The correct answer is that all traffic entering and leaving GigabitEthernet1/0/1 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/2. This is because the monitor session configuration explicitly specifies the `both` keyword for the source interface, which directs the SPAN session to replicate both ingress (rx) and egress (tx) traffic. Without the `both` keyword, the default behavior on Cisco IOS-XE switches is to copy only rx traffic, so specifying `both` ensures full-duplex traffic capture. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of SPAN direction options—rx, tx, and both—and how they affect traffic monitoring. A common trap is assuming that omitting the direction keyword defaults to `both`, but it actually defaults to `rx` only. Remember the mnemonic: "Both is best for full capture, rx is the default rapture."
350-401 SPAN and RSPAN Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of span and rspan. 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.
Given the following configuration snippet on a Cisco IOS-XE switch:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
All traffic entering and leaving GigabitEthernet1/0/1 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/2.
The configuration creates a local SPAN session that copies traffic from GigabitEthernet1/0/1 (both ingress and egress) to GigabitEthernet1/0/2, which is a standard SPAN destination port.
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.
✓
All traffic entering and leaving GigabitEthernet1/0/1 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/2.
Why this is correct
The 'both' keyword copies both ingress and egress traffic from the source interface to the destination.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
Only traffic entering GigabitEthernet1/0/1 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/2.
Why it's wrong here
The 'both' keyword copies both directions, not just ingress.
✗
Traffic on GigabitEthernet1/0/2 is replicated to GigabitEthernet1/0/1.
Why it's wrong here
The monitor session defines source and destination; traffic flows from source to destination, not the reverse.
✗
The configuration is invalid because the destination port must be in trunk mode.
Why it's wrong here
A SPAN destination port can be an access port; trunk mode is not required.
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
Keyword trap
The 'both' keyword copies both directions, not just ingress.
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.
SPAN and RSPAN — This question tests SPAN and RSPAN — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: All traffic entering and leaving GigabitEthernet1/0/1 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/2. — The configuration creates a local SPAN session that copies traffic from GigabitEthernet1/0/1 (both ingress and egress) to GigabitEthernet1/0/2, which is a standard SPAN destination port.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Consider the following SPAN configuration on a Cisco IOS-XE switch:
monitor session 2 source interface GigabitEthernet1/0/3 rx
monitor session 2 destination interface GigabitEthernet1/0/4
What is the effect of this configuration?
medium
✓ A.Only traffic received on GigabitEthernet1/0/3 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/4.
B.Both ingress and egress traffic on GigabitEthernet1/0/3 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/4.
C.Traffic on GigabitEthernet1/0/4 is mirrored to GigabitEthernet1/0/3.
D.The configuration is invalid because the destination interface must be in trunk mode.
Why A: This SPAN session captures only ingress traffic (rx) from GigabitEthernet1/0/3 and sends it to GigabitEthernet1/0/4.
Variation 2. Given the following SPAN configuration on a Cisco IOS-XE switch:
monitor session 4 source interface GigabitEthernet1/0/6 tx
monitor session 4 destination interface GigabitEthernet1/0/7
What does this configuration do?
medium
✓ A.Only traffic transmitted from GigabitEthernet1/0/6 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/7.
B.Both ingress and egress traffic on GigabitEthernet1/0/6 is copied to GigabitEthernet1/0/7.
C.Traffic on GigabitEthernet1/0/7 is mirrored to GigabitEthernet1/0/6.
D.The configuration is invalid because the destination interface must be in the same VLAN as the source.
Why A: This SPAN session captures only egress traffic (tx) from GigabitEthernet1/0/6 and sends it to GigabitEthernet1/0/7.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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