200-301 - Network Access - Section 2.3

Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (CDP and LLDP) and Layer 2/Layer 3 EtherChannel using LACP.

Use Cisco Discovery Protocol and the vendor-neutral LLDP to map directly connected neighbours, their platforms, and the ports interconnecting them. Bundle multiple physical links into one logical EtherChannel with LACP to add bandwidth and redundancy, and recognise that mismatched speed, duplex, VLAN, or trunk settings on member ports keep the bundle from forming.

Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)LLDPEtherChannelLACPLink aggregation

Practice question for this objective

Free sampleNetwork Accessmedium

An engineer is bundling three physical links between SW1 and SW2 into a single Layer 2 EtherChannel. Before the member ports will bundle, the configuration on every member interface must be consistent on both switches. Which three interface settings must be identical across all member ports for them to join the same EtherChannel? Select THREE.

  • AThe duplex setting configured on each member interface Correct
  • BThe interface description string entered on each member port
  • CThe switchport mode and, on a trunk, the allowed and native VLANs Correct
  • DThe operating speed configured on each member interface Correct
  • EThe unique IP address assigned to each member interface
Recognise the interface attributes that must match across all member ports before they will bundle into one Layer 2 EtherChannel. EtherChannel requires its member ports to be compatible: speed, duplex, switchport mode, and for trunks the allowed VLAN range and native VLAN must all agree, or the mismatched port is suspended and excluded from the bundle. Cosmetic items such as a description never affect bundling, and Layer 2 members never hold their own IP address because addressing belongs on the logical port-channel.

Why A is correct: All member ports must run at the same duplex; a port whose duplex differs from the others is held out of the bundle, so duplex is a required consistency setting.

Why B is wrong: A description is a local label only and has no effect on bundling; ports with different descriptions bundle normally, so it is tempting cosmetic detail but not a requirement.

Why C is correct: Every member must agree on access or trunk mode and, for trunks, the same allowed VLANs and native VLAN, or the inconsistent port is excluded from the channel.

Why D is correct: Member ports must share the same speed; mixing a port at a different speed prevents it joining, so consistent speed across all members is mandatory.

Why E is wrong: Layer 2 member ports carry no IP address at all, and a routed bundle is addressed on the port-channel, not on the members, so per-member IP addresses are wrong here.

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