- A
PAgP – Cisco proprietary protocol that negotiates the creation of an EtherChannel automatically.
Why this is correct: PAgP (Port Aggregation Protocol) is a Cisco proprietary protocol used to automatically negotiate the formation of an EtherChannel between two switches. It exchanges PAgP packets to agree on channel parameters.
- B
LACP – Open standard protocol that dynamically creates an EtherChannel by exchanging frames.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because LACP is indeed an open standard (IEEE 802.3ad) protocol that dynamically creates EtherChannels, but the description is accurate. However, this option is not the correct match for the term 'PAgP' as required by the question. The question expects matching each term to its meaning, and this option correctly describes LACP, not PAgP.
- C
On – Forces the interface to use EtherChannel without any negotiation protocol.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'On' is a valid EtherChannel mode that forces the link to bundle without negotiation, but it is not the meaning of PAgP. The question likely asks to match 'PAgP' to its meaning, and this option describes the 'On' mode.
- D
Active – LACP mode that initiates negotiation and responds to LACP packets.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'Active' is an LACP mode, not a PAgP term. The question likely expects matching 'PAgP' to its meaning, and this option correctly describes the LACP 'Active' mode.
Quick Answer
The answer is PAgP as the Cisco proprietary protocol that negotiates EtherChannel creation automatically, while LACP is the standards-based IEEE 802.3ad alternative. This distinction is critical because PAgP uses port states like 'P' for bundled (Active Port Mode) and 'I' for individual (unbundled), whereas LACP employs similar but not identical states; the 'SU' status on a port-channel interface confirms a Layer 2 bundle that is administratively up and in-use. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this tests your ability to read switch output and differentiate proprietary versus open-standard negotiation—a common trap is confusing 'I' for an inactive port when it actually means the port is operating alone outside the bundle. To remember, think: PAgP is Proprietary (Cisco only), LACP is the open standard; for states, 'P' is Packed into the channel, 'I' is Isolated.
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. A key principle to apply: etherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices.. 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.
Match each EtherChannel term or state to its most accurate meaning.
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
PAgP – Cisco proprietary protocol that negotiates the creation of an EtherChannel automatically.
LACP is a standards-based protocol (IEEE 802.3ad) that dynamically negotiates an EtherChannel bundle. In the port state output, 'P' (Port is in Active Port Mode) means the port is bundled into the channel. 'I' (Port is in Individual Mode) indicates the port is operating alone and not part of any bundle. 'SU' (Layer 2, In-Use) shown in the port-channel interface status confirms the logical bundle is Layer 2 and administratively up. These terms directly map to the given meanings.
Key principle: EtherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
PAgP – Cisco proprietary protocol that negotiates the creation of an EtherChannel automatically.
Why this is correct
Why this is correct: PAgP (Port Aggregation Protocol) is a Cisco proprietary protocol used to automatically negotiate the formation of an EtherChannel between two switches. It exchanges PAgP packets to agree on channel parameters.
Related concept
EtherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices.
- ✗
LACP – Open standard protocol that dynamically creates an EtherChannel by exchanging frames.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because LACP is indeed an open standard (IEEE 802.3ad) protocol that dynamically creates EtherChannels, but the description is accurate. However, this option is not the correct match for the term 'PAgP' as required by the question. The question expects matching each term to its meaning, and this option correctly describes LACP, not PAgP.
- ✗
On – Forces the interface to use EtherChannel without any negotiation protocol.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'On' is a valid EtherChannel mode that forces the link to bundle without negotiation, but it is not the meaning of PAgP. The question likely asks to match 'PAgP' to its meaning, and this option describes the 'On' mode.
- ✗
Active – LACP mode that initiates negotiation and responds to LACP packets.
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.
✓PAgP – Cisco proprietary protocol that negotiates the creation of an EtherChannel automatically.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Why this is correct: PAgP (Port Aggregation Protocol) is a Cisco proprietary protocol used to automatically negotiate the formation of an EtherChannel between two switches. It exchanges PAgP packets to agree on channel parameters.
✗LACP – Open standard protocol that dynamically creates an EtherChannel by exchanging frames.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The option correctly describes LACP, but the question stem likely asks to match a specific term (e.g., PAgP) to its meaning, and this option is the meaning for LACP, not PAgP.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they confuse PAgP and LACP, thinking both are proprietary or both are open standards.
✗On – Forces the interface to use EtherChannel without any negotiation protocol.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The option describes the 'On' mode, which is a static configuration, not a negotiation protocol like PAgP.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they may think PAgP is a mode that forces bundling, confusing it with the 'On' mode.
✗Active – LACP mode that initiates negotiation and responds to LACP packets.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The option describes the LACP 'Active' mode, which is not related to PAgP.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates pick this because they confuse PAgP and LACP modes, thinking 'Active' is a PAgP mode.
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: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Be careful not to confuse PAgP and LACP modes. PAgP uses Desirable and Auto; LACP uses Active and Passive. Also, remember that 'On' is not a negotiation protocol but a static configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EtherChannel is a technology that aggregates multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. Cisco supports EtherChannel using protocols like PAgP (Cisco proprietary) and LACP (standards-based). LACP dynamically negotiates link aggregation by exchanging protocol data units between devices, allowing links to be bundled or remain independent based on compatibility and configuration. The logical port-channel interface represents the aggregated links and appears as a single interface to higher layers. In EtherChannel operation, each physical port can be in different states such as 'bundled' or 'individual'. A 'bundled' port is actively participating in the EtherChannel, forwarding traffic as part of the aggregated link. An 'individual' port is not part of the bundle and operates independently, which can happen due to misconfiguration or negotiation failure. The port-channel interface itself can show as 'up' and 'in use' when the bundle is successfully formed and forwarding traffic. These states are critical for troubleshooting because they reveal whether links are properly aggregated or not. A common exam trap is confusing the port states and assuming that all physical links are always bundled if the port-channel interface is up. However, individual ports can remain independent if negotiation fails or configurations mismatch, causing partial or no aggregation. Practically, this can lead to suboptimal bandwidth usage or link failures. Understanding the exact meaning of EtherChannel states helps network engineers quickly identify and resolve aggregation issues, ensuring optimal network performance and redundancy.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- EtherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices.
- LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) is a standards-based protocol that negotiates and manages EtherChannel formation dynamically between compatible devices.
- A port in the 'bundled' state means it is actively participating in the EtherChannel and forwarding traffic as part of the logical link.
- An 'individual' port state indicates the physical link is not currently part of the EtherChannel bundle and operates independently.
- The port-channel interface itself can show as 'up' and 'in use' when the EtherChannel is successfully formed and forwarding traffic.
- EtherChannel states and terms in Cisco show operational status, helping identify whether links are bundled, independent, or if the channel is active.
- Understanding EtherChannel states is critical for troubleshooting link aggregation issues and ensuring proper load balancing and redundancy.
- Misinterpreting EtherChannel states can lead to incorrect assumptions about link status and cause network connectivity or performance problems.
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
EtherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices.
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. EtherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices. 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 etherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Switching and Network Access — study guide chapter
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Switching and Network Access practice questions
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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 — EtherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: PAgP – Cisco proprietary protocol that negotiates the creation of an EtherChannel automatically. — LACP is a standards-based protocol (IEEE 802.3ad) that dynamically negotiates an EtherChannel bundle. In the port state output, 'P' (Port is in Active Port Mode) means the port is bundled into the channel. 'I' (Port is in Individual Mode) indicates the port is operating alone and not part of any bundle. 'SU' (Layer 2, In-Use) shown in the port-channel interface status confirms the logical bundle is Layer 2 and administratively up. These terms directly map to the given meanings.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review etherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
EtherChannel bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between switches or devices.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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