CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a Cisco router interface with the IP address 192.168.10.1/24. The engineer wants to ensure that the interface can send and receive packets on the local subnet. Which command must be used to enable the interface?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that assigning an IP address automatically enables the interface, but Cisco interfaces require an explicit no shutdown.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
no shutdown
On Cisco routers, interfaces are administratively down by default. To enable an interface after configuring it, the no shutdown command must be entered in interface configuration mode. Without it, the interface will not pass traffic, regardless of IP address, speed, or duplex settings. The other commands configure parameters but do not change the administrative state.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
duplex full
Why it's wrong here
The duplex full command sets the duplex mode to full-duplex, but it does not administratively enable the interface. Duplex settings affect how the interface handles simultaneous transmission and reception, but they are only relevant once the interface is up. This command is not required to enable the interface; the no shutdown command is.
- ✗
ip address 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0
Why it's wrong here
This command assigns the IP address and subnet mask to the interface, but it does not enable the interface. The interface remains administratively down until the no shutdown command is issued. Configuring an IP address alone is insufficient for the interface to become operational. The question asks for the command to enable the interface, not to assign an address.
- ✗
speed 1000
Why it's wrong here
The speed 1000 command sets the interface speed to 1000 Mbps, but it does not enable the interface. Speed configuration is only effective when the interface is administratively up. Like duplex, it is a parameter that affects operation but does not bring the interface out of shutdown state. The no shutdown command is what enables the interface.
- ✓
no shutdown
Why this is correct
By default, router interfaces are administratively down. The no shutdown command changes the interface state to up, allowing it to send and receive packets. Without this command, the interface remains disabled even if an IP address is configured. This is a fundamental step in interface configuration on Cisco routers.
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Lab: Configure Extended ACL
Key term
Subnet
A subnet is a logical subdivision of an IP network, created by partitioning a larger network address space using subnet masks.
Key term
IP address
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.