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Quick Answer
The answer is that Layer 2 switches supporting VLANs forward frames by destination MAC address, segment networks into separate broadcast domains, and use Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent Layer 2 loops. MAC address-based forwarding is the fundamental switching decision, where the switch learns source MACs and builds a table to direct frames only to the correct port. Each VLAN creates an isolated broadcast domain, meaning broadcast traffic stays within its VLAN rather than flooding the entire network, which is the core purpose of VLAN segmentation. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish Layer 2 switch functions from Layer 3 routing or trunking concepts—a common trap is confusing VLANs with IP subnets or assuming switches forward by IP addresses. Remember the mnemonic "MBS" for MAC, Broadcast, STP to recall the three defining characteristics of a VLAN-capable Layer 2 switch.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which three of the following are characteristics of Layer 2 Ethernet switches that support VLANs? (Choose three.)
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
✓
They forward frames based on the destination MAC address.
Layer 2 Ethernet switches that support VLANs forward frames based on the destination MAC address, which is the fundamental switching decision. They can segment a LAN into multiple broadcast domains because each VLAN creates its own isolated broadcast domain, preventing unnecessary traffic propagation. They use the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent Layer 2 loops by dynamically blocking redundant paths, ensuring a loop-free topology.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that switches use ARP or that VLANs segment collision domains, when in fact VLANs segment broadcast domains and switches forward based on MAC addresses, not IP addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLANs partition a physical switch into multiple logical broadcast domains, each with its own MAC address table and forwarding decisions. STP (IEEE 802.1D) uses Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) to elect a root bridge and block redundant ports, ensuring no Layer 2 loops exist even when multiple switches are interconnected. In real-world networks, misconfigured VLANs or STP can lead to broadcast storms or connectivity issues, making understanding these fundamentals critical for troubleshooting.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: They forward frames based on the destination MAC address. — Layer 2 Ethernet switches that support VLANs forward frames based on the destination MAC address, which is the fundamental switching decision. They can segment a LAN into multiple broadcast domains because each VLAN creates its own isolated broadcast domain, preventing unnecessary traffic propagation. They use the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent Layer 2 loops by dynamically blocking redundant paths, ensuring a loop-free topology.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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