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Read the full EtherChannel explanation →Question 1,803 of 1,819
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that when using LACP, the system priority is used to determine which switch controls the active ports in the bundle. This is a valid consideration because LACP uses a negotiation process where the switch with the lower system priority becomes the “active” partner, deciding which of the up to 16 eligible interfaces will be placed into the active forwarding state (capped at 8) and which remain in standby mode. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of EtherChannel’s dynamic protocol behavior versus static configuration, and a common trap is confusing system priority with port priority or assuming all 16 interfaces can be active simultaneously. Remember that load balancing can be based on source/destination MAC, IP, or Layer 4 port—not just MAC addresses—and that STP treats the entire port-channel as a single logical interface. A helpful memory tip: “LACP’s lower priority wins control, and only eight of sixteen can actively go.”
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. 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 three of the following are valid considerations when configuring 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
✓
All physical interfaces in an EtherChannel must have the same speed and duplex settings.
All three correct statements (A, B, C) are valid considerations when configuring EtherChannel. Option D is incorrect because load balancing can be based on source/destination IP, MAC, or Layer 4 port, not just MAC addresses. Option E is false because although up to 16 interfaces can be in a port channel, only 8 can be active simultaneously (the remaining are in standby). Option F is false because STP operates on the port-channel interface as a whole, not on individual links within the bundle.
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 requirement that all physical interfaces in an EtherChannel must have the same speed and duplex settings, as candidates may mistakenly think that different speeds can be used if the switch supports auto-negotiation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, EtherChannel uses a hashing algorithm (based on source/destination MAC, IP, or TCP/UDP ports) to distribute frames across member links, but this requires all links to be identical in speed and duplex to avoid out-of-order delivery. LACP uses a system priority (default 32768) and port priority to elect the active switch and ports, with the switch having the lower system priority becoming the decision-maker for the bundle. In real-world scenarios, mismatched speeds can cause the EtherChannel to fail to form or lead to packet loss, as the switch will not bundle interfaces with different capabilities.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: All physical interfaces in an EtherChannel must have the same speed and duplex settings. — All three correct statements (A, B, C) are valid considerations when configuring EtherChannel. Option D is incorrect because load balancing can be based on source/destination IP, MAC, or Layer 4 port, not just MAC addresses. Option E is false because although up to 16 interfaces can be in a port channel, only 8 can be active simultaneously (the remaining are in standby). Option F is false because STP operates on the port-channel interface as a whole, not on individual links within the bundle.
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
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