Cisco CCNA (200-301)Network AccessHard

A network technician is configuring an EtherChannel using LACP between two Cisco Catalyst 2960 switches. The technician has bundled four physical interfaces (Gi0/1 to Gi0/4) into Port-channel1. After configuration, the `show etherchannel summary` command output shows the following for Port-channel1: `Po1(SD)`. What does the 'D' flag indicate in this output?

  1. AThe Port-channel is in a Down state.
  2. BThe Port-channel is configured for PAgP.
  3. CThe Port-channel is configured for Dynamic LACP.
  4. DThe Port-channel is in a suspended state.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. The Port-channel is in a suspended state.

In the `show etherchannel summary` output, the 'D' flag indicates that the Port-channel is in a 'suspended' state. This often happens due to an EtherChannel guard, a protocol mismatch, or a configuration error preventing the bundle from forming or forwarding traffic.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. The 'D' flag does not mean 'Down' in the general sense; it specifically means 'suspended'.
  • B. PAgP would typically show 'P' or 'S' flags for protocol state, not 'D' for suspended.
  • C. 'Dynamic' is implied by LACP, but 'D' specifically means suspended.

EtherChannel Summary Flags

Flags in the `show etherchannel summary` command output provide quick status indications for an EtherChannel bundle on Cisco switches.

  • S: Layer 2 EtherChannel.
  • U: In use (forwarding).
  • D: Individual port state is down or suspended.
  • P: Port-channel in PAgP mode.
  • L: Port-channel in LACP mode.

Memory trick: SUM: S-L2, U-Up, D-Down, L-LACP, P-PAgP.

More Network Access questions