLAN, the port should be an access port, not a trunk. Option C is wrong because it disables PoE with 'power inline never', but the IP phone requires power. Option D is wrong because it assigns the access VLAN as 110 and voice VLAN as 10, reversing the intended roles. Verify with 'show interfaces switchport' and 'show power inline'.
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 GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 10 switchport voice vlan 110 power inline auto interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20
Why this is correct
This configuration correctly sets Gi1/0/1 as an access port in VLAN 10, assigns voice VLAN 110, and enables PoE (auto is default). Gi1/0/2 is correctly set as an access port in VLAN 20. The 'show interfaces switchport' and 'show power inline' commands will verify these settings.
- ✗
interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,110 power inline auto interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because Gi1/0/1 is configured as a trunk port instead of an access port. While a trunk can carry multiple VLANs, the requirement is for an access port with a voice VLAN. The 'switchport mode trunk' command changes the port to trunk mode, which is not desired.
- ✗
interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 10 switchport voice vlan 110 power inline never interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'power inline never' disables PoE on Gi1/0/1, preventing the IP phone from receiving power. The requirement explicitly states to enable PoE. The correct command is 'power inline auto' (or no command, as auto is default).
- ✗
interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 110 switchport voice vlan 10 power inline auto interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the access VLAN and voice VLAN are swapped. The access VLAN should be 10 (data) and the voice VLAN should be 110 (voice). This misconfiguration would place the IP phone's data traffic in VLAN 110 and voice traffic in VLAN 10, which is not the requirement.
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 GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 10 switchport voice vlan 110 power inline auto interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This configuration correctly sets Gi1/0/1 as an access port in VLAN 10, assigns voice VLAN 110, and enables PoE (auto is default). Gi1/0/2 is correctly set as an access port in VLAN 20. The 'show interfaces switchport' and 'show power inline' commands will verify these settings.
✗interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,110 power inline auto interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is using 'switchport mode trunk' instead of 'switchport mode access'. Access ports are used for end devices like IP phones and APs, not trunks.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think a trunk is needed to carry both data (VLAN 10) and voice (VLAN 110), but Cisco's voice VLAN feature uses an access port with a separate voice VLAN.
✗interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 10 switchport voice vlan 110 power inline never interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is using 'power inline never' which disables PoE. The correct command to enable PoE is 'power inline auto'.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse 'never' with 'auto' or think that PoE is enabled by default and no command is needed, but explicitly disabling it is wrong.
✗interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 110 switchport voice vlan 10 power inline auto interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 20Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is reversing the VLAN assignments: 'switchport access vlan 110' and 'switchport voice vlan 10' instead of the correct order.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse which VLAN is for data and which is for voice, especially if they are not familiar with the typical voice VLAN configuration.
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?”
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Configuring Switch Ports for Desktops, VoIP Phones, APs, IoT, and Virtualized Hosts
Key term
Switch
A switch is a networking device that connects devices on a local area network and uses MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended recipient.
Key term
Switchport
A switchport is a physical or virtual interface on a network switch that connects devices like computers, printers, or other switches to a local area network.
About these practice questions
One of 1,389 original 200-301 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.