- A
Physically replace the SFP, then connect the cable, and finally verify the link and check for errors.
This is the correct sequence: first replace the SFP module, then connect the fiber cable, and finally verify the link status and check for errors using commands like 'show interfaces' or 'show logging'.
- B
Connect the cable, then physically replace the SFP, and finally verify the link and check for errors.
This is incorrect because connecting the cable before replacing the SFP is not possible; the SFP must be installed first to provide the port interface.
- C
Verify the link and check for errors, then physically replace the SFP, and finally connect the cable.
This is incorrect because verification must occur after the replacement and cable connection, not before; you cannot verify a link that hasn't been established yet.
- D
Connect the cable, then verify the link and check for errors, and finally physically replace the SFP.
This is incorrect because replacing the SFP should be done before connecting the cable, and verification should be the final step after all physical changes.
Quick Answer
The correct order is to physically replace the SFP first, then connect the cable, and finally verify the link and check for errors. This sequence is critical because inserting a fiber or copper cable into an empty SFP port can bend or damage the delicate connector pins or the cable end, whereas seating the module first provides a stable, protected interface for the cable. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of proper hardware handling and link verification workflow—a common trap is choosing to verify the link before the replacement, which yields meaningless results, or connecting the cable before installing the SFP, risking physical damage. Remember the mnemonic “Replace, Connect, Verify” to lock in the safe, logical order: always secure the transceiver before making the physical connection, then confirm operational status with commands like show interface.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 replace a faulty SFP on a Cisco switch and verify the fiber link.
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
Physically replace the SFP, then connect the cable, and finally verify the link and check for errors.
The correct order is to physically replace the SFP first because installing the new module before connecting the cable prevents potential damage to the connector or fiber from inserting the cable into an empty port. After the SFP is seated, you connect the cable to establish the physical link. Finally, you verify the link status and check for errors (using commands like show interface) to confirm the replacement was successful and the link is operational. Wrong orders either verify before the change (making the verification meaningless) or connect the cable before installing the SFP, which can damage the equipment.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Physically replace the SFP, then connect the cable, and finally verify the link and check for errors.
Why this is correct
This is the correct sequence: first replace the SFP module, then connect the fiber cable, and finally verify the link status and check for errors using commands like 'show interfaces' or 'show logging'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Connect the cable, then physically replace the SFP, and finally verify the link and check for errors.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because connecting the cable before replacing the SFP is not possible; the SFP must be installed first to provide the port interface.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Verify the link and check for errors, then physically replace the SFP, and finally connect the cable.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because verification must occur after the replacement and cable connection, not before; you cannot verify a link that hasn't been established yet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Connect the cable, then verify the link and check for errors, and finally physically replace the SFP.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because replacing the SFP should be done before connecting the cable, and verification should be the final step after all physical changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 practitioner preparing for the 200-301 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 200-301 questions
1,819 questions across all exam domains
- →
CCNA 200-301 v2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
200-301 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Switching and Network Access practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Switching and Network Access.
IP Routing practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to IP Routing.
Network Services and Security practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Services and Security.
AI and Network Operations practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to AI and Network Operations.
CCNA subnetting practice questions
Practise IPv4 subnetting, CIDR, masks, host ranges and subnet selection.
CCNA OSPF practice questions
Practise OSPF neighbours, router IDs, metrics, areas and routing-table interpretation.
CCNA VLAN practice questions
Practise VLANs, access ports, trunks, allowed VLANs and switching scenarios.
CCNA STP practice questions
Practise spanning tree, root bridge election, port roles and STP troubleshooting.
CCNA EtherChannel practice questions
Practise LACP, PAgP, port-channel behaviour and bundle requirements.
CCNA ACL practice questions
Practise standard and extended ACLs, permit/deny logic and traffic filtering.
CCNA NAT practice questions
Practise static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT and inside/outside address translation.
Practice this exam
Start a free 200-301 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Physically replace the SFP, then connect the cable, and finally verify the link and check for errors. — The correct order is to physically replace the SFP first because installing the new module before connecting the cable prevents potential damage to the connector or fiber from inserting the cable into an empty port. After the SFP is seated, you connect the cable to establish the physical link. Finally, you verify the link status and check for errors (using commands like show interface) to confirm the replacement was successful and the link is operational. Wrong orders either verify before the change (making the verification meaningless) or connect the cable before installing the SFP, which can damage the equipment.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which 200-301 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
3 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. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to replace a faulty SFP module on a Cisco switch and verify the fiber interface.
medium- ✓ A.Disconnect the fiber cable from the SFP module.
- ✓ B.Remove the faulty SFP module from the switch port.
- ✓ C.Insert the new SFP module into the switch port.
- ✓ D.Reconnect the fiber cable to the new SFP module.
Why A: To replace a faulty SFP, first disconnect the cable to avoid damage, then remove the old module, insert the new one, reconnect the cable, and finally verify the interface is operational.
Variation 2. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to replace a faulty SFP module on a Cisco switch and verify the fiber interface.
medium- ✓ A.Remove the faulty SFP module from the switch port.
- ✓ B.Connect the fiber cable to the new SFP module.
- ✓ C.Install the new SFP module into the switch port.
- ✓ D.Verify the interface status using 'show interfaces' and 'show interfaces transceiver' commands.
Why A: The faulty SFP must be removed first, then the new SFP installed, cable connected, and finally verification steps performed to confirm link and transceiver status using 'show interfaces' and 'show interfaces transceiver' commands.
Variation 3. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to replace a faulty fiber optic SFP module and verify the interface on a Cisco IOS-XE switch. Assume the fiber cable is already disconnected from the SFP module.
medium- ✓ A.Remove the old SFP module, insert the new SFP module, connect the fiber cable, verify interface status with 'show interfaces', and check for errors with 'show interfaces counters errors'.
- ✓ B.Connect the fiber cable, remove the old SFP module, insert the new SFP module, verify interface status with 'show interfaces', and check for errors with 'show interfaces counters errors'.
- ✓ C.Remove the old SFP module, connect the fiber cable, insert the new SFP module, verify interface status with 'show interfaces', and check for errors with 'show interfaces counters errors'.
- ✓ D.Remove the old SFP module, insert the new SFP module, verify interface status with 'show interfaces', connect the fiber cable, and check for errors with 'show interfaces counters errors'.
Why A: The correct order assumes the fiber cable is already disconnected as a safety prerequisite. After removal of the old SFP, insert the new SFP, then reconnect the fiber cable. Finally, verify the interface status with 'show interfaces' and check for errors with 'show interfaces counters errors' to ensure proper operation.
Keep practising
More 200-301 practice questions
- A switchport connected to another switch should carry multiple VLANs, but it was manually configured as an access port.…
- What problem is HSRP designed to solve?
- Which TWO statements correctly describe the causes or implications of CRC errors, runts, giants, or output errors as see…
- You are connected to R1. Configure IPv4 and IPv6 addressing on R1's interfaces and verify reachability to R2. The curren…
- Which TWO statements accurately describe how AI/ML concepts are applied to network operations in modern enterprise netwo…
- Which TWO switch port configurations are required when connecting a Cisco IP phone and a desktop PC to a single access p…
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.