- A
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode active switchport mode trunk
This is correct because it creates the port-channel interface, configures it as a trunk with allowed VLANs 1-100, and then assigns the physical interfaces to the channel-group using LACP active mode. The physical interfaces inherit the trunk configuration from the port-channel interface.
- B
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode passive switchport mode trunk
Why wrong: This is incorrect because LACP passive mode will not initiate negotiation; it only responds to active requests. If the peer is also passive, the EtherChannel will not form. The question requires LACP to be operational, so active mode is needed on at least one side.
- C
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode active switchport mode trunk
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the port-channel interface is configured as an access port in VLAN 1, but the physical interfaces are configured as trunks. This mismatch will cause the port-channel to be non-operational or behave unexpectedly. The port-channel interface must have the same switchport mode as the physical interfaces.
- D
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode on switchport mode trunk
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'mode on' forces the EtherChannel without using LACP or PAgP. The question specifically requires LACP, so 'mode active' or 'mode passive' must be used. 'mode on' does not use LACP and will not negotiate with the peer.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure the port-channel interface first with `switchport mode trunk` and `switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100`, then assign the physical interfaces to channel-group 1 mode active. This is correct because LACP EtherChannel trunk configuration requires two distinct steps: creating the logical port-channel with the desired trunk parameters, and then setting the physical interfaces to LACP active mode, which actively sends negotiation frames to form the bundle. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this task tests your understanding that the port-channel inherits its Layer 2 settings from the physical interfaces only if those interfaces are consistent—a common trap is forgetting to set the trunk mode on the port-channel itself, or using passive mode on both sides, which prevents negotiation. Remember the memory tip: "Active talks, passive listens"—for LACP to form, at least one side must be active. Also, always configure the allowed VLANs on the logical interface, not the individual ports, to ensure traffic filtering is applied at the bundle level.
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 console. SW1 is a Layer 2 switch connected to SW2 via three links (G0/1, G0/2, G0/3) that should form an EtherChannel using LACP. Currently, the interfaces are configured as access ports in VLAN 1. Configure the three interfaces as a LACP EtherChannel trunk that carries VLANs 1-100, and ensure the port-channel interface is operational.
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 trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode active switchport mode trunk
The port-channel interface is created and configured as a trunk with allowed VLANs. Physical interfaces are assigned to the channel-group with LACP active mode, which negotiates the EtherChannel with the peer. The trunk is then operational for VLANs 1-100.
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 trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode active switchport mode trunk
Why this is correct
This is correct because it creates the port-channel interface, configures it as a trunk with allowed VLANs 1-100, and then assigns the physical interfaces to the channel-group using LACP active mode. The physical interfaces inherit the trunk configuration from the port-channel interface.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode passive switchport mode trunk
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because LACP passive mode will not initiate negotiation; it only responds to active requests. If the peer is also passive, the EtherChannel will not form. The question requires LACP to be operational, so active mode is needed on at least one side.
- ✗
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode active switchport mode trunk
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the port-channel interface is configured as an access port in VLAN 1, but the physical interfaces are configured as trunks. This mismatch will cause the port-channel to be non-operational or behave unexpectedly. The port-channel interface must have the same switchport mode as the physical interfaces.
- ✗
interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode on switchport mode trunk
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'mode on' forces the EtherChannel without using LACP or PAgP. The question specifically requires LACP, so 'mode active' or 'mode passive' must be used. 'mode on' does not use LACP and will not negotiate with the peer.
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 trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode active switchport mode trunkCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because it creates the port-channel interface, configures it as a trunk with allowed VLANs 1-100, and then assigns the physical interfaces to the channel-group using LACP active mode. The physical interfaces inherit the trunk configuration from the port-channel interface.
✗interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode passive switchport mode trunkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: LACP passive mode does not initiate negotiation; it only responds. For the EtherChannel to form, at least one side must be active.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think passive mode is sufficient because it still uses LACP, but they forget that negotiation requires an active initiator.
✗interface port-channel 1 switchport mode access switchport access vlan 1 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode active switchport mode trunkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: The port-channel interface and physical interfaces must have consistent switchport mode configuration. Here, the port-channel is access while physical are trunk, causing a mismatch.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think that configuring trunk on the physical interfaces overrides the port-channel, but the port-channel interface is the logical interface and its configuration takes precedence.
✗interface port-channel 1 switchport mode trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode on switchport mode trunkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error: 'channel-group mode on' creates a static EtherChannel without LACP. The question requires LACP, so this does not meet the requirement.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think 'mode on' is acceptable because it still creates an EtherChannel, but they overlook the explicit requirement for LACP.
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 trunk switchport trunk allowed vlan 1-100 interface range g0/1-3 channel-group 1 mode active switchport mode trunk — The port-channel interface is created and configured as a trunk with allowed VLANs. Physical interfaces are assigned to the channel-group with LACP active mode, which negotiates the EtherChannel with the peer. The trunk is then operational for VLANs 1-100.
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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