Frame Relay point-to-point subinterfaces: When configuring point-to-point subinterfaces on a physical Frame Relay interface, which item must NOT be configured?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: An IP address on the physical interface

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Point-to-point Frame Relay subinterfaces are a classic way to avoid split-horizon and simplify addressing in hub-and-spoke topologies. Correct placement of IP addressing and DLCIs is critical for proper operation.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Physical interface carries Frame Relay encapsulation.
  • Subinterfaces are defined as point-to-point.
  • Each subinterface binds to a single DLCI and has its own IP network.


Concept / Approach:
With Frame Relay subinterfaces, Layer 3 addressing belongs on the subinterface, not on the physical interface. The physical interface provides the Layer 2 service (Frame Relay encapsulation and LMI). Each point-to-point subinterface is treated like its own logical interface with a unique IP and a single DLCI mapping.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Enable Frame Relay on the physical interface (encapsulation frame-relay) → required.Create subinterfaces and set type point-to-point → required for p2p semantics.Assign a local DLCI under each subinterface → required to bind the PVC.Do NOT assign an IP to the physical interface because each subinterface requires its own IP. Therefore, the physical interface must have no IP address.


Verification / Alternative check:
Show run should display IP addresses under subinterfaces (e.g., Serial0/0.1, Serial0/0.2) and none under the parent interface; LMI runs on the parent.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Frame Relay encapsulation on the physical: Needed for the link-layer.
Local DLCI on each subinterface: Required to identify the PVC.
Subinterface type: Must be 'point-to-point' for p2p subinterfaces.



Common Pitfalls:
Accidentally configuring an IP on the physical interface causes addressing conflicts and breaks subinterface design.



Final Answer:
An IP address on the physical interface

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