- A
The load-balancing method can be configured globally or per EtherChannel interface.
Correct because the 'port-channel load-balance' command is applied globally, but some platforms allow per-interface override.
- B
The default load-balancing method on Catalyst 9000 switches is src-dst-ip.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the default on Catalyst 9000 switches is src-dst-mac, not src-dst-ip.
- C
When using src-dst-ip load balancing, packets between the same source and destination IP addresses always use the same physical link.
Correct because the hash is deterministic based on source and destination IP, so all frames in that flow use the same link.
- D
EtherChannel load balancing can use Layer 4 port numbers only when the switch is in routed mode.
Why wrong: Incorrect because Layer 4 port-based load balancing is available in both Layer 2 and Layer 3 EtherChannels, provided the switch supports it.
- E
Changing the load-balancing method causes a temporary interruption in traffic forwarding.
Why wrong: Incorrect because changing the load-balancing method is hitless; it does not disrupt traffic, though hash results may change.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that when using src-dst-ip load balancing, packets between the same source and destination IP addresses always use the same physical link. This is true because EtherChannel load balancing computes a hash based on the selected criteria—such as source and destination IP addresses—and that hash determines the link for the entire flow. All frames sharing the same source and destination IP pair produce an identical hash value, ensuring they are forwarded over the same member link to prevent packet reordering. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding that EtherChannel does not perform per-packet load balancing but rather per-flow, with the default method often being src-dst-mac depending on the platform. A common trap is assuming that src-dst-ip will spread a single conversation across multiple links, but the hash ensures stickiness for that flow. Memory tip: think “same flow, same link” to avoid reordering.
CCNP EtherChannel Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of etherchannel. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 statements about EtherChannel load balancing are true? (Choose two.)
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
The load-balancing method can be configured globally or per EtherChannel interface.
EtherChannel load balancing can use source/destination MAC, IP, or TCP/UDP port information. The default method varies by platform but is often src-dst-mac. The hash is computed per frame, and all frames in a flow use the same link to avoid reordering.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The load-balancing method can be configured globally or per EtherChannel interface.
Why this is correct
Correct because the 'port-channel load-balance' command is applied globally, but some platforms allow per-interface override.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
The default load-balancing method on Catalyst 9000 switches is src-dst-ip.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the default on Catalyst 9000 switches is src-dst-mac, not src-dst-ip.
- ✓
When using src-dst-ip load balancing, packets between the same source and destination IP addresses always use the same physical link.
Why this is correct
Correct because the hash is deterministic based on source and destination IP, so all frames in that flow use the same link.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
EtherChannel load balancing can use Layer 4 port numbers only when the switch is in routed mode.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because Layer 4 port-based load balancing is available in both Layer 2 and Layer 3 EtherChannels, provided the switch supports it.
- ✗
Changing the load-balancing method causes a temporary interruption in traffic forwarding.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because changing the load-balancing method is hitless; it does not disrupt traffic, though hash results may change.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
EtherChannel — This question tests EtherChannel — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The load-balancing method can be configured globally or per EtherChannel interface. — EtherChannel load balancing can use source/destination MAC, IP, or TCP/UDP port information. The default method varies by platform but is often src-dst-mac. The hash is computed per frame, and all frames in a flow use the same link to avoid reordering.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 350-401
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 two statements about EtherChannel load balancing are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.The default load-balancing method on Cisco switches is typically based on source MAC address.
- B.Load balancing is performed on a per-packet basis to evenly distribute traffic across all links.
- ✓ C.The load-balancing algorithm can be changed to use both source and destination IP addresses.
- D.The load-balancing method applies only to inbound traffic on the EtherChannel.
- E.Load balancing can be based on Layer 4 port numbers without also using IP addresses.
Why A: EtherChannel load balancing can use source and/or destination MAC or IP addresses to determine which physical link to use for a given frame. The default method varies by platform but often uses source MAC. The hash is computed per frame, not per packet, and the algorithm is deterministic for a given flow to prevent reordering.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.
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