mediumMultiple Choice
200-201 Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Port Security : Enabled Port Status : Secure-down Violation Mode : Shutdown Aging Time : 0 mins Aging Type : Absolute SecureStatic Address Aging : Disabled Maximum MAC Addresses : 1 Total MAC Addresses : 1 Configured MAC Addresses : 0 Sticky MAC Addresses : 0 Last Source Address : 0011.2233.4455 Last Violation Time : 01:23:45 Security Violation Count : 1
Refer to the exhibit. An analyst examines the port security status on a switch interface. What action should the analyst take to restore connectivity to the device connected to this port?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that clearing the MAC address table or adjusting the MAC limit will restore connectivity, but the trap here is that the interface is in an err-disabled state, which requires a manual or automatic interface reset, not a table or configuration change.
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
✓
Shut down and re-enable the interface
When a port security violation occurs (e.g., a MAC address limit is exceeded or a sticky MAC changes), the switch can be configured to err-disable the interface. The standard remediation is to administratively shut down the interface (shutdown) and then re-enable it (no shutdown), which clears the error condition and restores connectivity. This is the only action that directly addresses the err-disable state caused by the security violation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Remove the port from the VLAN
Why it's wrong here
Removing the port from its VLAN does not restore connectivity; it removes the device from its network segment entirely. It is tempting because VLAN changes can resolve some connectivity faults, and it would be correct for isolating a compromised host, not for recovering a port disabled by a port security violation.
- ✗
Clear the MAC address table on the switch
Why it's wrong here
Clearing the MAC address table does not re-enable an errantly disabled port; port security violation shutdown requires an interface shutdown/no shutdown cycle or errdisable recovery. It is tempting because MAC table issues cause forwarding problems, and it would be correct for resolving stale MAC entries, not a security violation.
- ✓
Shut down and re-enable the interface
Why this is correct
Shutting down and re-enabling the interface clears the err-disabled state caused by a port security violation, allowing the connected device to regain link. This directly restores connectivity, satisfying the stem's requirement, though the analyst should first confirm the violating MAC address is legitimate before re-enabling.
- ✗
Increase the maximum number of MAC addresses allowed
Why it's wrong here
Raising the maximum MAC count does not re-enable a port already placed in the errdisabled state; the violation must be cleared first. It is tempting because exceeding the limit triggers the violation, and it would be correct for accommodating additional legitimate devices, not for restoring a shutdown port.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 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 200-201 exam.