What does SVI stand for in the context of Cisco networking?

The term SVI stands for Switch Virtual Interface. In Cisco networking, an SVI is a virtual interface that is associated with a VLAN on a switch. It acts as a gateway for devices within that VLAN, allowing them to communicate with devices in other VLANs through inter-VLAN routing. By configuring an SVI, you can assign an IP address to a VLAN, which enables Layer 3 routing capabilities on a Layer 2 switch. This setup is essential in scenarios where multiple VLANs need to interact or access resources outside their local broadcast domain.

Understanding the function of an SVI is crucial for network design, particularly in environments with multiple VLANs, as it allows for better network segmentation, security, and efficient traffic management. The other options do not accurately represent the concept of SVI in Cisco's architecture, focusing instead on terms that do not pertain to switch configuration or VLAN management.