Quick Answer
The answer is the `vlan 100` command entered in global configuration mode. This is correct because on a Cisco IOS switch, the VLAN database is not a separate configuration mode for creating VLANs in modern IOS versions; instead, the `vlan` command, followed by the VLAN ID, is executed directly from global configuration mode to create the VLAN and enter VLAN configuration mode, where optional parameters like a name can be set. The VLAN becomes active immediately upon creation, provided the switch operates in VTP server or transparent mode. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of the shift from the legacy `vlan database` command to the streamlined global configuration method, a common trap where candidates mistakenly look for a separate database mode. A helpful memory tip: think of the command as a direct declaration—just type "vlan 100" at the global prompt to instantly create and activate the VLAN.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. 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.
A network administrator is configuring a new VLAN 100 on a switch and wants to ensure that the VLAN is created and active. Which command is required to create a VLAN in the VLAN database?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
interface vlan 100
Why wrong: This creates a switched virtual interface (SVI), not a VLAN.
name VLAN100
Why wrong: This command assigns a name to a VLAN but does not create it.
vlan 100
This command creates VLAN 100 and enters VLAN configuration mode.
switchport access vlan 100
Why wrong: This assigns an access port to a VLAN, but the VLAN must already exist.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
vlan 100
The 'vlan 100' command is executed in global configuration mode to create a VLAN in the VLAN database on a Cisco IOS switch. This command creates the VLAN and places the switch into VLAN configuration mode, where optional parameters like name can be set. The VLAN is active immediately upon creation, provided the switch is in VTP server or transparent mode.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
interface vlan 100
name VLAN100
Why it's wrong here
This command assigns a name to a VLAN but does not create it.
vlan 100
Why this is correct
This command creates VLAN 100 and enters VLAN configuration mode.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
switchport access vlan 100
Why it's wrong here
This assigns an access port to a VLAN, but the VLAN must already exist.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between creating a VLAN with 'vlan <id>' versus creating an SVI with 'interface vlan <id>', leading candidates to confuse Layer 2 VLAN creation with Layer 3 interface configuration.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command assigns a name to a VLAN but does not create it.
Detailed technical explanation
When 'vlan 100' is entered, the switch allocates a VLAN entry in the VLAN database (stored in vlan.dat on IOS-based switches) and sets its state to active. In VTP transparent mode, the VLAN is local and not advertised; in server mode, it is propagated to other switches. The VLAN remains active until explicitly shut down with the 'shutdown' command within VLAN configuration mode.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Architecture — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Architecture practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-401 questions
2,015 questions across all exam domains
ENCOR 350-401 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-401 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Architecture.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Enterprise Network Design.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-Access Architecture.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-WAN Architecture.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to QoS Architecture.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtualization.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Network Function Virtualization.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtual Machines and Hypervisors.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to VRF and Path Isolation.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Infrastructure.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to OSPF.
Practise 350-401 questions linked to BGP.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: vlan 100 — The 'vlan 100' command is executed in global configuration mode to create a VLAN in the VLAN database on a Cisco IOS switch. This command creates the VLAN and places the switch into VLAN configuration mode, where optional parameters like name can be set. The VLAN is active immediately upon creation, provided the switch is in VTP server or transparent mode.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.