Question 1,842 of 1,958
350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
Which TWO actions are valid for configuring 802.1Q trunking on a Cisco switch? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between commands that configure trunking parameters (like native VLAN) versus commands that actually enable trunking mode, causing candidates to select 'switchport trunk native vlan 1' as a trunking configuration command.
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
✓
switchport mode dynamic auto
'switchport mode dynamic auto', is valid because it enables DTP negotiation to establish an 802.1Q trunk when the remote switch is configured as desirable or trunk. Option E, 'switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q', explicitly sets the trunking encapsulation to 802.1Q, directly configuring 802.1Q trunking. Option B, 'switchport mode trunk', is incorrect because it enables trunking but does not guarantee 802.1Q encapsulation; on older switches it may default to ISL. Therefore, it is not a complete command for configuring 802.1Q trunking.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
switchport mode dynamic auto
Why this is correct
Dynamic auto allows the interface to negotiate trunking; it is a valid configuration for 802.1Q trunking when the remote side is set appropriately.
- ✗
switchport mode trunk
Why it's wrong here
This command enables trunking but does not specify 802.1Q encapsulation; the default could be ISL on older switches, so it does not directly configure 802.1Q trunking.
- ✗
switchport mode access
Why it's wrong here
Access mode is for non-trunk links and does not support 802.1Q trunking.
- ✗
switchport trunk native vlan 1
Why it's wrong here
This sets the native VLAN but does not enable or configure trunking.
- ✓
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
Why this is correct
Explicitly sets the trunk encapsulation to 802.1Q, directly configuring 802.1Q trunking.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.