Quick Answer
The answer is that local SPAN cannot mirror traffic to a remote switch. This limitation exists because local SPAN is designed to copy traffic from source ports or VLANs only to a destination port residing on the same physical switch, lacking the ability to encapsulate and forward that mirrored traffic across a Layer 3 network. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of SPAN variants and their architectural boundaries; a common trap is assuming a simple SPAN configuration can reach a monitoring station on a different subnet. Remember, if the destination is not on the same switch, you must use RSPAN for Layer 2 remote mirroring or ERSPAN for Layer 3 remote mirroring. A helpful memory tip: Local SPAN is "local only," so for any remote destination, think "R" for remote or "E" for extended.
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 of the following is a limitation of local SPAN on a Cisco switch?
It can only monitor one source interface per session.
Why wrong: Multiple source interfaces can be specified in a session.
The destination port must be in the same VLAN as the source.
Why wrong: No such requirement exists.
It cannot mirror traffic to a remote switch.
Local SPAN is confined to the local switch.
It cannot monitor both ingress and egress traffic simultaneously.
Why wrong: It can with the 'both' keyword.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It cannot mirror traffic to a remote switch.
Local SPAN can only mirror traffic to a destination port on the same switch; it cannot send mirrored traffic across the network without additional configuration like RSPAN or ERSPAN.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
It can only monitor one source interface per session.
Why it's wrong here
Multiple source interfaces can be specified in a session.
The destination port must be in the same VLAN as the source.
Why it's wrong here
No such requirement exists.
It cannot mirror traffic to a remote switch.
Why this is correct
Local SPAN is confined to the local switch.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
It cannot monitor both ingress and egress traffic simultaneously.
Why it's wrong here
It can with the 'both' keyword.
Common exam traps
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
It can with the 'both' keyword.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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
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
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.
SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — study guide chapter
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FAQ
SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — This question tests SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
The correct answer is: It cannot mirror traffic to a remote switch. — Local SPAN can only mirror traffic to a destination port on the same switch; it cannot send mirrored traffic across the network without additional configuration like RSPAN or ERSPAN.
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.
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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