350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a new Cisco IOS switch and wants to ensure that the management VLAN is isolated from user traffic. The administrator needs to assign an IP address to VLAN 1 for management access. Which command should be used to enter the interface configuration mode for VLAN 1?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse VLAN creation with SVI configuration, thinking that creating a VLAN automatically allows 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 an IP address to a VLAN for management, you must enter the SVI configuration using 'interface vlan 1'. This creates a logical Layer 3 interface for that VLAN. The other options either configure physical interfaces, create the VLAN without Layer 3, or are incomplete without entering the interface mode first.
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 vlan 1
Why this is correct
The command 'interface vlan 1' enters the configuration mode for the switched virtual interface (SVI) associated with VLAN 1. This allows the administrator to assign an IP address to the management VLAN. This is the correct method to configure Layer 3 connectivity on a switch for management purposes. It is a fundamental step in setting up in-band management on Cisco switches.
- ✗
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
Why it's wrong here
This command assigns an IP address to the current interface, but it must be executed within an interface configuration mode. Without first entering 'interface vlan 1', this command would be invalid in global configuration mode. It is a necessary step after entering the SVI, but not the command to enter that mode.
- ✗
interface fastethernet 0/1
Why it's wrong here
This command enters the configuration mode for a physical FastEthernet port, not a VLAN interface. Physical interfaces are used for connecting devices and can be assigned to VLANs, but they do not directly provide management access for a specific VLAN unless configured as routed ports. The scenario requires assigning an IP address to VLAN 1, which is done via an SVI, not a physical interface.
- ✗
vlan 1
Why it's wrong here
The command 'vlan 1' in global configuration mode creates or modifies the VLAN itself, but it does not allow IP address assignment. It is used to name the VLAN or configure other VLAN parameters, but not for Layer 3 configuration. To assign an IP address, you must enter the SVI configuration with 'interface vlan 1'.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every 350-401 question from scratch — 1,923 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or 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.