Question 448 of 2,015

Spanning Tree Protocol →mediumDrag & DropObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct order is to configure root guard first, then loop guard, because root guard must be applied to a port before loop guard can effectively prevent alternate port misbehavior. Root guard is configured on an interface to force it into a designated port role, immediately placing it into a root-inconsistent state if a superior BPDU is received, which blocks the port before any loop can form. Loop guard is then added to protect against BPDU loss on alternate or root ports, preventing them from erroneously transitioning to forwarding. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding that root guard is a proactive role enforcement, while loop guard is a reactive failure safeguard—a common trap is reversing the order or thinking both are applied simultaneously. Remember the mnemonic “Root first, Loop last” to keep the sequence clear.

CCNP Spanning Tree Protocol Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of spanning tree protocol. 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 steps of STP root guard and loop guard activation into the correct order, from first to last.

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.

Question 1mediumdrag order

Open the full STP breakdown →

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

✓

Enter interface configuration mode

Root guard is configured on a port to prevent it from becoming a root port. Loop guard is used to prevent alternate ports from transitioning to forwarding when BPDUs are lost. Both are applied at the interface level. Root guard is configured first, then loop guard. Verification confirms the port state and protection status.

Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization

Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.

TExam Day Tips

Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.

Key takeaway

Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.

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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

Spanning Tree Protocol — This question tests Spanning Tree Protocol — Authentication checks who the user is..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Enter interface configuration mode — Root guard is configured on a port to prevent it from becoming a root port. Loop guard is used to prevent alternate ports from transitioning to forwarding when BPDUs are lost. Both are applied at the interface level. Root guard is configured first, then loop guard. Verification confirms the port state and protection status.

What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Authentication checks who the user is.

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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. Drag and drop the steps of STP root guard and loop guard activation into the correct order, from first to last.

medium

✓ A.Enable root guard on designated port
✓ B.Enable loop guard on non-designated ports
✓ C.Verify root guard and loop guard status
✓ D.Port enters root-inconsistent state on superior BPDU
✓ E.Port enters loop-inconsistent state on BPDU loss

Why A: Root guard is enabled on an interface to prevent it from becoming a root port. Loop guard is enabled to prevent alternate/backup ports from transitioning to forwarding. Both features are configured per interface, then verified. Root guard places the port in root-inconsistent state if a superior BPDU is received, while loop guard places it in loop-inconsistent state.

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