Quick Answer
The answer is that without the global "ip routing" command, the Nexus switches will not forward traffic between VLANs. This is because Nexus 9300 switches, by default, operate as Layer 2 devices; enabling "ip routing" globally activates the switch’s Layer 3 forwarding engine, allowing it to route packets between SVIs and act as a default gateway. Without it, the switch can only switch frames within the same VLAN using MAC addresses, so servers can communicate locally but any attempt to reach the configured SVI gateway fails at Layer 3. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this is a classic trap: candidates often assume that creating an SVI automatically enables routing, but the "ip routing" command is a separate, mandatory global toggle. A common memory tip is "No ip routing, no inter-VLAN routing"—think of it as the master switch for all Layer 3 functionality on Nexus platforms.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 mid-size organization is upgrading its data center network to support server virtualization. They have deployed two Nexus 9300 switches as access switches for their server racks. The servers are configured with VLAN tagging and connect to the switches using trunks. The network administrator needs to ensure that the switches can provide default gateway services to the servers to reduce latency. They have configured interface VLAN interfaces and HSRP for redundancy. After implementation, the servers can communicate within the same VLAN but fail to reach the default gateway. The network administrator checks the switch configuration and finds that "ip routing" is not enabled globally. What is the most likely impact of this missing configuration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
The switches will not forward traffic between VLANs.
ip routing is required for inter-VLAN forwarding.
The servers will not receive DHCP addresses.
Why wrong: DHCP relay works with ip helper, not dependent on ip routing.
HSRP will not elect an active router.
Why wrong: HSRP works on interface regardless of ip routing.
The VLAN interfaces will not come up.
Why wrong: VLAN interfaces can come up without ip routing.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The switches will not forward traffic between VLANs.
Without the 'ip routing' command enabled globally, the Nexus 9300 switches operate as Layer 2 devices only. This means they can forward frames within the same VLAN (since that relies on MAC address learning and switching), but they cannot perform IP routing between VLANs or route traffic to the configured SVI (VLAN interface) default gateway. The servers can communicate within the same VLAN because that is purely Layer 2 switching, but any attempt to reach the default gateway (which requires Layer 3 forwarding) fails because the switch does not have IP routing enabled.
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.
The switches will not forward traffic between VLANs.
Why this is correct
ip routing is required for inter-VLAN forwarding.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The servers will not receive DHCP addresses.
Why it's wrong here
DHCP relay works with ip helper, not dependent on ip routing.
HSRP will not elect an active router.
Why it's wrong here
HSRP works on interface regardless of ip routing.
The VLAN interfaces will not come up.
Why it's wrong here
VLAN interfaces can come up without ip routing.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that HSRP or SVI functionality requires global IP routing to be enabled, when in fact HSRP can operate and SVIs can come up without 'ip routing', but inter-VLAN routing and default gateway reachability will fail.
Detailed technical explanation
On Nexus switches, the 'ip routing' command enables the forwarding of IP packets between SVIs and physical routed interfaces. Without it, the switch behaves as a pure Layer 2 switch, and any SVI configured with an IP address will respond to ARP requests but will not forward packets destined for other subnets. In a real-world scenario, this is a common misconfiguration when migrating from a collapsed-core design to a routed access layer, where administrators forget to enable IP routing after configuring SVIs and HSRP.
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.
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FAQ
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The switches will not forward traffic between VLANs. — Without the 'ip routing' command enabled globally, the Nexus 9300 switches operate as Layer 2 devices only. This means they can forward frames within the same VLAN (since that relies on MAC address learning and switching), but they cannot perform IP routing between VLANs or route traffic to the configured SVI (VLAN interface) default gateway. The servers can communicate within the same VLAN because that is purely Layer 2 switching, but any attempt to reach the default gateway (which requires Layer 3 forwarding) fails because the switch does not have IP routing enabled.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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