CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
Network Topology
You are connected to SW1. Two switches, SW1 and SW2, are connected via four GigabitEthernet links. Configure LACP EtherChannel between them using interfaces GigabitEthernet0/1 through GigabitEthernet0/4 on SW1. Set the channel-group mode to active on SW1. The port-channel interface must be configured as a trunk, allowing VLANs 10, 20, 30. However, the EtherChannel is not forming. The current configuration is shown below. Identify and fix the issue, then verify the EtherChannel is operational.
⚠ Common exam trap
The exam trap is that candidates often focus on LACP modes or trunk negotiation but overlook the Layer 2/Layer 3 mismatch between the port-channel interface and member interfaces. Always ensure the port-channel interface is configured as either Layer 2 or Layer 3 to match the member ports.
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
✓
Remove 'no switchport' and IP address from Port-channel1, then configure 'switchport mode trunk' and 'switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30'.
The EtherChannel is not forming because the Port-channel1 interface is configured as a Layer 3 interface (no switchport, IP address), while the member interfaces are Layer 2 switchports (switchport mode trunk). This mismatch prevents the channel from bundling. To fix this, configure Port-channel1 as a Layer 2 trunk interface with the same allowed VLANs. The solution: remove the no switchport command and the IP address, then apply switchport mode trunk and switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30. After correction, the ports should bundle and the show etherchannel summary will show the ports as bundled (P) and the port-channel as Layer 2 (S).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Remove 'no switchport' and IP address from Port-channel1, then configure 'switchport mode trunk' and 'switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30'.
Why this is correct
The EtherChannel fails because Port-channel1 is configured as a Layer 3 interface (no switchport, IP address) while the member ports are Layer 2 switchports. This mismatch prevents bundling. Converting Port-channel1 to a Layer 2 trunk with the same allowed VLANs resolves the issue.
- ✗
Change the channel-group mode on the member interfaces from active to passive.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the mode mismatch is not the issue; both sides can use active mode. Changing to passive would still work if the other side is active, but it does not fix the Layer 2/Layer 3 mismatch.
- ✗
Add the 'switchport nonegotiate' command to the member interfaces.
Why it's wrong here
Adding 'switchport nonegotiate' to the member interfaces disables Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) on those ports, which only stops automatic trunk negotiation. It does nothing to align the Layer 3 nature of Port-channel1 (configured with 'no switchport' and an IP address) with the Layer 2 member switchports. The EtherChannel fails because the port-channel interface itself is a routed interface while the members are Layer 2 switchports; without converting the port-channel to Layer 2 trunk mode, this command cannot resolve the mismatch.
- ✗
Configure the member interfaces with 'channel-group 1 mode on' instead of active.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the channel-group mode from 'active' to 'on' forces the EtherChannel to form without LACP negotiation, bypassing the protocol-state check. However, 'mode on' does not alter the fundamental Layer 2/Layer 3 incompatibility: the member interfaces are Layer 2 switchports, whereas Port-channel1 has been configured as a Layer 3 interface with 'no switchport' and an IP address. The switch still enforces interface-layer consistency for bundling, so even forced mode fails until the port-channel is changed to a Layer 2 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.
✓Remove 'no switchport' and IP address from Port-channel1, then configure 'switchport mode trunk' and 'switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30'.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The EtherChannel fails because Port-channel1 is configured as a Layer 3 interface (no switchport, IP address) while the member ports are Layer 2 switchports. This mismatch prevents bundling. Converting Port-channel1 to a Layer 2 trunk with the same allowed VLANs resolves the issue.
✗Change the channel-group mode on the member interfaces from active to passive.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The problem is a Layer 2/Layer 3 mismatch, not the LACP mode. Active mode is valid and commonly used.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that LACP negotiation requires one side active and one passive, but active-active is also valid. They may overlook the port-channel interface configuration.
✗Add the 'switchport nonegotiate' command to the member interfaces.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: 'switchport nonegotiate' affects trunk negotiation, not EtherChannel bundling.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse DTP with LACP or think that disabling negotiation helps, but it does not address the root cause.
✗Configure the member interfaces with 'channel-group 1 mode on' instead of active.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The mode change does not fix the interface type mismatch; the port-channel must be Layer 2 to match the member ports.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that using 'mode on' bypasses negotiation issues, but it does not resolve configuration inconsistencies between the port-channel and member interfaces.
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?”
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Configuring Switch Ports for Desktops, VoIP Phones, APs, IoT, and Virtualized Hosts
Key term
VLAN
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of network devices that behave as if they are on the same physical network segment, regardless of their actual physical location.
Key term
Interface
An interface is a point of connection or interaction between two systems, devices, or software components that allows them to exchange information or signals.
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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.