- A
Create VLANs globally, assign access ports, configure trunking with native VLAN, verify configuration
This is the correct order because VLANs must exist before ports can be assigned to them. Access ports are configured before trunking to ensure end devices are in the correct VLAN. Trunking with native VLAN is set up after access ports, and verification is always last to confirm all configurations.
- B
Assign access ports, create VLANs globally, configure trunking with native VLAN, verify configuration
This is incorrect because access ports cannot be assigned to a VLAN that does not yet exist. VLANs must be created globally before ports can be placed into them.
- C
Configure trunking with native VLAN, create VLANs globally, assign access ports, verify configuration
This is incorrect because trunking should be configured after access ports are set. Configuring trunking first may cause unintended traffic flow or misconfiguration, and VLANs must exist before trunking can properly carry them.
- D
Create VLANs globally, configure trunking with native VLAN, assign access ports, verify configuration
This is incorrect because access ports should be assigned before configuring trunking. Trunking is typically configured on ports connecting switches, while access ports are for end devices. Assigning access ports after trunking may cause confusion or misconfiguration.
Quick Answer
The correct VLAN configuration order for CCNA is to create VLANs globally, assign access ports, configure trunking with the native VLAN, and then verify. This sequence is best practice because creating VLANs first ensures they exist in the switch’s database before any ports are placed into them, while assigning access ports before trunking prevents the accidental propagation of misconfigured VLANs across a trunk link, which could cause topology loops or broadcast storms. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop question tests your understanding of a safe, production-ready workflow rather than a merely functional one; a common trap is choosing the order that places trunking before access ports, which works technically but violates best practice. To remember the sequence, use the mnemonic “CATV” — Create, Assign, Trunk, Verify — keeping in mind that trunking always comes after access ports to keep your network stable.
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 (recommended best-practice workflow) to configure VLANs, assign access ports, enable 802.1Q trunking, set the native VLAN, and verify the configuration on a Cisco switch running IOS-XE.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Create VLANs globally, assign access ports, configure trunking with native VLAN, verify configuration
First, create VLANs globally so they exist in the VLAN database. Next, assign access ports to the desired VLANs, ensuring end‑device connectivity is established locally. Then configure trunking on the appropriate interfaces, including setting the native VLAN; doing trunking after access port assignment prevents accidental VLAN propagation across the trunk before all access ports are correctly placed. Verification is always the final step to confirm the entire configuration. Option D (VLAN creation → trunking → access ports → verify) is technically functional but violates the best‑practice order because trunking should be configured only after access ports are assigned to avoid potential topology issues.
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.
- ✓
Create VLANs globally, assign access ports, configure trunking with native VLAN, verify configuration
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because VLANs must exist before ports can be assigned to them. Access ports are configured before trunking to ensure end devices are in the correct VLAN. Trunking with native VLAN is set up after access ports, and verification is always last to confirm all configurations.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Assign access ports, create VLANs globally, configure trunking with native VLAN, verify configuration
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because access ports cannot be assigned to a VLAN that does not yet exist. VLANs must be created globally before ports can be placed into them.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Configure trunking with native VLAN, create VLANs globally, assign access ports, verify configuration
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because trunking should be configured after access ports are set. Configuring trunking first may cause unintended traffic flow or misconfiguration, and VLANs must exist before trunking can properly carry them.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Create VLANs globally, configure trunking with native VLAN, assign access ports, verify configuration
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because access ports should be assigned before configuring trunking. Trunking is typically configured on ports connecting switches, while access ports are for end devices. Assigning access ports after trunking may cause confusion or misconfiguration.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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.
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: Create VLANs globally, assign access ports, configure trunking with native VLAN, verify configuration — First, create VLANs globally so they exist in the VLAN database. Next, assign access ports to the desired VLANs, ensuring end‑device connectivity is established locally. Then configure trunking on the appropriate interfaces, including setting the native VLAN; doing trunking after access port assignment prevents accidental VLAN propagation across the trunk before all access ports are correctly placed. Verification is always the final step to confirm the entire configuration. Option D (VLAN creation → trunking → access ports → verify) is technically functional but violates the best‑practice order because trunking should be configured only after access ports are assigned to avoid potential topology issues.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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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.
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