On the network shown in the figure, VLAN 2 is created on SWA and SWB,...

To ensure communication between Host A and Host B, we need to analyze the network topology, VLAN configuration, and the role of SWC as an intermediate switch. Let’s break it down step by step, based on VLAN and trunking principles as outlined in HCIA Datacom documentation:

Understanding the Current Network Configuration:

Host A and Host B: Both are connected to SWA and SWB, respectively, via access ports assigned to VLAN 2. Access ports carry untagged traffic for a single VLAN (in this case, VLAN 2), so Host A and Host B are part of VLAN 2.

SWA and SWB Trunk Interfaces: G0/0/1 on SWA and G0/0/2 on SWB are configured as trunk interfaces allowing all VLANs. Trunk ports carry tagged traffic for multiple VLANs (including VLAN 2 in this case) and are used to interconnect switches, enabling VLAN traffic to pass between them. Since these trunk ports allow all VLANs, VLAN 2 traffic can traverse between SWA and SWB.

SWC: SWC is the intermediate switch connecting SWA and SWB via its G0/0/1 (connected to SWA’s G0/0/1) and G0/0/2 (connected to SWB’s G0/0/2). However, the diagram and question do not specify SWC’s current VLAN or port configurations. By default, if no VLAN or trunk configuration exists on SWC, VLAN 2 traffic cannot pass through SWC, preventing communication between Host A and Host B.

Requirements for Communication Between Host A and Host B:

For Host A and Host B (both in VLAN 2) to communicate across the network, VLAN 2 traffic must be able to traverse SWC. This requires:

VLAN 2 to be created on SWC so that the switch recognizes and processes traffic for that VLAN.

The interfaces on SWC (G0/0/1 and G0/0/2) connecting to SWA and SWB must be configured as trunk ports to carry tagged VLAN 2 traffic, matching the trunk configuration on SWA’s G0/0/1 and SWB’s G0/0/2.

Trunk ports are necessary because they can carry traffic for multiple VLANs (tagged) and are typically used between switches to maintain VLAN consistency across the network.

Evaluating Each Option:

A. Create VLAN 2 on SWC.

Creating VLAN 2 on SWC is necessary, but it alone is insufficient. Without configuring the ports (G0/0/1 and G0/0/2) as trunk interfaces allowing VLAN 2, the VLAN traffic cannot pass through SWC. This option is incomplete and incorrect.

B. Configure G0/0/1 on SWC as a trunk interface that allows packets from VLAN 2 to pass through.

Configuring G0/0/1 as a trunk interface allowing VLAN 2 is part of the solution, but it only addresses the connection to SWA. G0/0/2 (connected to SWB) also needs to be configured as a trunk interface allowing VLAN 2 for bidirectional communication between Host A and Host B. This option is incomplete and incorrect.

C. Create VLAN 2 on SWC, and configure G0/0/1 and G0/0/2 as trunk interfaces that allow packets from VLAN 2 to pass through.

This option addresses all requirements:

Creating VLAN 2 on SWC ensures the switch recognizes VLAN 2 traffic.

Configuring both G0/0/1 and G0/0/2 as trunk interfaces allowing VLAN 2 ensures that tagged VLAN 2 traffic can pass between SWA and SWB through SWC, enabling communication between Host A and Host B.

This is the complete and correct solution, aligning with VLAN and trunking principles in HCIA Datacom.

D. On SWC, configure G0/0/1 as a trunk interface that allows packets from VLAN 2 to pass through, configure G0/0/2 as an access interface, and set the PVID to 2.

Configuring G0/0/1 as a trunk interface allowing VLAN 2 is correct for the connection to SWA. However, configuring G0/0/2 as an access interface with PVID 2 (Port VLAN ID) is incorrect for this scenario:

Access ports carry untagged traffic for a single VLAN and are typically used for end devices, not for interconnecting switches. Since SWB’s G0/0/2 is a trunk interface allowing all VLANs, G0/0/2 on SWC must also be a trunk interface to match and carry VLAN 2 traffic.

Using an access port on G0/0/2 would prevent VLAN 2 traffic from passing correctly, as it would expect untagged traffic only for VLAN 2, which conflicts with SWB’s trunk configuration.

This option is incorrect because it mixes access and trunk port types inappropriately for inter-switch links.

Conclusion:

To ensure communication between Host A and Host B (both in VLAN 2), SWC must:

Create VLAN 2.

Configure G0/0/1 and G0/0/2 as trunk interfaces allowing VLAN 2 traffic.

Option C fulfills these requirements, making it the correct answer.

Answer: C

References from HCIA Datacom Documents:

HCIA Datacom V3.0, Chapter 4: VLAN Technologies – Access and Trunk Port Configurations

HCIA Datacom V3.0, Chapter 4: VLAN Trunking and Inter-VLAN Routing – Configuring Trunk Ports for VLAN Traffic

Huawei VLAN Configuration Guide (HCIA Datacom Certification Material) – VLAN Creation and Port Link Types