- A
Set speed 1000 and duplex full on interface GigabitEthernet0/2 of SW1, ensuring the corresponding interface on SW2 has matching settings, then verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
The EtherChannel fails because interface GigabitEthernet0/2 on SW1 has a mismatched speed (likely 100 Mbps) compared to the other member link (1000 Mbps). LACP requires all member ports to have identical speed and duplex. The solution is to set the speed on Gi0/2 to 1000 and duplex to full on SW1, and ensure SW2's Gi0/2 is also set to 1000/full. After correction, the port will bundle, and the port-channel will come up. Verification with 'show etherchannel summary' should show both ports as 'P' (bundled) and the port-channel as 'SU' (in use, Layer2).
- B
Change the channel-group mode to desirable on both switches and verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the mode 'desirable' is a PAgP mode, not LACP. The question specifies LACP, which uses modes 'active' and 'passive'. Changing to 'desirable' would not resolve the speed mismatch and would use the wrong protocol.
- C
Remove the access VLAN configuration from the port-channel interface and configure it as a trunk port instead.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the issue is a speed mismatch, not a VLAN or trunking configuration. The port-channel is intended to be an access port in VLAN 100, and changing it to a trunk would not fix the speed mismatch. The EtherChannel would still fail to form due to inconsistent speeds.
- D
Configure the channel-group mode to passive on SW1 and active on SW2, then verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because while LACP allows mixed modes (active/passive), the question states both switches are set to active. Changing one to passive would not fix the speed mismatch; the EtherChannel would still fail because the ports have different speeds. Additionally, both sides must have compatible modes, but the mismatch is physical, not protocol.
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. Configure an LACP EtherChannel between SW1 and SW2 using interfaces GigabitEthernet0/1 and GigabitEthernet0/2. Set the channel-group mode to active on both switches. Verify that the port-channel interface is configured with VLAN 100 as an access port. Then, troubleshoot and fix the issue that prevents the EtherChannel from forming due to a mismatched speed on one of the member links. After correction, verify the EtherChannel is up with 'show etherchannel summary'.
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
Set speed 1000 and duplex full on interface GigabitEthernet0/2 of SW1, ensuring the corresponding interface on SW2 has matching settings, then verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
The EtherChannel fails because interface GigabitEthernet0/2 on SW1 has a mismatched speed (likely 100 Mbps) compared to the other member link (1000 Mbps). LACP requires all member ports to have identical speed and duplex. The solution is to set the speed on Gi0/2 to 1000 and duplex to full. After correction, the port will bundle, and the port-channel will come up. Verification with 'show etherchannel summary' should show both ports as 'P' (bundled) and the port-channel as 'SU' (in use, Layer2).
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.
- ✓
Set speed 1000 and duplex full on interface GigabitEthernet0/2 of SW1, ensuring the corresponding interface on SW2 has matching settings, then verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
Why this is correct
The EtherChannel fails because interface GigabitEthernet0/2 on SW1 has a mismatched speed (likely 100 Mbps) compared to the other member link (1000 Mbps). LACP requires all member ports to have identical speed and duplex. The solution is to set the speed on Gi0/2 to 1000 and duplex to full on SW1, and ensure SW2's Gi0/2 is also set to 1000/full. After correction, the port will bundle, and the port-channel will come up. Verification with 'show etherchannel summary' should show both ports as 'P' (bundled) and the port-channel as 'SU' (in use, Layer2).
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
Change the channel-group mode to desirable on both switches and verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
- ✗
Remove the access VLAN configuration from the port-channel interface and configure it as a trunk port instead.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the issue is a speed mismatch, not a VLAN or trunking configuration. The port-channel is intended to be an access port in VLAN 100, and changing it to a trunk would not fix the speed mismatch. The EtherChannel would still fail to form due to inconsistent speeds.
- ✗
Configure the channel-group mode to passive on SW1 and active on SW2, then verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because while LACP allows mixed modes (active/passive), the question states both switches are set to active. Changing one to passive would not fix the speed mismatch; the EtherChannel would still fail because the ports have different speeds. Additionally, both sides must have compatible modes, but the mismatch is physical, not protocol.
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.
✓Set speed 1000 and duplex full on interface GigabitEthernet0/2 of SW1, ensuring the corresponding interface on SW2 has matching settings, then verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
The EtherChannel fails because interface GigabitEthernet0/2 on SW1 has a mismatched speed (likely 100 Mbps) compared to the other member link (1000 Mbps). LACP requires all member ports to have identical speed and duplex. The solution is to set the speed on Gi0/2 to 1000 and duplex to full on SW1, and ensure SW2's Gi0/2 is also set to 1000/full. After correction, the port will bundle, and the port-channel will come up. Verification with 'show etherchannel summary' should show both ports as 'P' (bundled) and the port-channel as 'SU' (in use, Layer2).
✗Change the channel-group mode to desirable on both switches and verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that 'desirable' is a PAgP mode, not LACP. LACP uses 'active' and 'passive' modes.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse PAgP and LACP modes, especially since 'desirable' is a common PAgP mode that initiates negotiation, similar to LACP 'active'.
✗Remove the access VLAN configuration from the port-channel interface and configure it as a trunk port instead.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the problem is physical (speed mismatch), not logical (VLAN/trunking). Changing the port type does not address the root cause.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that VLAN mismatches or trunking issues are common EtherChannel problems, but in this scenario, the speed mismatch is the explicit issue.
✗Configure the channel-group mode to passive on SW1 and active on SW2, then verify with 'show etherchannel summary'.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the speed mismatch is the root cause, not the LACP mode. Even with correct modes, the EtherChannel will not form if speeds differ.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think that LACP mode negotiation is the issue, especially if they recall that both sides need to be in active or one active and one passive. However, the speed mismatch overrides this.
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.
- →
Switching and Network Access — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Switching and Network Access practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 200-301 questions
1,819 questions across all exam domains
- →
CCNA 200-301 v2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
200-301 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Switching and Network Access practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Switching and Network Access.
IP Routing practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to IP Routing.
Network Services and Security practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Services and Security.
AI and Network Operations practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to AI and Network Operations.
CCNA subnetting practice questions
Practise IPv4 subnetting, CIDR, masks, host ranges and subnet selection.
CCNA OSPF practice questions
Practise OSPF neighbours, router IDs, metrics, areas and routing-table interpretation.
CCNA VLAN practice questions
Practise VLANs, access ports, trunks, allowed VLANs and switching scenarios.
CCNA STP practice questions
Practise spanning tree, root bridge election, port roles and STP troubleshooting.
CCNA EtherChannel practice questions
Practise LACP, PAgP, port-channel behaviour and bundle requirements.
CCNA ACL practice questions
Practise standard and extended ACLs, permit/deny logic and traffic filtering.
CCNA NAT practice questions
Practise static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT and inside/outside address translation.
Practice this exam
Start a free 200-301 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Set speed 1000 and duplex full on interface GigabitEthernet0/2 of SW1, ensuring the corresponding interface on SW2 has matching settings, then verify with 'show etherchannel summary'. — The EtherChannel fails because interface GigabitEthernet0/2 on SW1 has a mismatched speed (likely 100 Mbps) compared to the other member link (1000 Mbps). LACP requires all member ports to have identical speed and duplex. The solution is to set the speed on Gi0/2 to 1000 and duplex to full. After correction, the port will bundle, and the port-channel will come up. Verification with 'show etherchannel summary' should show both ports as 'P' (bundled) and the port-channel as 'SU' (in use, Layer2).
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 200-301 practice questions
- A switchport connected to another switch should carry multiple VLANs, but it was manually configured as an access port.…
- What problem is HSRP designed to solve?
- Which TWO statements correctly describe the causes or implications of CRC errors, runts, giants, or output errors as see…
- You are connected to R1. Configure IPv4 and IPv6 addressing on R1's interfaces and verify reachability to R2. The curren…
- Which TWO statements accurately describe how AI/ML concepts are applied to network operations in modern enterprise netwo…
- Which TWO switch port configurations are required when connecting a Cisco IP phone and a desktop PC to a single access p…
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.