- A
spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 4096
This command sets the STP priority for VLAN 1 to 4096, which is lower than the default priority of 32768, making SW1 the root bridge for that VLAN.
- B
spanning-tree vlan 1 root primary
Why wrong: This command sets the priority to 24576 (or lower if another root exists), not exactly 4096. It does not meet the requirement of setting the priority to 4096.
- C
spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 32768
Why wrong: This sets the priority to the default value of 32768, which does not make SW1 the root bridge if other switches have default priority.
- D
spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 8192
Why wrong: This sets the priority to 8192, which is lower than 32768 but higher than 4096. While it could make SW1 root if no other switch has lower priority, it does not meet the specific requirement of 4096.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure the switch with the command spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 4096. This is correct because the root bridge in Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is elected based on the lowest bridge priority; by setting SW1’s priority to 4096—lower than the default of 32768—you force it to become the root bridge for VLAN 1, eliminating loops by placing redundant links into blocking or forwarding states as needed. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this tests your understanding of STP root bridge priority configuration, often appearing in simulation or multiple-choice questions where a common trap is to use the global spanning-tree priority command without specifying the VLAN, which would not affect per-VLAN STP. A key memory tip is to think of the priority as a “weight” in a tug-of-war: the lower the number, the stronger the pull to become root—so 4096 beats 32768 every time.
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 the console. SW1 is a Layer 2 switch with three redundant links to SW2: G0/1, G0/2, and G0/3. The network is experiencing loops, and STP is not configured. You need to enable STP and ensure that SW1 becomes the root bridge for VLAN 1. Configure STP on SW1 and set its priority to 4096 for VLAN 1.
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
spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 4096
By setting the STP priority to 4096 for VLAN 1, SW1 has a lower priority than the default, making it the root bridge for that VLAN.
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.
- ✓
spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 4096
- ✗
spanning-tree vlan 1 root primary
Why it's wrong here
This command sets the priority to 24576 (or lower if another root exists), not exactly 4096. It does not meet the requirement of setting the priority to 4096.
- ✗
spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 32768
Why it's wrong here
This sets the priority to the default value of 32768, which does not make SW1 the root bridge if other switches have default priority.
- ✗
spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 8192
Why it's wrong here
This sets the priority to 8192, which is lower than 32768 but higher than 4096. While it could make SW1 root if no other switch has lower priority, it does not meet the specific requirement of 4096.
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.
✓spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 4096Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This command sets the STP priority for VLAN 1 to 4096, which is lower than the default priority of 32768, making SW1 the root bridge for that VLAN.
✗spanning-tree vlan 1 root primaryWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The 'root primary' macro sets priority to 24576, not 4096.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think 'root primary' is a shortcut to make the switch root, but it does not set a specific priority value.
✗spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 32768Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A priority of 32768 is the default, so it does not guarantee root bridge status.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might think 32768 is a valid priority but forget that lower priority wins.
✗spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 8192Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The requirement is to set priority to exactly 4096, not 8192.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might choose 8192 as a low priority but overlook the exact value specified in the question.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command sets the priority to 24576 (or lower if another root exists), not exactly 4096. It does not meet the requirement of setting the priority to 4096.
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: spanning-tree vlan 1 priority 4096 — By setting the STP priority to 4096 for VLAN 1, SW1 has a lower priority than the default, making it the root bridge for that VLAN.
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
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