The answer is that the EtherChannel is using LACP protocol, as confirmed by the "LACP" label under the Protocol column in the show etherchannel summary output. This interpretation hinges on understanding the flags and states: Po1(SU) means the port-channel is Layer2 (S) and in use (U), while Gi0/1 and Gi0/2 show (P) for bundled in the port-channel, and Gi0/3 shows (D) for down, meaning it is not contributing to the active bundle. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to quickly read EtherChannel operational status, often with a trap where a down port like Gi0/3 might mislead you into thinking the entire channel is down—but the channel remains functional as long as at least one link is up. A common memory tip is to associate "SU" with "Switched Up" for Layer2, and remember that "P" stands for "Present and participating," while "D" means "Dead and disconnected."
350-401 SNMP and Syslog Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of snmp and syslog. 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 SW3:
SW3# show etherchannel summary
Flags: D - down P - 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 using LACP protocol.
The output shows an EtherChannel group 1 using LACP. The Port-channel Po1 is in SU state (Layer2, in use). Two ports (Gi0/1 and Gi0/2) are bundled (P), while Gi0/3 is down (D). The key is that Gi0/3 is down, so it is not part of the active bundle. The channel is still operational with two links.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 participating in the EtherChannel.
Why it's wrong here
Gi0/3 is shown as (D) which means down, so it is not active.
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The EtherChannel is a Layer 3 port-channel.
Why it's wrong here
The flag 'SU' indicates Layer 2 (S) and in use (U). Layer 3 would be 'RU'.
✗
Port Gi0/3 is in standby mode.
Why it's wrong here
Standby mode is indicated by 'H' (Hot-standby) for LACP, but Gi0/3 shows 'D' for down.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Gi0/3 is shown as (D) which means down, so it is not active.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
SNMP and Syslog — This question tests SNMP and Syslog — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The EtherChannel is using LACP protocol. — The output shows an EtherChannel group 1 using LACP. The Port-channel Po1 is in SU state (Layer2, in use). Two ports (Gi0/1 and Gi0/2) are bundled (P), while Gi0/3 is down (D). The key is that Gi0/3 is down, so it is not part of the active bundle. The channel is still operational with two links.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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