The answer is that the EtherChannel is operational with two active links. This conclusion is drawn directly from the `show etherchannel summary` command output, where the flags `P` (bundled in port-channel) for Gi0/1 and Gi0/2 indicate they are successfully aggregated, while the `D` flag for Gi0/3 shows it is down and not contributing. The `SU` flags on Po1 confirm the port-channel is in use (`U`) and operating at Layer 2 (`S`), meaning the logical interface is up and forwarding traffic despite one physical member being unavailable. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to quickly decode flag abbreviations and assess operational status—a common trap is assuming all listed ports must be active for the channel to be functional. Remember that a single down link does not break the EtherChannel; the channel remains operational as long as at least one link is bundled. A useful memory tip: think of the flags as a health report—`P` means "present and working," `D` means "down and out," and `SU` means "switched on and up."
350-401 NetFlow and Telemetry Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of netflow and telemetry. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 SW1:
SW1# show etherchannel summary
Flags: D - down P - bundled in port-channel
I - stand-alone s - suspended
H - Hot-standby (LACP only)
R - Layer3 S - Layer2
U - in use N - not in use, no aggregation
f - failed to allocate aggregator
M - not in use, minimum links not met
u - unsuitable for bundling
w - waiting to be aggregated
d - default port
Number of channel-groups in use: 1
Number of aggregators: 1
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The EtherChannel is operational with two active links
The output shows an EtherChannel summary. Port-channel 1 is in use (U) and Layer2 (S). The protocol is LACP. Two ports (Gi0/1 and Gi0/2) are bundled (P), but Gi0/3 is down (D). The correct answer is that the EtherChannel is operational with two active links.
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.
✗
The EtherChannel is fully operational with three active links
Why it's wrong here
Gi0/3 is down (D), so only two links are active.
✓
The EtherChannel is operational with two active links
Why this is correct
Gi0/1 and Gi0/2 are bundled (P), and the port-channel is up (SU), so the EtherChannel is working with two links.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The EtherChannel is using PAgP protocol
Why it's wrong here
The output shows 'LACP' as the protocol, not PAgP.
✗
The EtherChannel is a Layer 3 port-channel
Why it's wrong here
The flag 'S' indicates Layer 2, not Layer 3 (which would be 'R').
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output shows 'LACP' as the protocol, not PAgP.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. 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 exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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 VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
NetFlow and Telemetry — This question tests NetFlow and Telemetry — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The EtherChannel is operational with two active links — The output shows an EtherChannel summary. Port-channel 1 is in use (U) and Layer2 (S). The protocol is LACP. Two ports (Gi0/1 and Gi0/2) are bundled (P), but Gi0/3 is down (D). The correct answer is that the EtherChannel is operational with two active links.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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