- → Why each wrong option is wrong in this specific scenario
- → When each wrong option would be correct
- → Real-world analogy and exam trap analysis
- → Related glossary terms and similar practice questions
CCNA Practice Question: Which TWO switch port configurations are correct…
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of 200-301 exam topics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO switch port configurations are correct when connecting a desktop PC and a VoIP phone to a single access port?
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
switchport mode access
When a VoIP phone and a desktop PC share a single switch port, the port must be configured as an access port for the PC’s VLAN and a voice VLAN for the phone. The switchport mode access command sets the port to access mode, and switchport voice vlan <vlan-id> assigns the voice VLAN. The switchport access vlan command is used for the data VLAN. Other options either misconfigure the port (e.g., using trunk mode or incorrect VLAN commands) or are not required.
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.
- ✓
switchport mode access
Why this is correct
This command configures the port as an access port, which is required for connecting a desktop PC and a VoIP phone (the phone typically uses the access port for data and a separate voice VLAN).
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
switchport mode trunk
Why it's wrong here
Trunk mode is used for inter-switch links or router-on-a-stick, not for end devices. It would cause the PC and phone to see multiple VLANs, breaking connectivity.
- ✓
switchport voice vlan <vlan-id>
Why this is correct
This command assigns a voice VLAN to the port, allowing the VoIP phone to tag its traffic with the voice VLAN while the PC remains untagged on the access VLAN.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
switchport access vlan <vlan-id>
Why it's wrong here
While this command is used to assign the data VLAN, it is not one of the two required commands for the specific scenario described (the question asks for the two correct configurations, and both A and C are essential).
- ✗
switchport port-security maximum 1
Why it's wrong here
Port security is an optional feature and not a required configuration for a basic PC+phone setup. It also may need adjustment to allow two MAC addresses (PC and phone).
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.
✓switchport mode accessCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This command configures the port as an access port, which is required for connecting a desktop PC and a VoIP phone (the phone typically uses the access port for data and a separate voice VLAN).
✗switchport mode trunkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Trunk mode is inappropriate for access ports connecting desktops and phones.
✗switchport access vlan <vlan-id>Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This command is valid but not one of the two correct answers for this multi-select question; the correct pair is A and C.
✗switchport port-security maximum 1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Port security is not mandatory for the scenario; it is an additional security measure.
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
While this command is used to assign the data VLAN, it is not one of the two required commands for the specific scenario described (the question asks for the two correct configurations, and both A and C are essential).
Scenario analysis trap
While this command is used to assign the data VLAN, it is not one of the two required commands for the specific scenario described (the question asks for the two correct configurations, and both A and C are essential).
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?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: switchport mode access — When a VoIP phone and a desktop PC share a single switch port, the port must be configured as an access port for the PC’s VLAN and a voice VLAN for the phone. The switchport mode access command sets the port to access mode, and switchport voice vlan <vlan-id> assigns the voice VLAN. The switchport access vlan command is used for the data VLAN. Other options either misconfigure the port (e.g., using trunk mode or incorrect VLAN commands) or are not required.
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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