mediumMultiple Choice
350-401 Practice Question: Given the following configuration: interface…
Given the following configuration:
interface Port-channel1 no switchport ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1 no switchport channel-group 1 mode on
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/2 no switchport channel-group 1 mode on
Which statement is true about this EtherChannel?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between static (`mode on`) and dynamic (LACP/PAgP) EtherChannels, and the trap here is that candidates assume `mode on` requires a negotiation protocol or that `no switchport` prevents channel formation, when in fact it enables Layer 3 operation.
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
✓
The EtherChannel will form and operate as a Layer 3 routed interface.
The configuration uses `channel-group 1 mode on`, which forces the EtherChannel to form without any negotiation protocol (LACP or PAgP). Since both interfaces are configured with `no switchport` and an IP address is assigned to the Port-channel interface, the EtherChannel operates as a Layer 3 routed interface. Option B is correct because the channel will form and function as a routed port.
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 EtherChannel will form only if the neighbor also uses LACP active mode.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'mode on' statically forces an EtherChannel without sending LACP PDUs. The local interface will not participate in LACP negotiation, so a neighbor configured with LACP active will not detect a compatible peer and the channel will not form. For this configuration, the neighbor must also use unconditional 'mode on' (with matching speed, duplex, and VLAN settings) rather than any LACP mode.
- ✓
The EtherChannel will form and operate as a Layer 3 routed interface.
Why this is correct
This is correct. Applying 'no switchport' to the physical interfaces makes them routed Layer 3 ports, and 'channel-group X mode on' bundles them unconditionally into a port-channel. Because the member interfaces are all routed, the resulting port-channel also operates as a Layer 3 interface, allowing IP addresses to be assigned directly to the port-channel for routing.
- ✗
The EtherChannel will not form because the interfaces are in no switchport mode.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'no switchport' does not prevent EtherChannel formation; on the contrary, routed interfaces are perfectly valid members of a Layer 3 EtherChannel. The switch will create the port-channel as a routed interface and the bundle will operate at Layer 3, provided the physical interfaces share the same speed, duplex, and trunk state. A common misconception is that EtherChannels are only for Layer 2, but Cisco IOS supports channel-group configuration on routed ports without issue.
- ✗
The EtherChannel will form but will use PAgP negotiation.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'mode on' explicitly disables all negotiation protocols, including PAgP. PAgP would require the 'desirable' or 'auto' keywords in the channel-group command, which enable Cisco's proprietary negotiation. Since 'mode on' unconditionally enables the EtherChannel and does not exchange PAgP messages, the channel forms statically and PAgP is never used.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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