Quick Answer
The correct conclusion is that the EtherChannel has two active member links. This is determined by interpreting the flags in the `show etherchannel summary` output: Gi0/1 and Gi0/2 each display a flag of `P` (bundled in port-channel), while Gi0/3 shows `D` (down), meaning only two ports are actively participating. The `SU` flags on Po1 further confirm the port-channel is Layer 2 (`S`) and in use (`U`), not Layer 3. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to quickly read EtherChannel status flags and avoid the common trap of assuming all listed ports are active—especially when a `D` flag appears. A frequent distractor is misinterpreting `SU` as Layer 3, but remember `S` always means Layer 2. Memory tip: think of the flags as a health report—`P` for "present and working," `D` for "down and out."
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vlans and trunking. 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
Group Port-channel Protocol Ports ------+-------------+-----------+-------------------------------------------- 1 Po1(SU) LACP Gi0/1(P) Gi0/2(P) Gi0/3(D)
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
Clue words in this question
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.
The EtherChannel is using PAgP.
Why wrong: The protocol is shown as LACP.
Port Gi0/3 is bundled in the channel.
Why wrong: Gi0/3 has flag D (down), not P (bundled).
The port-channel is a Layer 3 interface.
Why wrong: The flag 'S' indicates Layer 2.
The EtherChannel has two active member links.
Gi0/1 and Gi0/2 are marked P (bundled), so two links are active.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The EtherChannel has two active member links.
The output shows that Gi0/1 and Gi0/2 have a flag of 'P' (bundled in port-channel), while Gi0/3 has a flag of 'D' (down). Therefore, only two ports are actively bundled, making option D correct. The 'SU' flags on Po1 indicate the port-channel is Layer 2 (S) and in use (U), not Layer 3.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The EtherChannel is using PAgP.
Why it's wrong here
The protocol is shown as LACP.
Port Gi0/3 is bundled in the channel.
Why it's wrong here
Gi0/3 has flag D (down), not P (bundled).
The port-channel is a Layer 3 interface.
Why it's wrong here
The flag 'S' indicates Layer 2.
The EtherChannel has two active member links.
Why this is correct
Gi0/1 and Gi0/2 are marked P (bundled), so two links are active.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the interpretation of the 'show etherchannel summary' flags, where candidates mistakenly assume a port listed in the output is active, ignoring the specific flag character (e.g., 'D' vs 'P').
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The protocol is shown as LACP.
Detailed technical explanation
LACP (IEEE 802.3ad) uses the 'SU' flags to denote a Layer 2 port-channel in use, while 'RU' would indicate Layer 3. The 'P' flag means the port has successfully negotiated LACP and is actively forwarding traffic, whereas 'D' indicates the port is administratively or operationally down, often due to mismatched parameters (e.g., speed, duplex, VLAN) or a physical issue. In real-world scenarios, a down port in an EtherChannel can cause traffic loss if the remaining links lack sufficient capacity.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
VLANs and Trunking — This question tests VLANs and Trunking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The EtherChannel has two active member links. — The output shows that Gi0/1 and Gi0/2 have a flag of 'P' (bundled in port-channel), while Gi0/3 has a flag of 'D' (down). Therefore, only two ports are actively bundled, making option D correct. The 'SU' flags on Po1 indicate the port-channel is Layer 2 (S) and in use (U), not Layer 3.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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