Full form: Switched Virtual Interface
Also known as: Switched Virtual Interface, VLAN interface
Quick Definition
A virtual Layer 3 interface on a switch used to route between VLANs.
An SVI is a virtual interface created on a Layer 3 switch or router-on-a-stick configuration, associated with a specific VLAN. Assigning an IP address to an SVI allows the switch to route traffic between VLANs — this is called inter-VLAN routing. The SVI is logically linked to the VLAN and is up only when the VLAN exists and at least one port in the VLAN is active. SVIs also serve as management addresses for the switch.
interface vlan 10 ip address 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0 no shutdown
An SVI for a VLAN only comes up if: (1) the VLAN exists in the VLAN database, (2) at least one physical port assigned to that VLAN is in an up state, and (3) the interface is not administratively shut down.
An SVI is a virtual interface created on a Layer 3 switch or router-on-a-stick configuration, associated with a specific VLAN. Assigning an IP address to an SVI allows the switch to route traffic between VLANs — this is called inter-VLAN routing. The SVI is logically linked to the VLAN and is up only when the VLAN exists and at least one port in the VLAN is active. SVIs also serve as management addresses for the switch.
An SVI for a VLAN only comes up if: (1) the VLAN exists in the VLAN database, (2) at least one physical port assigned to that VLAN is in an up state, and (3) the interface is not administratively shut down.
SVI falls under the Routing domain of the 200-301 exam. Understanding it in context with related terms like vlan and trunk-port is essential for answering scenario-based questions correctly.