- A
Change channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2.
This is correct because LACP active mode initiates negotiation, consistent speed/duplex (1000/full) prevents suspension, and matching VLANs (10) allows the port-channel to form as a Layer 2 bundle.
- B
Change channel-group mode to passive on both ports, set speed 100 and duplex half on Gi0/2, set access VLAN 20 on Gi0/1.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because passive mode does not initiate LACP negotiation, causing the channel to fail. Also, speed/duplex mismatch persists and VLANs remain different.
- C
Change channel-group mode to desirable on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'desirable' is a PAgP mode, not LACP. The question specifies LACP, so the mode must be 'active' or 'passive'.
- D
Change channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 100 and duplex half on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 20 on Gi0/2.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because while the mode is correct, the speed/duplex mismatch (100/half vs 1000/full) and VLAN mismatch (10 vs 20) remain, causing the port-channel to be down.
Quick Answer
The answer is to change the channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, and set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2. This is correct because LACP EtherChannel troubleshooting hinges on three non-negotiable consistencies: the LACP mode must allow negotiation (active on one side, passive on the other, or both active), the speed and duplex must match across all member ports, and the VLAN assignment must be identical. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this scenario tests your ability to diagnose why a bundle fails to form—a common trap is forgetting that passive-passive mode prevents LACP from ever sending negotiation frames, leaving ports in a down state. Another frequent pitfall is overlooking that a speed mismatch will suspend one port, while a VLAN mismatch prevents the logical port-channel from reaching the up/up state. For a quick memory tip, remember the three C’s of EtherChannel: Consistency in Mode, Consistency in Speed/Duplex, and Consistency in VLAN.
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. The current configuration on SW1 is: interfaces GigabitEthernet0/1 and GigabitEthernet0/2 are set to channel-group mode passive; Gi0/1 has speed 100, duplex half, and access VLAN 20; Gi0/2 has speed 1000, duplex full, and access VLAN 10. You need to form an LACP EtherChannel between SW1 and SW2. Ensure the channel forms by setting the channel-group mode to active on SW1's member ports. Also correct the speed/duplex mismatch and VLAN mismatch so that the port-channel interface is in the up/up state. Finally, verify the EtherChannel summary shows the channel as a Layer 2 bundle in use.
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 channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2.
The EtherChannel fails because both member ports are set to mode passive, preventing LACP negotiation. Additionally, Gi0/1 has speed 100/duplex half while Gi0/2 has speed 1000/duplex full—a mismatch that causes one port to be suspended. Finally, the VLANs differ (10 vs 20), which also prevents bundling. The solution: change the channel-group mode to active on both ports, set consistent speed (1000) and duplex (full) on Gi0/1, and set the same access VLAN (10) on Gi0/2. After these corrections, the port-channel should form and show as (SU) in the summary.
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 channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2.
Why this is correct
This is correct because LACP active mode initiates negotiation, consistent speed/duplex (1000/full) prevents suspension, and matching VLANs (10) allows the port-channel to form as a Layer 2 bundle.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
Change channel-group mode to passive on both ports, set speed 100 and duplex half on Gi0/2, set access VLAN 20 on Gi0/1.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because passive mode does not initiate LACP negotiation, causing the channel to fail. Also, speed/duplex mismatch persists and VLANs remain different.
- ✗
Change channel-group mode to desirable on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2.
- ✗
Change channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 100 and duplex half on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 20 on Gi0/2.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because while the mode is correct, the speed/duplex mismatch (100/half vs 1000/full) and VLAN mismatch (10 vs 20) remain, causing the port-channel to be down.
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 channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because LACP active mode initiates negotiation, consistent speed/duplex (1000/full) prevents suspension, and matching VLANs (10) allows the port-channel to form as a Layer 2 bundle.
✗Change channel-group mode to passive on both ports, set speed 100 and duplex half on Gi0/2, set access VLAN 20 on Gi0/1.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Passive mode requires the other side to be active; both passive means no negotiation. Speed/duplex mismatch (100/half vs 1000/full) and VLAN mismatch (20 vs 10) prevent bundling.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think passive is acceptable if both sides are passive, but LACP requires at least one side active. They might also assume speed/duplex can differ or that VLAN mismatch is irrelevant.
✗Change channel-group mode to desirable on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The mode 'desirable' is used with Cisco's proprietary PAgP protocol, not with the IEEE standard LACP. Using it would not form an LACP EtherChannel.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse PAgP and LACP modes, especially since 'desirable' is a common PAgP mode. They might think it works for LACP as well.
✗Change channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 100 and duplex half on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 20 on Gi0/2.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Speed/duplex mismatch causes one port to be suspended in the EtherChannel. VLAN mismatch prevents the port-channel from being in up/up state as a Layer 2 bundle.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might focus only on the LACP mode and overlook the speed/duplex and VLAN requirements, thinking the channel will form regardless.
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 channel-group mode to active on both ports, set speed 1000 and duplex full on Gi0/1, set access VLAN 10 on Gi0/2. — The EtherChannel fails because both member ports are set to mode passive, preventing LACP negotiation. Additionally, Gi0/1 has speed 100/duplex half while Gi0/2 has speed 1000/duplex full—a mismatch that causes one port to be suspended. Finally, the VLANs differ (10 vs 20), which also prevents bundling. The solution: change the channel-group mode to active on both ports, set consistent speed (1000) and duplex (full) on Gi0/1, and set the same access VLAN (10) on Gi0/2. After these corrections, the port-channel should form and show as (SU) in the summary.
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
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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. A network engineer checks EtherChannel status on a switch and sees the following output: Group Port-channel Protocol Ports ------+-------------+---------+----------------------------- 1 Po1(SD) LACP Gi1/0/1(s) Gi1/0/2(I) What is the most likely reason the EtherChannel is not forwarding traffic?
medium- A.The member interfaces have mismatched speed or duplex settings
- B.The port channel is Layer 3 instead of Layer 2
- ✓ C.At least one member interface is not bundled correctly, so the logical channel is down
- D.LACP requires exactly four links to form a bundle
Why C: The safest conclusion from this output is that the member interfaces are not successfully participating in the bundle, so the logical port-channel is down. Cisco exam questions often test whether you can read the status flags without overcommitting to a very specific root cause that the exhibit does not explicitly prove. One member is suspended and another is not bundled into the channel correctly, so the EtherChannel never reaches a healthy forwarding state. In the real world, that can happen because of trunk mismatches, allowed VLAN mismatches, native VLAN problems, inconsistent channel-group settings, or negotiation issues. The key exam skill is recognizing that the bundle itself failed, not guessing one hidden configuration line that is not shown.
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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