- A
Change interface G0/2 to trunk mode and ensure both interfaces have the same allowed VLAN list.
For an EtherChannel to form, all member interfaces must have identical configurations, including VLAN membership and trunking status. Changing G0/2 to trunk mode matches G0/1, allowing LACP to bundle the links.
- B
Change interface G0/1 to access VLAN 10 to match G0/2.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because making both interfaces access ports in VLAN 10 would not fix the issue if the switch needs to carry multiple VLANs. The original problem was that G0/2 was an access port while G0/1 was a trunk; the correct fix is to make them both trunks or both access ports, but the question implies trunking is intended.
- C
Remove the access VLAN configuration from G0/2 and leave it as a default switchport (dynamic desirable).
Why wrong: This is incorrect because leaving G0/2 as a default switchport (dynamic desirable) does not guarantee it will negotiate trunking with G0/1 if G0/1 is set to trunk. LACP requires matching administrative modes; dynamic desirable may not form a trunk with trunk mode unless DTP succeeds, and the VLAN mismatch would still exist.
- D
Change the EtherChannel mode from LACP to PAgP on both switches.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the protocol used (LACP vs PAgP) is not the cause of the issue. The problem is a configuration mismatch between the member interfaces, not the protocol. Changing to PAgP would not resolve the VLAN/trunk mismatch.
Quick Answer
The correct fix is to change interface G0/2 to trunk mode and ensure both interfaces share the same allowed VLAN list. This is required because EtherChannel LACP mandates member interface consistency—all ports in the bundle must have identical configurations, including operational mode (access vs. trunk) and VLAN parameters. When G0/2 was an access port in VLAN 10 while G0/1 was a trunk, the LACP negotiation failed, preventing the EtherChannel from coming up. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the EtherChannel prerequisites, specifically that LACP checks for matching switchport modes, native VLANs, and allowed VLAN lists before forming a bundle. A common trap is assuming LACP only cares about speed and duplex; in reality, VLAN and trunking mismatches are frequent culprits. Remember the memory tip: “Same speed, same duplex, same VLAN—or the channel won’t stand.”
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 configured as an EtherChannel using LACP. The EtherChannel is not coming up. Interface G0/2 was accidentally configured as an access port in VLAN 10, while G0/1 is configured as a trunk. The administrator wants to use LACP to bundle the links. Troubleshoot and fix the configuration to bring up the EtherChannel.
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
Change interface G0/2 to trunk mode and ensure both interfaces have the same allowed VLAN list.
The EtherChannel was down because interface G0/2 was an access port in VLAN 10, while G0/1 was a trunk. For LACP to bundle the links, all member interfaces must have the same configuration, including VLAN and trunk settings. Changing G0/2 to trunk mode resolved the issue.
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.
- ✓
Change interface G0/2 to trunk mode and ensure both interfaces have the same allowed VLAN list.
Why this is correct
For an EtherChannel to form, all member interfaces must have identical configurations, including VLAN membership and trunking status. Changing G0/2 to trunk mode matches G0/1, allowing LACP to bundle the links.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
Change interface G0/1 to access VLAN 10 to match G0/2.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because making both interfaces access ports in VLAN 10 would not fix the issue if the switch needs to carry multiple VLANs. The original problem was that G0/2 was an access port while G0/1 was a trunk; the correct fix is to make them both trunks or both access ports, but the question implies trunking is intended.
- ✗
Remove the access VLAN configuration from G0/2 and leave it as a default switchport (dynamic desirable).
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because leaving G0/2 as a default switchport (dynamic desirable) does not guarantee it will negotiate trunking with G0/1 if G0/1 is set to trunk. LACP requires matching administrative modes; dynamic desirable may not form a trunk with trunk mode unless DTP succeeds, and the VLAN mismatch would still exist.
- ✗
Change the EtherChannel mode from LACP to PAgP on both switches.
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.
✓Change interface G0/2 to trunk mode and ensure both interfaces have the same allowed VLAN list.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
For an EtherChannel to form, all member interfaces must have identical configurations, including VLAN membership and trunking status. Changing G0/2 to trunk mode matches G0/1, allowing LACP to bundle the links.
✗Change interface G0/1 to access VLAN 10 to match G0/2.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that changing G0/1 to access VLAN 10 would not resolve the mismatch if the intended configuration is trunking. It would only create a different mismatch if the other side expects trunking.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that making both interfaces access ports in the same VLAN would satisfy the configuration consistency requirement, but they overlook the intended use of trunking for multiple VLANs.
✗Remove the access VLAN configuration from G0/2 and leave it as a default switchport (dynamic desirable).Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that dynamic desirable mode does not ensure trunking; it relies on DTP negotiation, which may fail if the other side is set to trunk. Additionally, the VLAN mismatch (access vs trunk) would still prevent EtherChannel formation.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that dynamic desirable is a safe default that will automatically negotiate trunking, but they forget that LACP requires consistent switchport modes and that DTP negotiation is not always successful.
✗Change the EtherChannel mode from LACP to PAgP on both switches.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the protocol does not affect the requirement for consistent interface configurations. Both LACP and PAgP require identical VLAN and trunk settings on all member ports.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that switching protocols could fix negotiation issues, but they miss the fundamental configuration mismatch that must be corrected regardless of the protocol.
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: Change interface G0/2 to trunk mode and ensure both interfaces have the same allowed VLAN list. — The EtherChannel was down because interface G0/2 was an access port in VLAN 10, while G0/1 was a trunk. For LACP to bundle the links, all member interfaces must have the same configuration, including VLAN and trunk settings. Changing G0/2 to trunk mode resolved the issue.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 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. An EtherChannel uses LACP. One side is configured correctly, but the peer side has a different switchport mode on one of the member links. What is the most likely result?
hard- ✓ A.The bundle may fail to form correctly because the member-link settings are inconsistent.
- B.The switch automatically rewrites the peer configuration to match.
- C.LACP converts the mismatched link into a routed interface automatically.
- D.The mismatched link is placed in a spanning-tree blocking state.
Why A: The most likely result is that the bundle will not form cleanly because EtherChannel requires member links to agree on important operational settings. In practical terms, LACP negotiation alone is not enough. The links also need compatible characteristics such as switchport mode, VLAN handling, speed, and duplex where relevant. This is a common troubleshooting pattern. It tests whether you know that bundle membership depends on configuration consistency, not just on enabling LACP.
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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