CCNP Infrastructure Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a new Cisco Catalyst switch and needs to assign a management IP address to VLAN 1. Which command is used to enter the interface configuration mode for VLAN 1?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse the command to create a VLAN (vlan 1) with the command to configure its Layer 3 interface (interface vlan 1). Creating a VLAN does not automatically create an SVI.
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
✓
interface vlan 1
To assign a management IP address to VLAN 1 on a Cisco switch, you must configure the switched virtual interface (SVI) for VLAN 1. The command 'interface vlan 1' enters interface configuration mode for that SVI, where you can then use the 'ip address' command to assign an IP address and enable the interface with 'no shutdown'.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
interface fastethernet 0/1
Why it's wrong here
The command 'interface fastethernet 0/1' enters the configuration mode for a physical FastEthernet port. While you can assign an IP address to a physical interface, it is not the correct way to assign a management IP to a VLAN. Physical interfaces are typically used for Layer 2 switching, not for management VLAN interfaces.
- ✓
interface vlan 1
Why this is correct
The command 'interface vlan 1' is used to create or enter the configuration mode for the switched virtual interface (SVI) associated with VLAN 1. This allows the administrator to assign an IP address to the VLAN interface, enabling management access to the switch. This is the correct command to configure a management IP on VLAN 1.
- ✗
interface range vlan 1
Why it's wrong here
The command 'interface range vlan 1' is used to enter configuration mode for a range of VLAN interfaces. It is valid syntax but not typically used for a single VLAN. The standard command to configure a single VLAN interface is 'interface vlan 1'. Since the question asks for the command to enter interface configuration mode for VLAN 1, this option is not the best answer.
- ✗
vlan 1
Why it's wrong here
The command 'vlan 1' is used in global configuration mode to create a VLAN and enter VLAN configuration mode. It does not allow you to assign an IP address. To assign an IP address, you must configure the SVI using the 'interface vlan 1' command. Therefore, this option is incorrect for the stated task.
Visual reference
About these practice questions
This 350-401 question is part of Courseiva's 1,923-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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 350-401 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 350-401 exam.