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Quick Answer
The correct answer is that a voice VLAN can be configured on an access port to carry both data and voice traffic. This works because the access port treats the data VLAN as the native VLAN, sending data frames untagged, while the voice VLAN traffic is sent with an 802.1Q tag, allowing a single port to handle two separate logical networks. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how access ports can be extended for VoIP deployments, often appearing in a "choose three" format where common traps include assuming an access port drops all tagged frames or that the switchport access vlan command automatically creates the VLAN. Remember that the switchport mode access command is required to prevent DTP from forming a trunk, but the VLAN itself must exist in the database first. Memory tip: "Voice is tagged, data is native—access ports can be creative."
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 three of the following are true regarding the configuration and operation of a Cisco switch port in access mode? (Choose three.)
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
✓
An access port belongs to a single VLAN and carries traffic for that VLAN only.
An access port is configured to belong to a single VLAN and carries traffic for that VLAN only. By default, all switch ports are placed in VLAN 1. The 'switchport mode access' command is not strictly required before assigning a VLAN; however, for a port to operate as a dedicated access port, the command is necessary to prevent it from forming a trunk via DTP. Option 5 is incorrect because an access port with a voice VLAN does accept tagged frames for the voice VLAN; it does not drop all tagged frames. Option 6 is incorrect because the 'switchport access vlan' command does not automatically create the VLAN; the VLAN must already exist in the VLAN database or be created manually.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that assigning a VLAN to a port automatically puts it in access mode, but in reality, the port's mode must be explicitly set with 'switchport mode access' to prevent it from becoming a trunk via DTP.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, a switch port in access mode uses IEEE 802.1Q tagging only for the native VLAN on a trunk; for an access port, frames are sent untagged because the switch assumes the connected device does not understand VLAN tags. A real-world scenario where this matters is when connecting a legacy device that expects untagged frames; if the port is accidentally left in dynamic mode, it might negotiate a trunk and send tagged frames, causing connectivity issues. The 'switchport mode access' command forces the port to never form a trunk, ensuring it always sends untagged frames.
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
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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: An access port belongs to a single VLAN and carries traffic for that VLAN only. — An access port is configured to belong to a single VLAN and carries traffic for that VLAN only. By default, all switch ports are placed in VLAN 1. The 'switchport mode access' command is not strictly required before assigning a VLAN; however, for a port to operate as a dedicated access port, the command is necessary to prevent it from forming a trunk via DTP. Option 5 is incorrect because an access port with a voice VLAN does accept tagged frames for the voice VLAN; it does not drop all tagged frames. Option 6 is incorrect because the 'switchport access vlan' command does not automatically create the VLAN; the VLAN must already exist in the VLAN database or be created manually.
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.
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
1 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. Which VLAN is used by default for most switch ports on a new Cisco switch?
easy- ✓ A.VLAN 1
- B.VLAN 99
- C.VLAN 1002
- D.No VLAN until the port is manually assigned
Why A: On a default Cisco switch, access ports belong to VLAN 1 until changed. Best practice is usually to move user ports away from VLAN 1, but the default is still VLAN 1.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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