In a VLAN environment, what is the function of the SVI?

In a VLAN environment, what is the function of the SVI?

• A. It provides the switch's management IP
• B. It acts as the default gateway for the VLAN
• C. It stores MAC address tables
• D. It builds spanning tree topology

Answer: (B)

In VLANs, a Switch Virtual Interface (SVI) provides a Layer 3 interface for a specific VLAN, giving that VLAN its own IP address. Devices in that VLAN use the SVI’s IP as their default gateway. When a host wants to reach a different subnet, it sends the traffic to this gateway, and the switch can route the traffic to other VLANs or networks. That gateway role is why this is the best choice—the SVI is the point through which VLAN-host traffic exits the VLAN to reach other networks. Note that the SVI isn’t what stores MAC address tables or builds the spanning tree topology. MAC address learning and STP are handled by other mechanisms in the switch; the SVI’s main job is to provide the VLAN’s IP for routing and as a gateway (and it can serve as a management IP if configured for switch management).

In VLANs, a Switch Virtual Interface (SVI) provides a Layer 3 interface for a specific VLAN, giving that VLAN its own IP address. Devices in that VLAN use the SVI’s IP as their default gateway. When a host wants to reach a different subnet, it sends the traffic to this gateway, and the switch can route the traffic to other VLANs or networks. That gateway role is why this is the best choice—the SVI is the point through which VLAN-host traffic exits the VLAN to reach other networks.

Note that the SVI isn’t what stores MAC address tables or builds the spanning tree topology. MAC address learning and STP are handled by other mechanisms in the switch; the SVI’s main job is to provide the VLAN’s IP for routing and as a gateway (and it can serve as a management IP if configured for switch management).