The correct conclusion is that the EtherChannel has a maximum bundle size of 2, making Gi0/2 a hot-standby port. This is evident because the output shows Gi0/0 and Gi0/1 in an Active state while Gi0/2 is in Standby, and the HotStandby port field reads "null" because the standby port is already listed in the port table. In LACP, a hot-standby port is a backup link that remains idle until an active port fails, and it is triggered either by the `lacp max-bundle` command or when the number of member ports exceeds the allowed limit. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of LACP port roles and the difference between Active, Passive, and Standby states—a common trap is confusing a Standby port with a disabled or error-disabled port. Remember the memory tip: "Standby is ready, not dead"—if a port shows Standby in LACP, it is a hot-standby waiting to bundle, not a failure.
350-401 EtherChannel Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of etherchannel. 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.
A network engineer runs the following command on Switch SW9:
SW9# show etherchannel 4 port-channel
Port-channels in the group:
---------------------------
Port-channel: Po4 (Primary Aggregator)
Age of the Port-channel = 0d:00h:20m:10s
Logical slot/port = 16/4 Number of ports = 3
HotStandby port = null
Port state = Port-channel Ag-Inuse
Protocol = LACP
Ports in the Port-channel:
Index Load Port EC state No of bits
------+------+------+----------------+----------
0 00 Gi0/0 Active 4
1 00 Gi0/1 Active 4
2 00 Gi0/2 Standby 4
Time since last port bundled: 0d:00h:15m:00s Gi0/1
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The EtherChannel has a maximum bundle size of 2, so Gi0/2 is a hot-standby port.
The output shows that Gi0/0 and Gi0/1 are in 'Active' state, while Gi0/2 is in 'Standby' state. In LACP, a standby port is a hot-standby port that becomes active if an active port fails. This is configured using the 'lacp max-bundle' command or when the number of ports exceeds the maximum allowed. The correct answer is that Gi0/2 is a hot-standby port ready to take over if an active port fails.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
All three ports are actively forwarding traffic in the EtherChannel.
Why it's wrong here
Gi0/2 is in standby, not active.
✗
Gi0/2 is in standby mode because it is not receiving LACP packets from the neighbor.
The port-channel is not in use because the load is zero.
Why it's wrong here
The port-channel is in 'Ag-Inuse' state, meaning it is in use.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
EtherChannel — This question tests EtherChannel — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The EtherChannel has a maximum bundle size of 2, so Gi0/2 is a hot-standby port. — The output shows that Gi0/0 and Gi0/1 are in 'Active' state, while Gi0/2 is in 'Standby' state. In LACP, a standby port is a hot-standby port that becomes active if an active port fails. This is configured using the 'lacp max-bundle' command or when the number of ports exceeds the maximum allowed. The correct answer is that Gi0/2 is a hot-standby port ready to take over if an active port fails.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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