- A
Remove 'no switchport' and IP address from Port-channel1, then configure 'switchport mode trunk' and 'switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30'.
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.
- B
Change the channel-group mode on the member interfaces from active to passive.
Why wrong: 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.
- C
Add the 'switchport nonegotiate' command to the member interfaces.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'switchport nonegotiate' disables DTP, which is unrelated to EtherChannel formation. The issue is the Layer 2/Layer 3 mismatch on the port-channel interface.
- D
Configure the member interfaces with 'channel-group 1 mode on' instead of active.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'mode on' forces the channel without LACP negotiation, but the Layer 2/Layer 3 mismatch on the port-channel interface still prevents bundling. The mismatch must be resolved first.
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. 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.
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).
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.
- ✓
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.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
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
This is incorrect because 'switchport nonegotiate' disables DTP, which is unrelated to EtherChannel formation. The issue is the Layer 2/Layer 3 mismatch on the port-channel interface.
- ✗
Configure the member interfaces with 'channel-group 1 mode on' instead of active.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'mode on' forces the channel without LACP negotiation, but the Layer 2/Layer 3 mismatch on the port-channel interface still prevents bundling. The mismatch must be resolved first.
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?”
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.
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: 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).
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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