The answer is that port Gi0/6 is an access port in VLAN 20. This is correct because the show vlan brief output interpretation reveals that VLAN 20 is listed as active with only Gi0/6 under its Ports column, meaning that interface is assigned to that VLAN in access mode. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to read the VLAN database and distinguish between active VLANs with port memberships and the default unsupported VLANs (1002-1005), which appear as act/unsup because the switch cannot run FDDI or Token Ring. A common trap is assuming those legacy VLANs are errors or security issues; instead, they are normal and can be ignored. Remember: if a VLAN shows ports, those ports are access ports in that VLAN—no trunking is implied here. Memory tip: “Ports listed = access assigned; no ports = VLAN exists but unused.”
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 SW1:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Port Gi0/6 is an access port in VLAN 20.
The output shows VLANs configured on the switch. VLANs 1, 10, and 20 are active and have ports assigned. VLANs 1002-1005 are default VLANs for legacy technologies (FDDI, Token Ring) and are shown as 'act/unsup' (active/unsupported) because the switch does not support them. The key point is that VLAN 20 has only one port (Gi0/6) assigned, which is unusual but possible. However, the question tests understanding that VLAN 20 exists and is active with one 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.
✗
VLAN 20 is not operational because it has only one port assigned.
Why it's wrong here
A VLAN can be operational with a single port; the 'active' status indicates it is working.
✗
The switch supports FDDI and Token Ring VLANs.
Why it's wrong here
The 'act/unsup' status means the VLANs are present but unsupported on this switch.
✓
Port Gi0/6 is an access port in VLAN 20.
Why this is correct
The output shows Gi0/6 assigned to VLAN 20, and since no trunking is indicated, it is likely an access port in VLAN 20.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
VLAN 10 has more broadcast traffic than VLAN 20.
Why it's wrong here
The output does not provide any traffic statistics; it only shows VLAN membership.
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
Command / output trap
The output does not provide any traffic statistics; it only shows VLAN membership.
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.
SNMP and Syslog — This question tests SNMP and Syslog — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Port Gi0/6 is an access port in VLAN 20. — The output shows VLANs configured on the switch. VLANs 1, 10, and 20 are active and have ports assigned. VLANs 1002-1005 are default VLANs for legacy technologies (FDDI, Token Ring) and are shown as 'act/unsup' (active/unsupported) because the switch does not support them. The key point is that VLAN 20 has only one port (Gi0/6) assigned, which is unusual but possible. However, the question tests understanding that VLAN 20 exists and is active with one 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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.