Question 1mediumdrag order
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Quick Answer
The correct order begins by entering global configuration mode, then globally enabling PortFast on all access ports, followed by globally enabling BPDU Guard, then globally enabling Loop Guard, selecting the specific uplink interface, applying Root Guard, and finally ending the session with copy running-config startup-config. This sequence is correct because it follows a logical hierarchy: first accelerate convergence with PortFast, then protect edge ports from rogue switches with BPDU Guard, apply global loop prevention with Loop Guard to guard against unidirectional link failures, and finally secure the spanning-tree topology by applying Root Guard on uplink interfaces to prevent an unauthorized switch from becoming the root bridge. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of the distinct purposes and placement of each guard feature—a common trap is applying Root Guard globally instead of per-interface, or enabling Loop Guard before BPDU Guard, which can cause unintended blocking. A useful memory tip is to think of the acronym P-B-L-R: PortFast first, then BPDU Guard, Loop Guard, and Root Guard last on the uplink.
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure BPDU Guard, Loop Guard, and Root Guard on a Cisco switch.
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
✓
Enter global configuration mode using the configure terminal command.
The correct order starts by entering global configuration mode, then globally enabling PortFast on all access ports to allow immediate transition to forwarding state. BPDU Guard is then enabled globally on all PortFast-enabled ports to protect against unauthorized switches. Next, Loop Guard is enabled globally to prevent loops from unidirectional links. Afterwards, the specific uplink interface is selected and Root Guard is applied to prevent a rogue switch from becoming the root bridge. This sequence follows Cisco best practices: apply fast convergence first, then protect the edge with BPDU Guard, apply loop prevention globally, and finally secure core links with Root Guard.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Switching and Network Access — study guide chapter
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Switching and Network Access practice questions
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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 — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enter global configuration mode using the configure terminal command. — The correct order starts by entering global configuration mode, then globally enabling PortFast on all access ports to allow immediate transition to forwarding state. BPDU Guard is then enabled globally on all PortFast-enabled ports to protect against unauthorized switches. Next, Loop Guard is enabled globally to prevent loops from unidirectional links. Afterwards, the specific uplink interface is selected and Root Guard is applied to prevent a rogue switch from becoming the root bridge. This sequence follows Cisco best practices: apply fast convergence first, then protect the edge with BPDU Guard, apply loop prevention globally, and finally secure core links with Root Guard.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 200-301
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure spanning-tree protection features including BPDU Guard, Root Guard, and Loop Guard on a Cisco switch.
medium- ✓ A.Identify edge ports connected to end devices.
- ✓ B.Configure spanning-tree portfast on those interfaces.
- ✓ C.Enable BPDU Guard using the spanning-tree portfast bpduguard default global command.
- ✓ D.Identify ports connected to other switches that should never become the root bridge.
- ✓ E.Enable Root Guard on those interfaces with spanning-tree guard root.
- ✓ F.Identify point-to-point non-edge ports susceptible to unidirectional link failures.
- ✓ G.Enable Loop Guard on those interfaces with spanning-tree guard loop.
Why A: The correct order is: (1) Identify edge ports connected to end devices. (2) Configure spanning-tree portfast on those interfaces. (3) Enable BPDU Guard using the spanning-tree portfast bpduguard default global command. (4) Identify ports connected to other switches that should never become the root bridge. (5) Enable Root Guard on those interfaces with spanning-tree guard root. (6) Identify point-to-point non-edge ports susceptible to unidirectional link failures. (7) Enable Loop Guard on those interfaces with spanning-tree guard loop. This sequence first secures edge ports with PortFast and BPDU Guard to prevent accidental network loops and BPDU-based attacks, then applies Root Guard on ports where a superior BPDU should never be received to protect the root bridge placement, and finally implements Loop Guard on non-edge point-to-point links to guard against unidirectional link failures that could cause bridging loops. Identifying the ports before applying configurations ensures proper placement of each protection mechanism.
Variation 2. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure Root Guard on designated ports, Loop Guard on non-designated ports, and BPDU Guard on PortFast ports, and to recover a port that enters err-disabled due to a BPDU guard violation.
medium- ✓ A.1. Configure Root Guard on designated ports. 2. Configure Loop Guard on non-designated ports. 3. Configure BPDU Guard on PortFast ports. 4. To recover a port that enters err-disabled due to BPDU Guard violation, manually shut and no shut the interface.
- B.1. Configure BPDU Guard on PortFast ports. 2. Configure Loop Guard on non-designated ports. 3. Configure Root Guard on designated ports. 4. To recover a port that enters err-disabled due to BPDU Guard violation, re-enable BPDU Guard on the port.
- C.1. Configure Loop Guard on non-designated ports. 2. Configure Root Guard on designated ports. 3. Configure BPDU Guard on PortFast ports. 4. To recover a port that enters err-disabled due to BPDU Guard violation, configure errdisable recovery cause bpduguard.
- D.1. Configure Root Guard on designated ports. 2. Configure BPDU Guard on PortFast ports. 3. Configure Loop Guard on non-designated ports. 4. To recover a port that enters err-disabled due to BPDU Guard violation, remove BPDU Guard from the port.
Why A: Root Guard on designated, Loop Guard on non-designated, then BPDU Guard on PortFast; recovery requires interface reset after violation.
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Last reviewed: Jun 14, 2026
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