The answer is to configure the switch port-channel with channel-group 1 mode active. This is correct because LACP active mode initiates the negotiation process by sending LACP packets to the server, enabling automatic EtherChannel formation without requiring any manual trigger on the server side. In contrast, passive mode waits for the peer to initiate, and static mode (on) bypasses negotiation entirely, which would fail if the server expects dynamic negotiation. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of LACP operational modes and their role in deterministic network automation. A common trap is confusing active with passive—remember that active starts the conversation, while passive only listens. For a quick memory tip: think of active as the “aggressive” initiator that says “let’s form a channel,” while passive is the polite waiter. Always choose active when the requirement is automatic formation without manual steps.
350-401 EtherChannel Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of etherchannel. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 is configuring an EtherChannel between a Cisco switch and a server that supports LACP. The switch ports are configured as trunk ports allowing multiple VLANs. The engineer wants to ensure the EtherChannel forms automatically without manual intervention. Which configuration should be applied on the switch?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the port-channel with 'channel-group 1 mode active'.
The correct answer is LACP active mode, which initiates negotiation. The wrong answers either use passive mode (which waits for the other side) or static mode (which does not negotiate).
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.
✓
Configure the port-channel with 'channel-group 1 mode active'.
Why this is correct
Correct because LACP active mode initiates negotiation with the server.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
Configure the port-channel with 'channel-group 1 mode passive'.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because passive mode waits for the other side to initiate; if the server also uses passive, the channel will not form.
✗
Configure the port-channel with 'channel-group 1 mode desirable'.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because desirable is a PAgP mode, not LACP.
✗
Configure the port-channel with 'channel-group 1 mode on'.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'on' forces the channel without negotiation, which may not be compatible with the server's LACP.
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.
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 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.
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.
EtherChannel — This question tests EtherChannel — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the port-channel with 'channel-group 1 mode active'. — The correct answer is LACP active mode, which initiates negotiation. The wrong answers either use passive mode (which waits for the other side) or static mode (which does not negotiate).
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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