- A
Insert SFP into Switch A, connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch B and connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch B, then verify link status on both switches.
This is correct because it follows the proper sequence: install SFP and cable on one switch first, then the other, and finally verify the link on both ends. This ensures that the fiber link is properly established and can be confirmed.
- B
Insert SFP into Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch B, then connect fiber cable to both SFPs, then verify link status on both switches.
This is incorrect because connecting the fiber cable after both SFPs are inserted increases the risk of damage to the SFPs or cable connectors due to improper handling. The correct practice is to connect the cable immediately after inserting each SFP.
- C
Connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch A, then connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch B, then insert SFP into Switch B, then verify link status on both switches.
This is incorrect because the SFP should be inserted into the switch before connecting the fiber cable. Connecting the cable to the SFP before insertion can cause stress on the cable and SFP connector, and is not the standard procedure.
- D
Insert SFP into Switch A, connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch A, then verify link status on Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch B and connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch B, then verify link status on Switch B.
This is incorrect because verifying the link on one switch before the other end is connected will show a down state, which is not useful. Verification should be done after both ends are connected.
Quick Answer
The correct sequence is to insert the SFP into Switch A first, then connect the fiber optic cable, verify link status on Switch A, then repeat the process for Switch B, and finally verify link status on both switches. This order is critical because inserting the SFP before attaching the fiber cable prevents dust contamination and electrostatic discharge damage to the exposed optical ports, while verifying link status on one switch before the other end is connected is futile since the link cannot come up until both SFPs and cables are properly installed. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of physical installation best practices and Layer 1 troubleshooting—a common trap is choosing to insert both SFPs first, which leaves them vulnerable to damage, or connecting the cable before inserting the SFP, which can strain the connector. A reliable memory tip is “SFP first, cable second, verify last—one switch at a time,” ensuring you never skip the protective insertion step.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. 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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to install a new fiber optic link between two switches, including SFP insertion and basic troubleshooting.
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
Insert SFP into Switch A, connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch B and connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch B, then verify link status on both switches.
The correct sequence is Option A: Insert SFP into Switch A, connect fiber cable, then repeat for Switch B, and finally verify link on both switches. This follows best practice to insert the SFP before attaching the fiber cable, which helps prevent dust contamination and ESD damage. Option B is incorrect because inserting both SFPs first leaves them exposed and increases risk of damage. Option C is wrong because connecting the cable before inserting the SFP can strain the connector and risk contamination. Option D is incorrect because verifying link on one switch before the other end is connected is futile – the link will not be up until both ends are properly installed.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Insert SFP into Switch A, connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch B and connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch B, then verify link status on both switches.
Why this is correct
This is correct because it follows the proper sequence: install SFP and cable on one switch first, then the other, and finally verify the link on both ends. This ensures that the fiber link is properly established and can be confirmed.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✓
Insert SFP into Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch B, then connect fiber cable to both SFPs, then verify link status on both switches.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because connecting the fiber cable after both SFPs are inserted increases the risk of damage to the SFPs or cable connectors due to improper handling. The correct practice is to connect the cable immediately after inserting each SFP.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✓
Connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch A, then connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch B, then insert SFP into Switch B, then verify link status on both switches.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the SFP should be inserted into the switch before connecting the fiber cable. Connecting the cable to the SFP before insertion can cause stress on the cable and SFP connector, and is not the standard procedure.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✓
Insert SFP into Switch A, connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch A, then verify link status on Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch B and connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch B, then verify link status on Switch B.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because verifying the link on one switch before the other end is connected will show a down state, which is not useful. Verification should be done after both ends are connected.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Insert SFP into Switch A, connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch A, then insert SFP into Switch B and connect fiber cable to SFP on Switch B, then verify link status on both switches. — The correct sequence is Option A: Insert SFP into Switch A, connect fiber cable, then repeat for Switch B, and finally verify link on both switches. This follows best practice to insert the SFP before attaching the fiber cable, which helps prevent dust contamination and ESD damage. Option B is incorrect because inserting both SFPs first leaves them exposed and increases risk of damage. Option C is wrong because connecting the cable before inserting the SFP can strain the connector and risk contamination. Option D is incorrect because verifying link on one switch before the other end is connected is futile – the link will not be up until both ends are properly installed.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-301 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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
2 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. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to install a new fiber optic cable, insert the SFP, and verify the link on a Cisco switch.
medium- ✓ A.Install the SFP module into the switch port.
- B.Attach the fiber optic cable to the SFP.
- C.Verify the link status using the 'show interfaces' command.
- D.Check for errors using the 'show interfaces counters errors' command.
Why A: First install the SFP, then attach the cable, ensure both ends are connected, then verify link and check for errors to confirm proper installation.
Variation 2. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to install a new fiber optic cable and SFP module on a Cisco switch, then verify the interface status.
medium- ✓ A.Insert the SFP module into the port while the switch is powered on
- ✓ B.Connect the fiber optic cable to the SFP module
- ✓ C.Verify the interface status using 'show interfaces status'
- ✓ D.Power down the switch, connect the fiber optic cable directly to the switch port without an SFP module, power up the switch, and verify the interface status.
Why A: The correct procedure for installing a fiber optic cable and SFP module on a modern Cisco switch is to insert the SFP module into the port while the switch is powered on, as most Cisco switches support hot-swapping of SFP modules to minimize network downtime. Then, connect the fiber optic cable to the SFP module, ensuring proper alignment and locking. Finally, verify the interface status using 'show interfaces status' to confirm the link is up and operational. Powering down the switch is unnecessary and contradicts hot-swappable design, while connecting the cable before inserting the SFP or skipping the SFP module entirely are incorrect because the switch port requires an SFP to convert electrical signals to optical.
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 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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