100-150 Practice Question: A network technician is configuring a new Cisco switch and needs to assign an IP address…
A network technician is configuring a new Cisco switch and needs to assign an IP address to the management VLAN interface so the switch can be reached remotely via SSH. The switch currently has no VLAN interfaces configured. Which command must the technician use to create the management interface and enter interface configuration mode?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse VLAN creation with SVI creation: the vlan command defines a VLAN, but the interface vlan command creates the Layer 3 interface needed for management IP assignment.
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 to a Cisco switch, an SVI must be configured. The command interface vlan 1 creates the SVI for VLAN 1 and enters interface configuration mode, where an IP address can be assigned. Physical ports are Layer 2 and cannot hold IP addresses, and the vlan command only creates VLANs, not interfaces.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
vlan 1
Why it's wrong here
This command creates or modifies a VLAN in the VLAN database, but it does not create a Layer 3 interface. The vlan command is used to define VLANs and assign names, not to configure an SVI for management access. To assign an IP address, an SVI must be created using interface vlan 1.
- ✗
interface fastethernet 0/1
Why it's wrong here
This enters configuration for a physical switch port, which is a Layer 2 interface. Physical switch ports do not accept IP addresses directly in Cisco IOS (unless configured as routed ports on multilayer switches). The management IP must be assigned to an SVI, not a physical interface. This command would not create a management interface.
- ✗
ip address 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0
Why it's wrong here
This command assigns an IP address to an interface, but it must be executed from within interface configuration mode. It does not create the interface itself. The technician first needs to create the VLAN interface and then enter this command. Using it at the global configuration prompt would result in an error.
- ✓
interface vlan 1
Why this is correct
This command creates the switched virtual interface (SVI) for VLAN 1 and enters interface configuration mode. In Cisco IOS, the management IP is typically assigned to an SVI, and VLAN 1 is the default management VLAN. After entering this command, the technician can use ip address to assign the IP and no shutdown to enable it.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Security Systems Architect · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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