Question 1mediumdrag order
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Quick Answer
The correct order is to set the spanning-tree mode to Rapid PVST+, configure the root bridge for VLAN 1, enter interface configuration mode for the access ports, enable PortFast, and finally enable BPDU Guard on the interfaces. This sequence is critical because Rapid PVST+ must be enabled globally before the root primary command can lower the bridge priority, and BPDU Guard should only be applied after PortFast has been set on the access ports—since PortFast bypasses the listening and learning states, BPDU Guard acts as a safety net to err-disable the port if an unauthorized BPDU is received. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of STP optimization and security; a common trap is placing BPDU Guard before PortFast, which would technically work but violates the logical best practice of securing a port only after it has been configured for immediate forwarding. Remember the mnemonic “Root, Port, Guard” to recall the high-level order: establish the root bridge first, then configure port-level features, and finally apply the guard.
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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure Rapid PVST+ with a designated root bridge, PortFast, and BPDU Guard on access ports.
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
✓
Set the spanning-tree mode to Rapid PVST+
1. Set the spanning-tree mode to Rapid PVST+: This enables Rapid PVST+ globally, a prerequisite for the root primary command to function correctly. 2. Configure the switch as the root bridge for VLAN 1: Lowers the bridge priority to guarantee this switch becomes the root, defining the STP topology. 3. Enter interface configuration mode for the access ports: Prepares the specific ports where PortFast and BPDU Guard are applied. 4. Enable PortFast on the interfaces: Allows immediate transition to forwarding state, bypassing listening/learning phases. 5. Enable BPDU Guard on the interfaces: Protects the network by err-disabling the port if a BPDU is received, which should occur only after PortFast is enabled on access ports.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Switching and Network Access — study guide chapter
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Switching and Network Access practice questions
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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 — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set the spanning-tree mode to Rapid PVST+ — 1. Set the spanning-tree mode to Rapid PVST+: This enables Rapid PVST+ globally, a prerequisite for the root primary command to function correctly. 2. Configure the switch as the root bridge for VLAN 1: Lowers the bridge priority to guarantee this switch becomes the root, defining the STP topology. 3. Enter interface configuration mode for the access ports: Prepares the specific ports where PortFast and BPDU Guard are applied. 4. Enable PortFast on the interfaces: Allows immediate transition to forwarding state, bypassing listening/learning phases. 5. Enable BPDU Guard on the interfaces: Protects the network by err-disabling the port if a BPDU is received, which should occur only after PortFast is enabled on access ports.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 14, 2026
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