The answer is to configure an IP address on the management VLAN. This is the foundational step because SSH relies on TCP/IP connectivity to establish an encrypted session; without an IP address assigned to the switch’s management interface, the device cannot be reached over the network, making any subsequent SSH configuration—like setting a domain name or generating RSA keys—pointless. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of the OSI model’s Network Layer prerequisites for application-layer services, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose “generate crypto keys” first. Remember, the switch must be a network host before it can be a secure shell server. A simple memory tip: IP first, then SSH—think of it as addressing the house before installing the lock.
N10-009 Network Implementation Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network administrator is configuring a new switch for management access via SSH. Which step must be performed FIRST?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Why wrong: RSA keys are needed for SSH, but they cannot be generated until the switch has a hostname and domain name, and IP connectivity should be established first to ensure management access.
B
Configure a VTY password.
Why wrong: VTY passwords are part of SSH configuration, but the switch must be reachable first.
C
Enable SSH version 2.
Why wrong: Enabling SSH version is part of the configuration, but it requires IP connectivity and key generation.
D
Configure an IP address on the management VLAN.
Without an IP address, the switch cannot be reached over the network; this is the most fundamental step for remote management.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an IP address on the management VLAN.
Before SSH can function, the switch must have an IP address assigned to the management VLAN (typically VLAN 1 or a dedicated management VLAN) so that the switch is reachable over the network. Without this IP configuration, the switch cannot establish the TCP/IP connectivity required for SSH sessions, making it the foundational step that must be performed first.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Generate RSA key pair.
Why it's wrong here
RSA keys are needed for SSH, but they cannot be generated until the switch has a hostname and domain name, and IP connectivity should be established first to ensure management access.
✗
Configure a VTY password.
Why it's wrong here
VTY passwords are part of SSH configuration, but the switch must be reachable first.
✗
Enable SSH version 2.
Why it's wrong here
Enabling SSH version is part of the configuration, but it requires IP connectivity and key generation.
✓
Configure an IP address on the management VLAN.
Why this is correct
Without an IP address, the switch cannot be reached over the network; this is the most fundamental step for remote management.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume SSH configuration begins with key generation or version selection, forgetting that the switch must first have an IP address on the management VLAN to be reachable for any remote management protocol.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
On Cisco switches, the management VLAN interface (e.g., interface Vlan1) must be configured with an IP address and brought to an 'up/up' state using the 'no shutdown' command. This IP address serves as the source for all management traffic, including SSH, SNMP, and Telnet. Without this layer-3 interface, the switch cannot participate in IP routing or respond to SSH connection attempts, regardless of other SSH-related configurations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Implementation — This question tests Network Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an IP address on the management VLAN. — Before SSH can function, the switch must have an IP address assigned to the management VLAN (typically VLAN 1 or a dedicated management VLAN) so that the switch is reachable over the network. Without this IP configuration, the switch cannot establish the TCP/IP connectivity required for SSH sessions, making it the foundational step that must be performed first.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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