- A
PAgP uses the multicast MAC address 01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC for its messages.
Correct because PAgP uses the Cisco-proprietary multicast address 0100.0CCC.CCCC.
- B
PAgP supports up to 16 active links in a single EtherChannel.
Why wrong: Incorrect because PAgP supports a maximum of 8 active links, with no standby links.
- C
PAgP can form a channel even if one side is configured in 'auto' mode and the other in 'desirable' mode.
Correct because 'desirable' actively initiates negotiation, and 'auto' responds, allowing channel formation.
- D
PAgP uses the same packet format as LACP and can interoperate with LACP-enabled devices.
Why wrong: Incorrect because PAgP is Cisco proprietary and incompatible with the IEEE standard LACP.
- E
PAgP requires both ends to be configured with identical port priorities to form the channel.
Why wrong: Incorrect because PAgP does not use port priority; it uses the port ID only for tie-breaking, but priorities do not need to match.
CCNP EtherChannel Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of etherchannel. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 PAgP (Port Aggregation Protocol) 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
PAgP uses the multicast MAC address 01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC for its messages.
PAgP is a Cisco proprietary protocol for dynamic EtherChannel formation. It uses multicast address 01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC, supports modes 'auto' and 'desirable', and uses a learning method to detect misconfigurations. PAgP cannot interoperate with LACP and does not support standby links.
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.
- ✓
PAgP uses the multicast MAC address 01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC for its messages.
Why this is correct
Correct because PAgP uses the Cisco-proprietary multicast address 0100.0CCC.CCCC.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
PAgP supports up to 16 active links in a single EtherChannel.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because PAgP supports a maximum of 8 active links, with no standby links.
- ✓
PAgP can form a channel even if one side is configured in 'auto' mode and the other in 'desirable' mode.
Why this is correct
Correct because 'desirable' actively initiates negotiation, and 'auto' responds, allowing channel formation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
PAgP uses the same packet format as LACP and can interoperate with LACP-enabled devices.
- ✗
PAgP requires both ends to be configured with identical port priorities to form the channel.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because PAgP does not use port priority; it uses the port ID only for tie-breaking, but priorities do not need to match.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
EtherChannel — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
EtherChannel — This question tests EtherChannel — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: PAgP uses the multicast MAC address 01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC for its messages. — PAgP is a Cisco proprietary protocol for dynamic EtherChannel formation. It uses multicast address 01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC, supports modes 'auto' and 'desirable', and uses a learning method to detect misconfigurations. PAgP cannot interoperate with LACP and does not support standby links.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 →
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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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