- A
Configure both interfaces with speed 1000, duplex full, and switchport access vlan 1.
This is correct because LACP requires all member interfaces to have identical speed, duplex, and VLAN configuration. The mismatched settings (Gi0/1: 1000/full/VLAN1, Gi0/2: 100/half/VLAN10) prevent the EtherChannel from forming. Applying consistent settings resolves the issue.
- B
Change the LACP mode on SW1's Gi0/2 from active to passive.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the LACP mode mismatch is not the primary issue; SW2's Gi0/2 is passive and SW1's Gi0/2 is active, which is a valid combination (active/passive). Changing to passive would not fix the speed/duplex/VLAN mismatches.
- C
Configure both interfaces with speed 100, duplex half, and switchport access vlan 10.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because while it would make the interfaces consistent, it uses suboptimal settings (100/half) that would degrade performance. The correct fix should use the higher speed and full duplex (1000/full) to match the faster interface.
- D
Remove the switchport access vlan command from both interfaces and configure them as trunk ports with native vlan 1.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the issue is mismatched VLANs, not the interface mode. Changing to trunk with native VLAN 1 would still leave the speed/duplex mismatch unresolved, and the native VLAN must match on both sides. The current configuration shows access ports, so converting to trunk is unnecessary.
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. 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.
You are connected to SW1. An EtherChannel between SW1 and SW2 using LACP must be established on interfaces GigabitEthernet0/1 and GigabitEthernet0/2. Currently, the channel is not forming. Inspect the provided configuration and output, then apply the necessary commands on SW1 to resolve the issue and bring up the Port-Channel interface.
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 both interfaces with speed 1000, duplex full, and switchport access vlan 1.
The EtherChannel failed because the two member interfaces on SW1 have mismatched speed (Gi0/1: 1000 Mbps, Gi0/2: 100 Mbps) and duplex (Gi0/1: full, Gi0/2: half), and their native VLANs differ (Gi0/1: VLAN 1, Gi0/2: VLAN 10). LACP requires all bundled ports to have identical speed, duplex, and VLAN configuration. To fix, on SW1 configure both interfaces with consistent settings: set speed 1000, duplex full, and switchport access vlan 1 (or a common trunk native VLAN). Also ensure both sides use the same LACP mode (both active or active/passive); here SW2's Gi0/2 is passive, which is acceptable with SW1's active, so the primary issue is the mismatched physical and VLAN parameters. After correction, the channel will form.
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 both interfaces with speed 1000, duplex full, and switchport access vlan 1.
Why this is correct
This is correct because LACP requires all member interfaces to have identical speed, duplex, and VLAN configuration. The mismatched settings (Gi0/1: 1000/full/VLAN1, Gi0/2: 100/half/VLAN10) prevent the EtherChannel from forming. Applying consistent settings resolves the issue.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
Change the LACP mode on SW1's Gi0/2 from active to passive.
- ✗
Configure both interfaces with speed 100, duplex half, and switchport access vlan 10.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because while it would make the interfaces consistent, it uses suboptimal settings (100/half) that would degrade performance. The correct fix should use the higher speed and full duplex (1000/full) to match the faster interface.
- ✗
Remove the switchport access vlan command from both interfaces and configure them as trunk ports with native vlan 1.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the issue is mismatched VLANs, not the interface mode. Changing to trunk with native VLAN 1 would still leave the speed/duplex mismatch unresolved, and the native VLAN must match on both sides. The current configuration shows access ports, so converting to trunk is unnecessary.
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 both interfaces with speed 1000, duplex full, and switchport access vlan 1.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because LACP requires all member interfaces to have identical speed, duplex, and VLAN configuration. The mismatched settings (Gi0/1: 1000/full/VLAN1, Gi0/2: 100/half/VLAN10) prevent the EtherChannel from forming. Applying consistent settings resolves the issue.
✗Change the LACP mode on SW1's Gi0/2 from active to passive.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is assuming that LACP mode must match on both sides; active/passive is acceptable.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think both sides need the same LACP mode, but active/passive is a common valid pairing.
✗Configure both interfaces with speed 100, duplex half, and switchport access vlan 10.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the solution should aim for optimal performance, not just consistency; using 100/half is technically possible but not the best practice.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think any consistent configuration works, but the exam expects the best practice of using the higher speed and full duplex.
✗Remove the switchport access vlan command from both interfaces and configure them as trunk ports with native vlan 1.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that trunking does not fix speed/duplex mismatches, and the native VLAN must be consistent.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think trunking is required for EtherChannel or that native VLAN mismatch is the only issue, overlooking the physical layer mismatches.
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 the issue is mismatched VLANs, not the interface mode. Changing to trunk with native VLAN 1 would still leave the speed/duplex mismatch unresolved, and the native VLAN must match on both sides. The current configuration shows access ports, so converting to trunk is unnecessary.
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?
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 both interfaces with speed 1000, duplex full, and switchport access vlan 1. — The EtherChannel failed because the two member interfaces on SW1 have mismatched speed (Gi0/1: 1000 Mbps, Gi0/2: 100 Mbps) and duplex (Gi0/1: full, Gi0/2: half), and their native VLANs differ (Gi0/1: VLAN 1, Gi0/2: VLAN 10). LACP requires all bundled ports to have identical speed, duplex, and VLAN configuration. To fix, on SW1 configure both interfaces with consistent settings: set speed 1000, duplex full, and switchport access vlan 1 (or a common trunk native VLAN). Also ensure both sides use the same LACP mode (both active or active/passive); here SW2's Gi0/2 is passive, which is acceptable with SW1's active, so the primary issue is the mismatched physical and VLAN parameters. After correction, the channel will form.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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