The answer is to enable the global command `ip routing` on the multilayer switch. While the Switch Virtual Interfaces (SVIs) for VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 are correctly configured and reachable by their respective hosts, the switch is still operating as a Layer 2 device by default. Without `ip routing` enabled, the switch can respond to pings on each SVI locally, but it lacks the Layer 3 forwarding engine required to route packets between those VLANs. This is a classic CCNA 200-301 v2 trap: many candidates assume that creating an SVI automatically enables inter-VLAN routing, but it does not—the switch must be explicitly told to route. The exam tests your understanding that a multilayer switch is a router that needs its routing capability turned on. A helpful memory tip is "SVIs are the doors, but `ip routing` is the hallway connecting them."
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: a multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A multilayer switch has SVIs for VLAN 10 and VLAN 20. Hosts in both VLANs can reach their local SVI, but they cannot reach each other. Which additional configuration is most likely required?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable `ip routing` on the multilayer switch.
The most likely missing configuration is `ip routing`. In practical terms, the switch already has Layer 3 gateway interfaces for the VLANs, which is why hosts can reach their local SVI. But inter-VLAN communication still requires the switch to actually route between those VLAN interfaces. Without IP routing enabled, the SVIs can exist and respond locally without forwarding traffic between them.
This is a classic multilayer-switch question because many learners assume that creating SVIs automatically enables inter-VLAN routing. It does not. The device must also be told to behave as a Layer 3 forwarding device across those VLAN interfaces.
Key principle: A multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Enable `ip routing` on the multilayer switch.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the switch needs Layer 3 routing enabled to forward traffic between SVIs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
A multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication.
✗
Convert all access ports into trunks.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because host-facing ports do not all need to be trunks for inter-VLAN routing to work.
When this WOULD be correct
In a scenario where the question specifies that hosts in VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 are connected to access ports and need to communicate with devices in another VLAN that is only reachable via trunk links, converting access ports to trunks would be necessary to allow VLAN tagging and proper routing.
✗
Make both VLANs use the same IP subnet.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because separate VLANs normally use separate IP networks for routed inter-VLAN communication.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the question states that both VLANs need to communicate but are assigned to the same subnet due to a misconfiguration, then making both VLANs use the same IP subnet would be necessary to allow inter-VLAN communication.
✗
Disable spanning tree on both VLANs.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because STP is not the missing requirement for routing between SVIs.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where a question states that VLANs are experiencing excessive broadcast traffic and network loops, and the requirement is to optimize the network by removing spanning tree protocol, then disabling spanning tree could be the correct answer.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Enable `ip routing` on the multilayer switch.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because the switch needs Layer 3 routing enabled to forward traffic between SVIs.
✗Convert all access ports into trunks.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Converting all access ports to trunks is unnecessary and incorrect because host-facing ports should remain access ports assigned to a single VLAN. Trunks are used to carry multiple VLANs between switches, not to connect end hosts. This change would not enable inter-VLAN routing.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a scenario where the question specifies that hosts in VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 are connected to access ports and need to communicate with devices in another VLAN that is only reachable via trunk links, converting access ports to trunks would be necessary to allow VLAN tagging and proper routing.
Why candidates choose this
A student might think that trunks are needed to carry traffic between VLANs, but inter-VLAN routing is a Layer 3 function, not a Layer 2 trunking issue. The confusion arises from mixing the concepts of VLAN trunking and routing.
✗Make both VLANs use the same IP subnet.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Making both VLANs use the same IP subnet would break the fundamental purpose of VLANs, which is to separate broadcast domains and logically segment the network. Hosts in different VLANs must be in different subnets for proper routing; otherwise, they would expect to communicate directly at Layer 2, which is not possible across VLANs.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the question states that both VLANs need to communicate but are assigned to the same subnet due to a misconfiguration, then making both VLANs use the same IP subnet would be necessary to allow inter-VLAN communication.
Why candidates choose this
A student might think that using the same subnet would allow hosts to communicate directly, but this ignores that VLANs are separate broadcast domains. Even with the same subnet, hosts in different VLANs cannot communicate without a router, and the switch would not forward frames between VLANs at Layer 2.
✗Disable spanning tree on both VLANs.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Disabling Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) on both VLANs would not enable inter-VLAN routing; it would only risk creating Layer 2 loops and broadcast storms. STP is a loop-prevention mechanism and has no role in Layer 3 routing between VLANs.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where a question states that VLANs are experiencing excessive broadcast traffic and network loops, and the requirement is to optimize the network by removing spanning tree protocol, then disabling spanning tree could be the correct answer.
Why candidates choose this
A student might incorrectly associate STP with blocking traffic and think that disabling it would allow traffic to flow freely. However, STP does not block inter-VLAN traffic; it only prevents loops in redundant topologies. The real issue is the lack of IP routing.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Don't assume SVIs automatically enable inter-VLAN routing; IP routing must be explicitly enabled.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A multilayer switch combines Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing capabilities within a single device. It uses Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs) to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for VLANs, enabling hosts within each VLAN to communicate with their local subnet. However, SVIs alone do not enable inter-VLAN routing; the device must have IP routing explicitly enabled to forward packets between different VLANs. Without this, the switch treats each VLAN as isolated, allowing local communication but blocking traffic between VLANs.
The key configuration step to enable inter-VLAN routing on a multilayer switch is the activation of the 'ip routing' command. This command turns on the Layer 3 routing engine, allowing the switch to route traffic between SVIs associated with different VLANs. When 'ip routing' is enabled, the switch builds a routing table and forwards packets between VLANs based on their IP addresses. This is essential for hosts in separate VLANs to communicate, as VLANs represent distinct IP subnets.
A common exam trap is assuming that creating SVIs automatically enables routing between VLANs. Many candidates mistakenly believe that simply assigning IP addresses to SVIs is sufficient. In reality, without the 'ip routing' command, the multilayer switch cannot route traffic between VLANs, causing inter-VLAN communication failure. Practically, this means hosts can ping their default gatewaySVI but cannot reach hosts in other VLANs until routing is enabled.
KKey Concepts to Remember
A multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication.
The 'ip routing' command must be enabled on a multilayer switch to activate Layer 3 routing between SVIs and VLANs.
Without 'ip routing', SVIs respond locally but do not forward traffic between VLANs, preventing inter-VLAN communication.
Each VLAN typically uses a unique IP subnet to separate broadcast domains and enable routing between VLANs.
Access ports connect hosts to a single VLAN and do not need to be trunk ports for inter-VLAN routing to function.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) manages Layer 2 loops and does not affect Layer 3 routing between VLANs on a multilayer switch.
Enabling 'ip routing' causes the multilayer switch to build a routing table and forward packets based on IP addresses.
A common mistake is assuming SVIs alone enable routing; explicit activation of routing is required for inter-VLAN traffic.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
A multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Review a multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Switching and Network Access — This question tests Switching and Network Access — A multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable `ip routing` on the multilayer switch. — The most likely missing configuration is `ip routing`. In practical terms, the switch already has Layer 3 gateway interfaces for the VLANs, which is why hosts can reach their local SVI. But inter-VLAN communication still requires the switch to actually route between those VLAN interfaces. Without IP routing enabled, the SVIs can exist and respond locally without forwarding traffic between them.
This is a classic multilayer-switch question because many learners assume that creating SVIs automatically enables inter-VLAN routing. It does not. The device must also be told to behave as a Layer 3 forwarding device across those VLAN interfaces.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review a multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
A multilayer switch uses SVIs to provide Layer 3 gateway interfaces for each VLAN, enabling local subnet communication.
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A multilayer switch must route traffic between VLAN 10 and VLAN 20. Which condition is required for that to happen?
hard
✓ A.SVIs for the VLANs plus Layer 3 routing enabled on the switch
B.All ports in both VLANs configured as trunks
C.A separate OSPF process on every access port
D.Port security disabled on every edge port
Why A: Inter-VLAN routing on a multilayer switch depends on having functional Layer 3 gateway interfaces for the VLANs and routing enabled on the switch. In plain language, the switch needs a routed brain for each VLAN, usually in the form of SVIs, and it must actually be operating as a Layer 3 device rather than only as a pure Layer 2 switch. Without those conditions, traffic may switch inside a VLAN but cannot be routed between different VLANs.
This is a core CCNA design idea because people often assume creating VLANs alone automatically gives them inter-VLAN communication. In reality, VLANs create separation, and routing is what reconnects them under controlled conditions. A trunk between switches can carry VLAN traffic, but it does not itself perform Layer 3 routing between the VLANs. The correct answer is the requirement that makes the switch act as the gateway between VLANs.
Variation 2. A multilayer switch has working SVIs for VLAN 10 and VLAN 20, but traffic between the VLANs fails. Hosts can ping their own gateway interfaces. Which misconfiguration is most strongly suggested if the SVIs themselves are correct?
hard
✓ A.IP routing is not enabled on the multilayer switch.
B.Both VLANs need to use the same IP subnet.
C.All access ports must be converted into trunks.
D.The wireless controller must provide the default gateway.
Why A: The correct answer is A: IP routing is not enabled. The switch can ping SVIs locally because they are directly connected, but without `ip routing`, it cannot forward packets between VLANs. Option B is wrong because different VLANs require different subnets for routing. Option C is wrong because access ports do not need to be trunks; SVIs handle routing at Layer 3. Option D is wrong because the wireless controller does not provide the default gateway for wired VLAN routing; the SVI does.
Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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