This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of span and rspan. 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.
Examine the following RSPAN configuration on a Cisco switch:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The RSPAN VLAN 200 must be created on all switches that will forward the mirrored traffic.
For RSPAN to work across multiple switches, the RSPAN VLAN must be created on all switches and allowed on trunk links. The configuration shown only creates the VLAN on one switch and allows it on one trunk, but the VLAN must exist on all switches in the path.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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 RSPAN VLAN 200 must be created on all switches that will forward the mirrored traffic.
Why this is correct
Without the RSPAN VLAN on all switches, the mirrored traffic cannot traverse the network.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The destination remote vlan 200 command should include 'encapsulation replicate'.
Why it's wrong here
The 'encapsulation replicate' keyword is optional and not required for basic functionality.
✗
The source interface must be in trunk mode to monitor VLANs.
Why it's wrong here
Source interfaces can be access or trunk; the configuration shown is valid.
✗
The monitor session number must match on all switches.
Why it's wrong here
Monitor session numbers are local to each switch and do not need to match.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
The 'encapsulation replicate' keyword is optional and not required for basic functionality.
Command / output trap
Source interfaces can be access or trunk; the configuration shown is valid.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
SPAN and RSPAN — This question tests SPAN and RSPAN — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The RSPAN VLAN 200 must be created on all switches that will forward the mirrored traffic. — For RSPAN to work across multiple switches, the RSPAN VLAN must be created on all switches and allowed on trunk links. The configuration shown only creates the VLAN on one switch and allows it on one trunk, but the VLAN must exist on all switches in the path.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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