- A
Access port: carries traffic for a single VLAN only, with no tagging.
This is correct because an access port belongs to one VLAN and does not tag frames, making it suitable for end devices like PCs.
- B
Trunk port: carries traffic for multiple VLANs using 802.1Q tagging.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the question asks to match each term to its function, and this option correctly describes a trunk port, but it is not the correct match for the term 'Access port'.
- C
Native VLAN: the VLAN that is tagged on a trunk link by default.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the native VLAN is actually untagged on a trunk link, not tagged.
- D
VLAN 1: the default voice VLAN on Cisco switches.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because VLAN 1 is the default VLAN for data, not voice. The default voice VLAN is typically VLAN 10 or configured separately.
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: a trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol.. 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 trunk or VLAN term to its most accurate function.
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
Access port: carries traffic for a single VLAN only, with no tagging.
Access ports carry traffic for one VLAN only; trunk ports carry multiple VLANs using tagging. The native VLAN is untagged on a trunk; VLAN 1 is the default. 802.1Q is the standard for tagging, and voice VLAN separates voice traffic.
Key principle: A trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Access port: carries traffic for a single VLAN only, with no tagging.
Why this is correct
This is correct because an access port belongs to one VLAN and does not tag frames, making it suitable for end devices like PCs.
Related concept
A trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol.
- ✗
Trunk port: carries traffic for multiple VLANs using 802.1Q tagging.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the question asks to match each term to its function, and this option correctly describes a trunk port, but it is not the correct match for the term 'Access port'.
- ✗
Native VLAN: the VLAN that is tagged on a trunk link by default.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the native VLAN is actually untagged on a trunk link, not tagged.
- ✗
VLAN 1: the default voice VLAN on Cisco switches.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because VLAN 1 is the default VLAN for data, not voice. The default voice VLAN is typically VLAN 10 or configured separately.
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.
✓Access port: carries traffic for a single VLAN only, with no tagging.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because an access port belongs to one VLAN and does not tag frames, making it suitable for end devices like PCs.
✗Trunk port: carries traffic for multiple VLANs using 802.1Q tagging.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that this option describes a trunk port, not an access port.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might pick this if they confuse the functions of access and trunk ports.
✗Native VLAN: the VLAN that is tagged on a trunk link by default.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that the native VLAN is untagged, not tagged.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think all VLANs are tagged on a trunk, but the native VLAN is an exception.
✗VLAN 1: the default voice VLAN on Cisco switches.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The specific factual error is that VLAN 1 is the default data VLAN, not voice VLAN.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might assume VLAN 1 is used for voice because it is the default, but voice VLAN is a separate concept.
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 the native VLAN (untagged) with other VLANs (tagged) on a trunk. Also, remember that VLAN 1 is the default data VLAN, not the voice VLAN.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) segment a physical network into multiple logical broadcast domains, improving security and reducing broadcast traffic. A trunk port is a switch interface configured to carry traffic for multiple VLANs by tagging each frame with a VLAN ID using the IEEE 802.1Q standard. This tagging allows switches to identify which VLAN each frame belongs to as it traverses the trunk link. In contrast, an access port connects to end devices and carries traffic for only one VLAN without tagging frames. The native VLAN is a special VLAN assigned to a trunk port to handle untagged frames. By default, VLAN 1 is the native VLAN on Cisco switches, but it can be changed for security reasons. Untagged frames arriving on a trunk port are assumed to belong to the native VLAN. The allowed VLAN list on a trunk port defines which VLANs are permitted to send traffic across the trunk link, preventing unauthorized VLAN traffic from traversing the link and reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic. A common exam trap involves confusing the native VLAN with the access VLAN or misunderstanding the role of the allowed VLAN list. For example, untagged traffic on a trunk port is associated with the native VLAN, not the access VLAN. Additionally, if the allowed VLAN list is misconfigured, legitimate VLAN traffic may be blocked, causing connectivity issues. Understanding these distinctions is critical for troubleshooting VLAN and trunking problems in Cisco networks and for passing the CCNA exam.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- A trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol.
- An access VLAN is assigned to an endpoint-facing switch port and carries untagged traffic belonging to a single VLAN.
- The native VLAN on a trunk port handles untagged frames and is used to maintain backward compatibility with devices that do not tag VLANs.
- The allowed VLAN list on a trunk port restricts which VLANs are permitted to traverse the trunk link, enhancing security and traffic control.
- Switches use VLAN tagging to segregate broadcast domains, and trunks enable VLAN information to be preserved across multiple switches.
- Misconfiguring the native VLAN or allowed VLAN list can cause VLAN mismatches, leading to traffic loss or security vulnerabilities.
- Access ports do not tag frames, so all traffic on an access port is assumed to belong to the configured access VLAN.
- Trunk ports must be configured consistently on both ends to ensure proper VLAN tagging and traffic forwarding across the network.
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
A trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol.
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 a trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol., 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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Switching and Network Access — This question tests Switching and Network Access — A trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Access port: carries traffic for a single VLAN only, with no tagging. — Access ports carry traffic for one VLAN only; trunk ports carry multiple VLANs using tagging. The native VLAN is untagged on a trunk; VLAN 1 is the default. 802.1Q is the standard for tagging, and voice VLAN separates voice traffic.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review a trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
A trunk port carries traffic for multiple VLANs simultaneously by tagging frames with VLAN identifiers using the 802.1Q protocol.
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Last reviewed: Apr 12, 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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