Question 618 of 1,389
CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
A REST API query returns this JSON snippet:
{
"interface": {
"name": "GigabitEthernet1",
"admin-status": "up",
"oper-status": "down"
}
}What does this indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Be careful not to confuse 'admin-status' with 'oper-status'. They represent different states of the interface.
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
✓
The interface is enabled but the link is not operational.
The interface is administratively enabled, but it is not operationally passing traffic or achieving link.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The interface is shut down by configuration.
Why it's wrong here
This option is incorrect because an interface that is shut down by configuration would have an administrative status of 'down', which is the definition of administratively down. The provided JSON snippet clearly indicates the admin status is 'up', proving the interface has not been disabled via the 'shutdown' command, even though the operational status is down.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different scenario where the JSON snippet indicated 'admin-status': 'down', a question could ask what the configuration state of the interface is. In that case, option A would be correct, as it would indicate the interface is administratively shut down.
- ✓
The interface is enabled but the link is not operational.
Why this is correct
With the JSON output showing an administrative status of 'up' and an operational status of 'down', the interface is administratively enabled (not manually disabled) but has no working link. This typically means there is no cable connected, the remote peer is down, or the physical/media layer is faulty, so the link cannot carry traffic.
- ✗
The interface is operating normally.
Why it's wrong here
This option is wrong because an interface that is operating normally would have both administrative status 'up' and operational status 'up', meaning the link is active and passing traffic. Here, operational status is 'down', so the interface is not functioning normally; there is a fault at the physical or data-link layer preventing it from being operational.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question setup where the operational status of the interface is explicitly stated as 'up', a candidate might choose this option to indicate that the interface is functioning correctly and passing traffic as expected.
- ✗
The interface is a loopback.
Why it's wrong here
This is not a loopback interface because loopback interfaces in Cisco IOS are always administratively up and operationally up, regardless of the presence of a physical link. The snippet shows 'oper down', which would never occur for a loopback; loopbacks also lack a physical link status and are always in an 'up/up' state unless explicitly shut down.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question context where the JSON snippet indicates an interface with an operational status of 'up' and is explicitly identified as a loopback interface, this option would be correct. For example, if the question asked about the characteristics of loopback interfaces, this option would apply.
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.
✓The interface is enabled but the link is not operational.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
With the JSON output showing an administrative status of 'up' and an operational status of 'down', the interface is administratively enabled (not manually disabled) but has no working link. This typically means there is no cable connected, the remote peer is down, or the physical/media layer is faulty, so the link cannot carry traffic.
✗The interface is shut down by configuration.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The admin-status is 'up', which means the interface is not administratively shut down. A shut down interface would show admin-status as 'down'.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different scenario where the JSON snippet indicated 'admin-status': 'down', a question could ask what the configuration state of the interface is. In that case, option A would be correct, as it would indicate the interface is administratively shut down.
Why candidates choose this
Students may confuse 'oper-status: down' with an administrative shutdown, but the admin-status field clearly indicates the interface is enabled.
✗The interface is operating normally.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
An interface operating normally would have oper-status 'up'. The oper-status 'down' indicates the interface is not passing traffic, so it is not functioning normally.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question setup where the operational status of the interface is explicitly stated as 'up', a candidate might choose this option to indicate that the interface is functioning correctly and passing traffic as expected.
Why candidates choose this
Students might see admin-status 'up' and assume the interface is working, but they must check oper-status to confirm actual operation.
✗The interface is a loopback.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
A loopback interface is a virtual interface that is always up/up (admin up, oper up) unless administratively shut down. The JSON shows oper-status 'down', which is not typical for a loopback.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question context where the JSON snippet indicates an interface with an operational status of 'up' and is explicitly identified as a loopback interface, this option would be correct. For example, if the question asked about the characteristics of loopback interfaces, this option would apply.
Why candidates choose this
Students may think any interface with 'up' admin-status is a loopback, but loopback interfaces are virtual and have different characteristics.
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?”
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Last reviewed: Apr 12, 2026
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