Question 1,981 of 2,015
SPAN and RSPANeasyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is to configure monitor session 1 source interface Port-channel 1 both and monitor session 1 destination interface Gi1/0/24. This is correct because SPAN can source directly from an EtherChannel interface, treating the entire port-channel as a single logical source; individual member ports cannot be used as SPAN sources once they are part of an EtherChannel, as the switch abstracts the bundle at the port-channel level. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding that SPAN sources can be physical interfaces, VLANs, or port-channels, and the common trap is trying to source from a member port like Gi1/0/1 instead of the port-channel itself. Remember the memory tip: "Bundle the source, not the member" — always reference the port-channel number when monitoring an EtherChannel.

350-401 SPAN and RSPAN Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of span and rspan. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.

An engineer is configuring SPAN on a Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch to monitor traffic from a port that is part of an EtherChannel (Port-channel 1). The monitoring station is on port Gi1/0/24. Which configuration should the engineer use to capture traffic from the EtherChannel?

Question 1easymultiple choice
Read the full EtherChannel explanation →

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

Configure 'monitor session 1 source interface Port-channel 1 both' and 'monitor session 1 destination interface Gi1/0/24'.

SPAN can source from an EtherChannel interface. The correct answer is to use the port-channel interface as the source. Option B is incorrect because individual member ports cannot be used as SPAN sources if they are part of an EtherChannel; the SPAN session must reference the port-channel. Option C is incorrect because VLAN-based SPAN would capture all traffic on that VLAN, not just the EtherChannel. Option D is incorrect because RSPAN is not needed.

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 'monitor session 1 source interface Port-channel 1 both' and 'monitor session 1 destination interface Gi1/0/24'.

    Why this is correct

    Correct; SPAN can source from a port-channel interface, capturing all traffic on the EtherChannel.

    Related concept

    Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.

  • Configure 'monitor session 1 source interface Gi1/0/1 both' (where Gi1/0/1 is a member of the EtherChannel) and 'monitor session 1 destination interface Gi1/0/24'.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect; individual member ports cannot be used as SPAN sources if they are part of an EtherChannel; the port-channel must be used.

  • Configure 'monitor session 1 source vlan 100' (the VLAN of the EtherChannel) and 'monitor session 1 destination interface Gi1/0/24'.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect; this would capture all traffic on that VLAN, not just the EtherChannel.

  • Configure an RSPAN VLAN and use 'monitor session 1 source interface Port-channel 1' and 'monitor session 1 destination remote vlan 999'.

    Why it's wrong here

    Incorrect; RSPAN is not needed for local monitoring.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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.

Related practice questions

Related 350-401 practice-question pages

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

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: Configure 'monitor session 1 source interface Port-channel 1 both' and 'monitor session 1 destination interface Gi1/0/24'. — SPAN can source from an EtherChannel interface. The correct answer is to use the port-channel interface as the source. Option B is incorrect because individual member ports cannot be used as SPAN sources if they are part of an EtherChannel; the SPAN session must reference the port-channel. Option C is incorrect because VLAN-based SPAN would capture all traffic on that VLAN, not just the EtherChannel. Option D is incorrect because RSPAN is not needed.

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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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026

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This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.