- A
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range GigabitEthernet0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode active
This configuration correctly creates a Layer 2 EtherChannel using LACP (mode active) on both physical interfaces, assigns the port-channel to VLAN 1 as an access port, and is consistent with the requirement.
- B
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1 interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode desirable
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'mode desirable' is a PAgP mode, not LACP. Also, the requirement specifies a Layer 2 EtherChannel in VLAN 1, which implies an access port, not a trunk.
- C
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode passive
Why wrong: This is incorrect because LACP 'passive' mode will not initiate negotiation; it only responds to LACP packets. For the bundle to form, at least one side must be 'active'. The requirement implies both switches should be configured to actively negotiate.
- D
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface g0/1 channel-group 1 mode active interface g0/2 channel-group 2 mode active
Why wrong: This is incorrect because it assigns each physical interface to a different port-channel (1 and 2), which does not bundle them into a single logical link. Both interfaces must use the same channel-group number.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure the port-channel interface with `switchport mode access` and `switchport access vlan 1`, then apply `channel-group 1 mode active` to the physical interfaces. This is correct because LACP mode active enables dynamic negotiation of the EtherChannel bundle, ensuring both switches agree on the aggregation without manual intervention, while the port-channel interface inherits the Layer 2 switchport settings for VLAN 1. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this tests your understanding of LACP configuration for Layer 2 EtherChannel, often appearing in a lab simulation where you must distinguish between PAgP (mode desirable) and LACP (mode active/passive). A common trap is forgetting to set the port-channel interface itself—configuring only the physical interfaces leaves the logical interface in a default VLAN. Remember the mnemonic "Active Always Aggregates" to recall that LACP mode active initiates the negotiation, making it the go-to for dynamic Layer 2 EtherChannel setups.
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.
You are connected to SW1 via the console. SW1 is a Layer 2 switch with two redundant links to SW2 (G0/1 and G0/2). The network administrator wants to use both links for load balancing and redundancy by configuring EtherChannel. You need to configure a Layer 2 EtherChannel using LACP on both switches. The port-channel should be in VLAN 1.
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 port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range GigabitEthernet0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode active
EtherChannel bundles multiple physical links into a single logical link for load balancing and redundancy. LACP (mode active) negotiates the bundle automatically. The port-channel interface must be configured with the desired switchport settings.
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 port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range GigabitEthernet0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode active
Why this is correct
This configuration correctly creates a Layer 2 EtherChannel using LACP (mode active) on both physical interfaces, assigns the port-channel to VLAN 1 as an access port, and is consistent with the requirement.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1 interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode desirable
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'mode desirable' is a PAgP mode, not LACP. Also, the requirement specifies a Layer 2 EtherChannel in VLAN 1, which implies an access port, not a trunk.
- ✗
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode passive
- ✗
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface g0/1 channel-group 1 mode active interface g0/2 channel-group 2 mode active
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because it assigns each physical interface to a different port-channel (1 and 2), which does not bundle them into a single logical link. Both interfaces must use the same channel-group number.
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 port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range GigabitEthernet0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode activeCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This configuration correctly creates a Layer 2 EtherChannel using LACP (mode active) on both physical interfaces, assigns the port-channel to VLAN 1 as an access port, and is consistent with the requirement.
✗interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1 interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode desirableWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Uses PAgP mode 'desirable' instead of LACP mode 'active'. Additionally, configuring trunk is unnecessary for a single VLAN access port.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse PAgP and LACP modes, or think that VLAN 1 must be allowed on a trunk, but the requirement is for an access port.
✗interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range g0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode passiveWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Using 'passive' on both sides would prevent the EtherChannel from forming because neither side sends LACP packets.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think 'passive' is sufficient because it still uses LACP, but they forget that at least one side must be active to initiate negotiation.
✗interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface g0/1 channel-group 1 mode active interface g0/2 channel-group 2 mode activeWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Using different channel-group numbers creates separate EtherChannels, not a single bundle. Both interfaces must be in the same channel-group to form one logical link.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think each interface needs its own port-channel, but EtherChannel requires all interfaces to share the same channel-group number.
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.
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?
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 port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range GigabitEthernet0/1-2 channel-group 1 mode active — EtherChannel bundles multiple physical links into a single logical link for load balancing and redundancy. LACP (mode active) negotiates the bundle automatically. The port-channel interface must be configured with the desired switchport settings.
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
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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