CCNP Architecture Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a Cisco Catalyst switch to participate in a StackWise Virtual domain. The engineer needs to ensure that the two switches form a single logical entity and that the control plane is synchronized. Which statement correctly describes a requirement for StackWise Virtual operation?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming StackWise Virtual uses the same dedicated stacking cable as traditional StackWise, when it actually uses supported Ethernet ports for the virtual link.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The switches must be connected by a StackWise Virtual Link using supported ports, and they must run the same software version.
StackWise Virtual combines two physical switches into one logical switch. It requires a dedicated high-bandwidth StackWise Virtual Link using supported ports and identical software versions on both switches. This allows a single control plane, unified management, and simplified topology without Spanning Tree loops between the pair.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The switches must be configured with different hostnames and separate management IP addresses to avoid conflicts.
Why it's wrong here
In a StackWise Virtual domain, the two switches form a single logical entity with one management IP address and a unified configuration. Assigning different hostnames and separate management IPs would defeat the purpose and is not how StackWise Virtual operates. The domain uses a single control plane and management interface.
- ✗
The switches must use a dedicated StackWise cable and can be from different Catalyst switch families.
Why it's wrong here
StackWise Virtual does not use the traditional StackWise cable; it uses supported Ethernet ports for the SVL. Also, the switches must be from the same supported family and model series. Mixing different Catalyst families is not supported, so this statement is incorrect for StackWise Virtual deployment.
- ✗
The switches must be connected via a standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet uplink and can run different software versions.
Why it's wrong here
A standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet uplink is insufficient for the StackWise Virtual Link, which requires high-bandwidth supported ports. Additionally, mismatched software versions prevent the switches from forming a stable StackWise Virtual domain. Both conditions described here are incorrect for proper StackWise Virtual operation.
- ✓
The switches must be connected by a StackWise Virtual Link using supported ports, and they must run the same software version.
Why this is correct
StackWise Virtual requires a dedicated StackWise Virtual Link (SVL) between the two switches using supported high-bandwidth ports, and both switches must run identical software versions to form a single logical entity. This ensures control plane synchronization and consistent forwarding behavior, which is essential for the domain to operate correctly.
Visual reference
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.