- A
switchport mode access
This command configures the port as an access port, which is required for connecting a desktop PC and a VoIP phone (the phone typically uses the access port for data and a separate voice VLAN).
- B
switchport mode trunk
Why wrong: Trunk mode is used for inter-switch links or router-on-a-stick, not for end devices. It would cause the PC and phone to see multiple VLANs, breaking connectivity.
- C
switchport voice vlan <vlan-id>
This command assigns a voice VLAN to the port, allowing the VoIP phone to tag its traffic with the voice VLAN while the PC remains untagged on the access VLAN.
- D
switchport access vlan <vlan-id>
Why wrong: While this command is used to assign the data VLAN, it is not one of the two required commands for the specific scenario described (the question asks for the two correct configurations, and both A and C are essential).
- E
switchport port-security maximum 1
Why wrong: Port security is an optional feature and not a required configuration for a basic PC+phone setup. It also may need adjustment to allow two MAC addresses (PC and phone).
Quick Answer
The answer is switchport mode access and switchport voice vlan <vlan-id>. These two commands are required because a Cisco switch port supporting a VoIP phone and a desktop PC must operate as an access port to separate voice and data traffic, with the voice VLAN command assigning the specific VLAN for voice frames. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this tests your understanding of how a phone uses its internal switch to tag voice traffic while passing data untagged, and a common trap is selecting switchport trunk or switchport access vlan, which either breaks the phone’s expectation of an access port or is not strictly required for voice operation. Remember that the access VLAN for data can remain default, but the voice VLAN command is mandatory. A useful memory tip: “Voice needs an access port and its own VLAN ID—two commands, no trunk, no data VLAN required.”
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.
Which TWO commands are required to configure a switch port to support both a desktop PC and a VoIP phone using voice VLAN?
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
switchport mode access
Option A, 'switchport mode access,' is required because voice VLAN only operates on an access port. Option C, 'switchport voice vlan <vlan-id>,' is the command that actually assigns the voice VLAN ID. Option B is incorrect because a trunk port would not properly separate voice and data traffic as the phone expects an access port. Option D is a common data VLAN configuration but is not strictly necessary for voice VLAN operation; the access VLAN can be left as the default or configured separately. Option E is wrong because 'switchport port-security maximum 1' would allow only a single MAC address, while the port must support two devices (the phone and the PC), second MAC being the phone's internal switch.
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.
- ✓
switchport mode access
Why this is correct
This command configures the port as an access port, which is required for connecting a desktop PC and a VoIP phone (the phone typically uses the access port for data and a separate voice VLAN).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
switchport mode trunk
Why it's wrong here
Trunk mode is used for inter-switch links or router-on-a-stick, not for end devices. It would cause the PC and phone to see multiple VLANs, breaking connectivity.
- ✓
switchport voice vlan <vlan-id>
Why this is correct
This command assigns a voice VLAN to the port, allowing the VoIP phone to tag its traffic with the voice VLAN while the PC remains untagged on the access VLAN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
switchport access vlan <vlan-id>
Why it's wrong here
While this command is used to assign the data VLAN, it is not one of the two required commands for the specific scenario described (the question asks for the two correct configurations, and both A and C are essential).
- ✗
switchport port-security maximum 1
Why it's wrong here
Port security is an optional feature and not a required configuration for a basic PC+phone setup. It also may need adjustment to allow two MAC addresses (PC and phone).
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.
✓switchport mode accessCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
This command configures the port as an access port, which is required for connecting a desktop PC and a VoIP phone (the phone typically uses the access port for data and a separate voice VLAN).
✗switchport mode trunkWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Trunk mode is inappropriate for access ports connecting desktops and phones.
✗switchport access vlan <vlan-id>Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This command is valid but not one of the two correct answers for this multi-select question; the correct pair is A and C.
✗switchport port-security maximum 1Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Port security is not mandatory for the scenario; it is an additional security measure.
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
Candidates often mistakenly include 'switchport access vlan' as one of the two required commands, but the question specifically asks for voice VLAN configuration, not the full port setup.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While this command is used to assign the data VLAN, it is not one of the two required commands for the specific scenario described (the question asks for the two correct configurations, and both A and C are essential).
Scenario analysis trap
While this command is used to assign the data VLAN, it is not one of the two required commands for the specific scenario described (the question asks for the two correct configurations, and both A and C are essential).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco IP phones use CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) to negotiate the voice VLAN with the switch, automatically tagging voice frames with the configured voice VLAN ID while leaving PC traffic untagged on the access VLAN. In a real-world scenario, if the voice VLAN is misconfigured or missing, the phone may fall back to the access VLAN, causing voice quality issues or inability to register with the call manager.
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.
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
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 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.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: switchport mode access — Option A, 'switchport mode access,' is required because voice VLAN only operates on an access port. Option C, 'switchport voice vlan <vlan-id>,' is the command that actually assigns the voice VLAN ID. Option B is incorrect because a trunk port would not properly separate voice and data traffic as the phone expects an access port. Option D is a common data VLAN configuration but is not strictly necessary for voice VLAN operation; the access VLAN can be left as the default or configured separately. Option E is wrong because 'switchport port-security maximum 1' would allow only a single MAC address, while the port must support two devices (the phone and the PC), second MAC being the phone's internal switch.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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