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Read the full EtherChannel explanation →Question 617 of 1,819
Quick Answer
The answer is that EtherChannel requires all member ports to have identical speed and duplex settings. This is because EtherChannel aggregates multiple physical links into a single logical link, and mismatched port parameters would cause frame misordering or link instability, breaking the aggregation. The technology uses a hash algorithm—based on source and destination MAC, IP, or TCP/UDP ports—to distribute traffic across the member links, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy without spanning-tree blocking. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this topic tests your understanding of Layer 2 port-channel prerequisites and common misconfigurations; a frequent trap is assuming EtherChannel can mix speeds or duplex modes, or that it must be an access port to carry multiple VLANs—in reality, it can operate as a trunk. A helpful memory tip is “Same Speed, Same Duplex, Same Switch” to recall the core requirements for a stable EtherChannel bundle.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. 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.
Which three of the following correctly describe the behavior of EtherChannel? (Choose three.)
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
✓
It aggregates multiple physical links into a single logical link.
EtherChannel aggregates multiple physical links into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy. It uses a hash algorithm (based on source/destination MAC, IP, or TCP/UDP ports) to distribute traffic across member links. All member ports must have identical speed and duplex settings and be on the same switch (or stack). The statement that EtherChannel allows multiple VLANs only if configured as an access port is false because EtherChannel links can operate as trunks to carry multiple VLANs.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that EtherChannel can be formed across different standalone switches (without stacking) or that it increases STP instances, when in fact it reduces them by treating the bundle as a single logical port.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EtherChannel uses a load-balancing hash that can be based on Layer 2 (MAC addresses), Layer 3 (IP addresses), or Layer 4 (port numbers), configurable with the 'port-channel load-balance' command. The PAgP or LACP protocols negotiate the formation of the channel; LACP (IEEE 802.3ad) is the open standard and supports up to 16 links (8 active, 8 standby). In a real-world scenario, misconfigured speed or duplex on one link will cause the entire EtherChannel to fail to form, as Cisco switches enforce consistency checks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It aggregates multiple physical links into a single logical link. — EtherChannel aggregates multiple physical links into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy. It uses a hash algorithm (based on source/destination MAC, IP, or TCP/UDP ports) to distribute traffic across member links. All member ports must have identical speed and duplex settings and be on the same switch (or stack). The statement that EtherChannel allows multiple VLANs only if configured as an access port is false because EtherChannel links can operate as trunks to carry multiple VLANs.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.
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