350-401 Architecture Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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
✓
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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interface vlan 100
Why it's wrong here
interface vlan 100 creates a switched virtual interface (SVI), which is a Layer 3 logical interface used for routing or management of a VLAN. It does not create the VLAN itself; rather, it references an existing VLAN ID. If VLAN 100 has not been created in the switch's VLAN database, the SVI will remain in a down/down state and cannot be used. This command is intended for inter-VLAN routing or remote access, not for defining the VLAN's existence.
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name VLAN100
Why it's wrong here
name VLAN100 is an administrative command that assigns a descriptive label to an already-existing VLAN. It is executed from VLAN configuration mode, which is entered after the VLAN has been created with the vlan 100 command. Without a pre-existing VLAN, this command has no effect because there is no VLAN to name. Naming does not create or modify the VLAN's Layer 2 properties; it simply provides a human-readable identifier for network administrators.
- ✓
vlan 100
Why this is correct
vlan 100 is the global configuration command that creates a new VLAN with ID 100 and immediately enters VLAN configuration mode. This is the required first step when establishing a new VLAN, as it adds the VLAN to the switch's local VLAN database. From this mode, you can set optional parameters such as the VLAN name, MTU, or other interface-specific settings. Issuing this command makes the VLAN available for subsequent operations like assigning access ports or creating an SVI.
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switchport access vlan 100
Why it's wrong here
switchport access vlan 100 is an interface configuration command that assigns a switchport as an access port in VLAN 100. It only maps a physical port to an existing VLAN identifier; it does not create the VLAN in the switch's VLAN database. If VLAN 100 has not been created first, the port will be associated with a non-existent or inactive VLAN, and traffic will not be forwarded. The correct sequence is to create the VLAN with vlan 100 and then assign ports using this command.
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