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200-301 · Question #413

How is the native VLAN secured in a network?

The correct answer is D. configure it as a different VLAN ID on each end of the link. To secure the native VLAN, it should be configured as a different, unused VLAN ID on each end of the trunk link, and preferably not VLAN 1, which is the default native VLAN on many switches. This prevents double-tagging attacks and isolates untagged traffic.

Submitted by tarun92· Mar 5, 2026

Question

How is the native VLAN secured in a network?

Options

  • Aseparate from other VLANs within the administrative domain
  • Bgive it a value in the private VLAN range
  • Cassign it as VLAN 1
  • Dconfigure it as a different VLAN ID on each end of the link

How the community answered

(38 responses)
  • A
    3% (1)
  • B
    16% (6)
  • C
    8% (3)
  • D
    74% (28)

Why each option

To secure the native VLAN, it should be configured as a different, unused VLAN ID on each end of the trunk link, and preferably not VLAN 1, which is the default native VLAN on many switches. This prevents double-tagging attacks and isolates untagged traffic.

Aseparate from other VLANs within the administrative domain

While separating it is good, merely being separate doesn't define the specific security mechanism for the native VLAN itself.

Bgive it a value in the private VLAN range

Giving it a value in the private VLAN range relates to Private VLAN (PVLAN) technology, which is a different security feature, not the primary method for securing the native VLAN.

Cassign it as VLAN 1

Assigning it as VLAN 1 is the default and often insecure configuration, as VLAN 1 is a well-known VLAN that attackers frequently target.

Dconfigure it as a different VLAN ID on each end of the linkCorrect

Securing the native VLAN involves configuring it to use an arbitrary, unused VLAN ID (not VLAN 1) on each end of a trunk link, making sure the IDs match. This practice helps prevent VLAN hopping attacks, especially double-tagging attacks, by ensuring untagged traffic is not sent to a well-known or critical VLAN.

Concept tested: Native VLAN security best practices

Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3850/software/release/3se/vlan/configuration_guide/b_vlan_3se_3850_cg/b_vlan_3se_3850_cg_chapter_011.html

Topics

#Native VLAN#VLAN security#Trunking

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