350-401 Virtualization Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a Cisco Catalyst 9000 switch to support a VXLAN EVPN fabric. The engineer wants to enable the switch to act as a VTEP and perform VXLAN encapsulation and decapsulation. Which command must be configured to create the VXLAN tunnel interface?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that VXLAN uses a generic tunnel interface, but Cisco implements VXLAN via the NVE interface.
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 nve 1
To enable VXLAN on a Cisco switch, you must create an NVE interface using the 'interface nve 1' command. This interface is responsible for VXLAN encapsulation and decapsulation. Other interface types like tunnel, vxlan, or vlan do not provide VXLAN functionality.
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 it's wrong here
An SVI (interface vlan) is used for Layer 3 routing on a VLAN and does not provide VXLAN tunneling. VXLAN requires an NVE interface. Configuring only an SVI would not enable VXLAN encapsulation or decapsulation, so the switch could not participate in the VXLAN fabric.
- ✗
interface tunnel 1
Why it's wrong here
While 'interface tunnel' is used for other tunneling protocols like GRE or IPsec, it is not used for VXLAN. VXLAN uses the NVE interface. Configuring a tunnel interface would not enable VXLAN functionality and would not allow the switch to act as a VTEP.
- ✓
interface nve 1
Why this is correct
The 'interface nve 1' command creates a Network Virtualization Edge (NVE) interface, which is the logical interface used for VXLAN tunneling. Under this interface, you configure the source-interface and member VNIs. This is the standard way to enable VTEP functionality on Cisco platforms.
- ✗
interface vxlan 1
Why it's wrong here
There is no 'interface vxlan' command on Cisco Catalyst 9000 or Nexus switches. The correct interface type is 'nve'. Using an incorrect command would result in an error and the VTEP would not be created, preventing VXLAN encapsulation and decapsulation.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
SDN Controllers and Cisco ACI
Key term
Fabric Fundamentals
Fabric Fundamentals is the set of core concepts behind a network fabric, where switches and routers form a single logical system that simplifies traffic forwarding and automation.
Key term
VXLAN
VXLAN is a network overlay technology that encapsulates Layer 2 Ethernet frames in UDP packets to extend VLANs across Layer 3 networks.
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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.