The correct conclusion is that interface Gi0/2 is suspended due to a configuration mismatch. In the output of show etherchannel summary, the flag “s” indicates a suspended port, which occurs when LACP detects inconsistent parameters between the local and remote interfaces—such as mismatched speed, duplex, VLAN membership, or trunk mode—preventing the port from being bundled into the port-channel. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to read EtherChannel flags and diagnose common Layer 2 issues; a common trap is confusing a suspended port (s) with a down port (D), but only suspended ports point to configuration errors rather than physical failures. Remember the memory tip: “s” stands for “suspended due to settings,” while “D” means “down due to disconnection.”
350-401 EtherChannel Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of etherchannel. 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
✓
Interface Gi0/2 is suspended due to a configuration mismatch.
The output shows that port-channel 1 is in use (U) and Layer2 (S). Gi0/0 and Gi0/1 are bundled (P), Gi0/2 is suspended (s), and Gi0/3 is down (D). A suspended port in LACP indicates a misconfiguration, such as mismatched port parameters (speed, duplex, VLAN, or trunk mode). The correct answer is that Gi0/2 has a configuration mismatch.
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.
✗
Port-channel 1 is operating as a Layer 3 interface.
Why it's wrong here
The 'S' flag indicates Layer 2, not Layer 3.
✓
Interface Gi0/2 is suspended due to a configuration mismatch.
Why this is correct
The 's' flag means suspended, typically due to mismatched parameters.
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.
✗
Interface Gi0/3 is in standby mode waiting to join the bundle.
Why it's wrong here
The 'D' flag means the port is down, not standby.
✗
All four interfaces are actively forwarding traffic in the EtherChannel.
Why it's wrong here
Gi0/2 is suspended and Gi0/3 is down, so only two ports are active.
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: Interface Gi0/2 is suspended due to a configuration mismatch. — The output shows that port-channel 1 is in use (U) and Layer2 (S). Gi0/0 and Gi0/1 are bundled (P), Gi0/2 is suspended (s), and Gi0/3 is down (D). A suspended port in LACP indicates a misconfiguration, such as mismatched port parameters (speed, duplex, VLAN, or trunk mode). The correct answer is that Gi0/2 has a configuration mismatch.
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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