- A
The NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) includes compute, storage, and networking resources that host VNFs.
Correct because the NFVI provides the virtualized resources (compute, storage, network) upon which VNFs are deployed.
- B
Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) are software implementations of network functions that run on virtualized infrastructure.
Correct because VNFs replace physical appliances with software running on virtual machines or containers.
- C
Each VNF must be deployed on its own dedicated physical server to ensure performance isolation.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NFV allows multiple VNFs to share the same physical hardware using virtualization techniques.
- D
The Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) is responsible for managing the lifecycle of VNFs.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the VIM manages the NFVI resources; VNF lifecycle management is performed by the VNF Manager (VNFM).
- E
The NFV Orchestrator is primarily responsible for allocating virtual resources to VNFs.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the NFV Orchestrator handles service lifecycle and resource orchestration across multiple VNFs, while resource allocation is done by the VIM.
CCNP Network Function Virtualization Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of network function virtualization. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which two statements about NFV architecture and components are true? (Choose two.)
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 NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) includes compute, storage, and networking resources that host VNFs.
NFV decouples network functions from dedicated hardware. The NFV Infrastructure includes compute, storage, and networking resources. VNFs run on top of the NFVI. The NFV MANO framework orchestrates and manages these components. Option A is correct because NFVI provides the virtualized resources. Option B is correct because VNFs are software implementations of network functions. Option C is incorrect because NFV does not require dedicated hardware per VNF; it relies on shared infrastructure. Option D is incorrect because VNFs are managed by the VNFM, not the VIM. Option E is incorrect because the NFV Orchestrator handles lifecycle management, not just resource allocation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) includes compute, storage, and networking resources that host VNFs.
Why this is correct
Correct because the NFVI provides the virtualized resources (compute, storage, network) upon which VNFs are deployed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) are software implementations of network functions that run on virtualized infrastructure.
Why this is correct
Correct because VNFs replace physical appliances with software running on virtual machines or containers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Each VNF must be deployed on its own dedicated physical server to ensure performance isolation.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NFV allows multiple VNFs to share the same physical hardware using virtualization techniques.
- ✗
The Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) is responsible for managing the lifecycle of VNFs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the VIM manages the NFVI resources; VNF lifecycle management is performed by the VNF Manager (VNFM).
- ✗
The NFV Orchestrator is primarily responsible for allocating virtual resources to VNFs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the NFV Orchestrator handles service lifecycle and resource orchestration across multiple VNFs, while resource allocation is done by the VIM.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Network Function Virtualization — This question tests Network Function Virtualization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) includes compute, storage, and networking resources that host VNFs. — NFV decouples network functions from dedicated hardware. The NFV Infrastructure includes compute, storage, and networking resources. VNFs run on top of the NFVI. The NFV MANO framework orchestrates and manages these components. Option A is correct because NFVI provides the virtualized resources. Option B is correct because VNFs are software implementations of network functions. Option C is incorrect because NFV does not require dedicated hardware per VNF; it relies on shared infrastructure. Option D is incorrect because VNFs are managed by the VNFM, not the VIM. Option E is incorrect because the NFV Orchestrator handles lifecycle management, not just resource allocation.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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