Quick Answer
The correct order begins with entering global configuration mode, then interface configuration mode for VLAN 1, assigning the IPv4 address 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0, enabling the interface with no shutdown, assigning the IPv6 address 2001:db8:1::1/64, exiting back to global configuration, and finally setting the default gateway to 192.168.1.1. This sequence is correct because the switch management IP address must be configured on the VLAN 1 Switch Virtual Interface (SVI), and the interface must be administratively up before IPv6 can be applied; the default gateway command is a global command, not an interface subcommand, so you must exit interface mode first. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of SVI configuration order and the critical distinction between interface-level and global-level commands—a common trap is placing the default gateway step inside interface configuration mode. Remember the mnemonic “GIVE-EG”: Global config, Interface VLAN 1, IPv4 address, Verify no shutdown, Exit, Gateway.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure a Cisco switch with an IPv4 management address 192.168.1.10/24, an IPv6 address 2001:db8:1::1/64, and a default gateway 192.168.1.1.
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
Enter global configuration mode using the configure terminal command.
Correct order: 1. Enter global configuration mode – all subsequent configuration commands require this mode. 2. Enter interface configuration mode for VLAN 1 – the management SVI must be selected to apply IP settings. 3. Assign the IPv4 address 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0 – sets the switch's management IPv4 address and subnet mask. 4. Enable the interface with the no shutdown command – activates the SVI so it can send and receive traffic. 5. Assign the IPv6 address 2001:db8:1::1/64 – enables IPv6 processing and statically configures a global unicast address. 6. Exit interface configuration mode to return to global configuration mode – required because the default gateway command is a global configuration command, not an interface subcommand. 7. Set the default gateway to 192.168.1.1 using the ip default-gateway command – provides the next-hop router for IPv4 traffic leaving the local subnet.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enter global configuration mode using the configure terminal command. — Correct order: 1. Enter global configuration mode – all subsequent configuration commands require this mode. 2. Enter interface configuration mode for VLAN 1 – the management SVI must be selected to apply IP settings. 3. Assign the IPv4 address 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0 – sets the switch's management IPv4 address and subnet mask. 4. Enable the interface with the no shutdown command – activates the SVI so it can send and receive traffic. 5. Assign the IPv6 address 2001:db8:1::1/64 – enables IPv6 processing and statically configures a global unicast address. 6. Exit interface configuration mode to return to global configuration mode – required because the default gateway command is a global configuration command, not an interface subcommand. 7. Set the default gateway to 192.168.1.1 using the ip default-gateway command – provides the next-hop router for IPv4 traffic leaving the local subnet.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 14, 2026
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.
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