- A
interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode active
This configuration enables LACP active mode on both ports, which initiates negotiation with the neighbor to form an EtherChannel. The 'channel-group 1 mode active' command is correct for LACP.
- B
interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode desirable
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'mode desirable' is a PAgP (Cisco proprietary) parameter, not LACP. The question specifies LACP, so this command would use PAgP instead.
- C
interface g0/1 channel-group 1 mode active interface g0/2 channel-group 1 mode passive
Why wrong: This is incorrect because both ports must use the same LACP mode to form a channel. Mixing 'active' and 'passive' on the same switch will not work; LACP requires consistent mode on both ends.
- D
interface port-channel 1 channel-group 1 mode active
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the 'channel-group' command is applied on physical interfaces, not on the port-channel interface. The port-channel interface is created automatically after the channel-group command is applied to physical ports.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to configure `channel-group 1 mode active` under `interface range g0/1-2`. This applies LACP active mode to both physical interfaces, which sends LACP packets to dynamically negotiate and form an EtherChannel with the peer switch. LACP active mode is the IEEE standard and is required here because the question explicitly calls for LACP, not the Cisco-proprietary PAgP. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your understanding that the `channel-group` command must be applied to the physical member ports, not the logical port-channel interface, and that both sides must use compatible modes—active/active or passive/passive—to establish the channel. A common trap is choosing PAgP desirable or mixing LACP modes, which either uses the wrong protocol or prevents negotiation. Remember the memory tip: "Active always initiates, passive just listens—both sides must agree to link."
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 via the console. SW1 is a Layer 2 switch with two links to SW2: G0/1 and G0/2. The administrator wants to combine these two links into an EtherChannel using LACP. Configure an EtherChannel on SW1 for these ports and verify.
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
interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode active
The correct answer is A because it applies the LACP 'active' mode to both interfaces in the range, which will dynamically negotiate an EtherChannel with the peer. Option B uses PAgP 'desirable' mode, which is Cisco proprietary and not LACP, failing the requirement for LACP. Option C mixes LACP modes (active on one interface and passive on the other); both member ports must use the same mode (either active/active or passive/passive) to form a channel. Option D attempts to configure the 'channel-group' command on the port-channel interface itself, but this command must be applied to the physical interfaces, not the logical port-channel.
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.
- ✓
interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode active
Why this is correct
This configuration enables LACP active mode on both ports, which initiates negotiation with the neighbor to form an EtherChannel. The 'channel-group 1 mode active' command is correct for LACP.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode desirable
- ✗
interface g0/1 channel-group 1 mode active interface g0/2 channel-group 1 mode passive
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because both ports must use the same LACP mode to form a channel. Mixing 'active' and 'passive' on the same switch will not work; LACP requires consistent mode on both ends.
- ✗
interface port-channel 1 channel-group 1 mode active
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the 'channel-group' command is applied on physical interfaces, not on the port-channel interface. The port-channel interface is created automatically after the channel-group command is applied to physical ports.
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.
✓interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode activeCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This configuration enables LACP active mode on both ports, which initiates negotiation with the neighbor to form an EtherChannel. The 'channel-group 1 mode active' command is correct for LACP.
✗interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode desirableWrong 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' or 'passive'.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might confuse PAgP and LACP modes, especially since both have similar concepts of negotiation.
✗interface g0/1 channel-group 1 mode active interface g0/2 channel-group 1 mode passiveWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that LACP requires both ends to be in compatible modes (active-active or active-passive), but on the same switch, both ports should use the same mode for the same channel group.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that using 'active' on one port and 'passive' on the other is acceptable because LACP allows that between switches, but they forget that both ports on the same switch must be configured identically.
✗interface port-channel 1 channel-group 1 mode activeWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that 'channel-group' is a physical interface command, not a port-channel interface command. The port-channel interface is used for logical configuration (e.g., trunking) after the channel is formed.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that the port-channel interface needs to be created first and then the channel-group command applied to it, but the correct order is to apply channel-group on physical interfaces.
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
This is incorrect because 'mode desirable' is a PAgP (Cisco proprietary) parameter, not LACP. The question specifies LACP, so this command would use PAgP instead.
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 practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. 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 exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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?
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: interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode active — The correct answer is A because it applies the LACP 'active' mode to both interfaces in the range, which will dynamically negotiate an EtherChannel with the peer. Option B uses PAgP 'desirable' mode, which is Cisco proprietary and not LACP, failing the requirement for LACP. Option C mixes LACP modes (active on one interface and passive on the other); both member ports must use the same mode (either active/active or passive/passive) to form a channel. Option D attempts to configure the 'channel-group' command on the port-channel interface itself, but this command must be applied to the physical interfaces, not the logical port-channel.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 7, 2026
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