- A
A local SPAN session can only monitor traffic on the same switch where the session is configured.
Correct. Local SPAN is confined to a single switch; it cannot extend across switches.
- B
A local SPAN destination port can be a routed port or a switchport in trunk mode.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The destination port must be a switchport in access mode; it cannot be a routed port or a trunk port.
- C
A local SPAN session can monitor both ingress and egress traffic simultaneously on the same source interface.
Correct. You can specify 'both' as the direction for the source, capturing both incoming and outgoing frames.
- D
A local SPAN session can include a VLAN as a source, which monitors all traffic in that VLAN except the control plane traffic.
Why wrong: Incorrect. VLAN-based SPAN monitors all traffic in the VLAN, including control plane traffic like STP BPDUs, but it does not monitor traffic that is switched in hardware only (e.g., some CEF-switched traffic may be missed).
- E
A local SPAN session can have multiple destination ports to send the mirrored traffic to multiple analyzers.
Why wrong: Incorrect. A single local SPAN session can have only one destination port (or one destination interface). Multiple destinations require multiple sessions.
300-410 SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of span, rspan, and erspan. 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 the limitations of local SPAN are correct? (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
A local SPAN session can only monitor traffic on the same switch where the session is configured.
Local SPAN has several restrictions: it cannot send traffic across Layer 3 boundaries, it can only use interfaces on the same switch, and it has limitations on the number of sessions and the types of traffic that can be mirrored (e.g., control plane traffic is not included).
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.
- ✓
A local SPAN session can only monitor traffic on the same switch where the session is configured.
Why this is correct
Correct. Local SPAN is confined to a single switch; it cannot extend across switches.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
A local SPAN destination port can be a routed port or a switchport in trunk mode.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The destination port must be a switchport in access mode; it cannot be a routed port or a trunk port.
- ✓
A local SPAN session can monitor both ingress and egress traffic simultaneously on the same source interface.
Why this is correct
Correct. You can specify 'both' as the direction for the source, capturing both incoming and outgoing frames.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
A local SPAN session can include a VLAN as a source, which monitors all traffic in that VLAN except the control plane traffic.
- ✗
A local SPAN session can have multiple destination ports to send the mirrored traffic to multiple analyzers.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A single local SPAN session can have only one destination port (or one destination interface). Multiple destinations require multiple sessions.
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.
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 300-410 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — This question tests SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A local SPAN session can only monitor traffic on the same switch where the session is configured. — Local SPAN has several restrictions: it cannot send traffic across Layer 3 boundaries, it can only use interfaces on the same switch, and it has limitations on the number of sessions and the types of traffic that can be mirrored (e.g., control plane traffic is not included).
What should I do if I get this 300-410 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 300-410 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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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.
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