After the IOS loads from flash, what is the next step in the switch boot sequence using default settings?

After the IOS loads from flash memory, the next step in the switch boot sequence is to locate and load the startup-config file from NVRAM. This is a crucial step as the startup configuration contains the settings that determine how the switch operates after booting up.

When the switch powers on, it first initializes its hardware and loads the IOS software. Once the IOS is operational, it needs to configure the device according to defined parameters, which are stored in NVRAM. The startup-config file includes configurations for interfaces, VLANs, and other operational parameters that dictate the functional behavior of the switch.

In the default process, if the startup-config file is found in NVRAM, the switch will load these settings and apply them. If no startup-config file is present, the switch will enter the initial configuration dialog or start with a blank configuration, requiring the administrator to set it up manually.

The other options involve tasks that are either part of different processes or not typically the next immediate step following the IOS load. For example, testing interfaces and checking for software updates may occur as part of ongoing maintenance or operational tasks, but they do not follow directly after loading the IOS. Similarly, initializing the management interface happens in the context of the overall