350-401 Virtualization Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a Cisco IOS-XE router to support virtual routing and forwarding (VRF). The engineer wants to ensure that the VRF can be used for MPLS VPN and that the router can maintain separate routing tables. Which command is used to create a VRF named CUSTOMER?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that 'ip vrf' is still the preferred command for creating VRFs on modern IOS-XE routers, when in fact 'vrf definition' is the current standard that supports both IPv4 and IPv6 address families.
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
✓
vrf definition CUSTOMER
The correct command to create a VRF named CUSTOMER on a Cisco IOS-XE router is 'vrf definition CUSTOMER'. This command creates the VRF and enters VRF configuration mode, allowing the engineer to configure address families and other parameters. The 'ip vrf' command is an older alternative but lacks support for IPv6 and is not recommended for new deployments.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
vrf definition CUSTOMER
Why this is correct
The 'vrf definition CUSTOMER' command in global configuration mode creates a VRF instance named CUSTOMER. This command is used in Cisco IOS-XE to define a VRF and enter VRF configuration mode, where you can specify address families, route targets, and other parameters. It is the correct way to create a VRF for MPLS VPN or other segmentation purposes.
- ✗
ip vrf CUSTOMER
Why it's wrong here
The 'ip vrf CUSTOMER' command is an older method used in Cisco IOS to create a VRF, but it does not support IPv6 address families and is deprecated in favor of 'vrf definition'. On IOS-XE, using 'ip vrf' may still work for IPv4-only VRFs, but it is not the recommended command for modern configurations, especially when MPLS VPN or IPv6 support is required.
- ✗
interface vrf CUSTOMER
Why it's wrong here
The command 'interface vrf CUSTOMER' is invalid because 'interface' is used to enter interface configuration mode, not to create a VRF. To create a VRF, you must use 'vrf definition' or 'ip vrf' in global configuration mode. This command would be rejected by the CLI and would not create the desired VRF instance.
- ✗
vrf CUSTOMER
Why it's wrong here
The command 'vrf CUSTOMER' is incomplete and invalid in Cisco IOS-XE. The correct syntax requires either 'vrf definition' or 'ip vrf' followed by the VRF name. Without the keyword 'definition' or 'ip', the command will not be recognized and will result in an error, failing to create the VRF.
Go deeper
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Key term
Virtual Routing and Forwarding
Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) is a technology that allows a single physical router to operate like multiple independent routers by keeping separate routing tables and forwarding decisions for each instance.
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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
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