350-401 Architecture Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a Cisco Catalyst switch and needs to assign a port to VLAN 20 as an access port. Which command sequence is correct?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is forgetting to set the port to access mode first, which can cause the port to remain in dynamic mode and potentially negotiate a trunk.
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
✓
interface GigabitEthernet0/1, then switchport mode access, then switchport access vlan 20
To assign a switch port to a specific VLAN as an access port, you must enter interface configuration mode, set the port to access mode with switchport mode access, and then assign the VLAN with switchport access vlan 20. This ensures the port operates correctly as an access port in the desired VLAN.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
interface GigabitEthernet0/1, then switchport mode access, then switchport access vlan 20
Why this is correct
This sequence enters interface configuration mode, sets the port to access mode, and assigns it to VLAN 20. The switchport mode access command ensures the port operates as an access port, and switchport access vlan 20 places it in the correct VLAN. This is the standard method to configure an access port on a Cisco Catalyst switch.
- ✗
interface GigabitEthernet0/1, then switchport mode trunk, then switchport trunk vlan 20
Why it's wrong here
This sequence configures the port as a trunk and attempts to assign a trunk VLAN, which is not a valid command. Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs and use switchport trunk allowed vlan to specify which VLANs are allowed. The goal is to assign the port to a single VLAN as an access port, so this approach is incorrect.
- ✗
interface GigabitEthernet0/1, then switchport access vlan 20, then switchport mode access
Why it's wrong here
Although these commands may work in some order, the recommended sequence is to set the mode first and then assign the VLAN. More importantly, the command switchport access vlan 20 before setting the mode can lead to inconsistent behavior if the port is currently a trunk. The correct and reliable sequence is to set access mode first, then assign the VLAN.
- ✗
vlan 20, then interface GigabitEthernet0/1, then switchport access vlan 20
Why it's wrong here
This sequence creates VLAN 20 and assigns the port to it, but it omits setting the port to access mode. If the port is in dynamic mode, it may not become an access port automatically. The switchport mode access command is required to ensure the port operates as an access port, so this sequence is incomplete.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.