CCNP Virtualization Practice Question
A network engineer is deploying a virtualized branch solution using Cisco Enterprise Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure Software (NFVIS). The goal is to run multiple virtual network functions such as a virtual router and a virtual firewall on a single Cisco UCS E-Series or C-Series server at the branch. Which statement accurately describes how NFVIS supports this deployment?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming NFVIS is only an orchestration overlay or that it removes the hypervisor, when it actually embeds a KVM hypervisor to host multiple VNFs.
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
✓
NFVIS provides a hypervisor and lifecycle management for hosting multiple VNFs on the branch server
Cisco NFVIS is a KVM-based virtualization platform that supplies the hypervisor, VM lifecycle management, and orchestration needed to run multiple virtual network functions on a single branch server. This enables consolidating a virtual router, virtual firewall, and other services at the branch, which matches the engineer's deployment goal.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
NFVIS provides a hypervisor and lifecycle management for hosting multiple VNFs on the branch server
Why this is correct
Cisco NFVIS is a Linux KVM-based virtualization platform that provides the hypervisor, VM lifecycle management, and orchestration APIs needed to host multiple virtual network functions on a single branch server. It allows the engineer to deploy, monitor, and manage VNFs such as virtual routers and firewalls from a centralized interface, directly supporting the multi-VNF branch design in the scenario.
- ✗
NFVIS replaces the need for any hypervisor by running VNFs directly on bare metal without virtualization
Why it's wrong here
NFVIS itself includes a KVM-based hypervisor layer, so virtualization is integral to how it runs VNFs. It does not eliminate the hypervisor or run VNFs as bare-metal processes. Stating otherwise mischaracterizes the architecture and would incorrectly suggest that isolation and VM management features are unnecessary, which conflicts with the multi-VNF branch deployment described.
- ✗
NFVIS only supports a single VNF per physical server and cannot host multiple virtual machines
Why it's wrong here
NFVIS is specifically designed to host multiple virtual network functions concurrently on one server by providing a KVM hypervisor and resource management. Claiming it supports only a single VNF contradicts its core purpose of consolidating branch services. This option misrepresents the platform's capabilities and would not meet the requirement to run a virtual router and virtual firewall together.
- ✗
NFVIS is a cloud-only orchestration tool that cannot run on branch appliances
Why it's wrong here
NFVIS is purpose-built for branch and edge platforms such as Cisco UCS E-Series and C-Series servers, not exclusively for cloud environments. It runs on-premises at the branch to host VNFs locally, reducing backhaul and improving service agility. This option wrongly limits the platform to cloud-only use and ignores its primary role in branch virtualization, making it incorrect for the scenario.
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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.