- A
NFV decouples network functions from proprietary hardware appliances.
Correct because the core principle of NFV is to run network functions as software on standard servers, eliminating dependence on dedicated hardware.
- B
NFV requires specialized ASICs to achieve line-rate performance.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NFV uses general-purpose servers; performance is achieved through software optimization and data plane acceleration technologies like DPDK, not specialized ASICs.
- C
Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) run on top of the NFV Infrastructure (NFVI).
Correct because VNFs are software implementations of network functions that execute on the NFVI, which includes compute, storage, and networking resources.
- D
The VNF Manager is solely responsible for resource orchestration across multiple VIMs.
Why wrong: Incorrect because resource orchestration across multiple VIMs is performed by the NFV Orchestrator (NFVO), not the VNF Manager, which focuses on VNF lifecycle management.
- E
NFV mandates the use of virtual machines and cannot use container-based deployments.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NFV supports both virtual machines and containers; container-based VNFs are increasingly common, especially with platforms like Kubernetes.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) run on top of the NFV Infrastructure (NFVI). This is true because NFV architecture fundamentally decouples network functions from proprietary hardware, allowing VNFs—software implementations of services like routers or firewalls—to execute on the NFVI, which comprises standard compute, storage, and networking resources. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the separation between software and hardware layers; a common trap is confusing the NFV Orchestrator with the VNF Manager, as the Orchestrator handles broader lifecycle management across services, not just individual VNFs. Remember that NFVI is the physical and virtual resource pool, while VNFs are the software workloads running on it—think of NFVI as the stage and VNFs as the actors. A useful memory tip: VNFs sit on NFVI, just like apps sit on an operating system.
CCNP Network Function Virtualization Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of network function virtualization. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 Network Function Virtualization (NFV) architecture 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
NFV decouples network functions from proprietary hardware appliances.
NFV decouples network functions from dedicated hardware, running them as software on standard servers. The NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) includes compute, storage, and networking resources, while VNFs are the software implementations of network functions. Option A is correct because NFV indeed separates software from hardware. Option C is correct because VNFs run on NFVI. Option B is incorrect because NFV does not require proprietary hardware; it uses standard servers. Option D is incorrect because the NFV Orchestrator handles lifecycle management, not just the VNF Manager. Option E is incorrect because NFV can use both virtual machines and containers.
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.
- ✓
NFV decouples network functions from proprietary hardware appliances.
Why this is correct
Correct because the core principle of NFV is to run network functions as software on standard servers, eliminating dependence on dedicated hardware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
NFV requires specialized ASICs to achieve line-rate performance.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NFV uses general-purpose servers; performance is achieved through software optimization and data plane acceleration technologies like DPDK, not specialized ASICs.
- ✓
Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) run on top of the NFV Infrastructure (NFVI).
Why this is correct
Correct because VNFs are software implementations of network functions that execute on the NFVI, which includes compute, storage, and networking resources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The VNF Manager is solely responsible for resource orchestration across multiple VIMs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because resource orchestration across multiple VIMs is performed by the NFV Orchestrator (NFVO), not the VNF Manager, which focuses on VNF lifecycle management.
- ✗
NFV mandates the use of virtual machines and cannot use container-based deployments.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NFV supports both virtual machines and containers; container-based VNFs are increasingly common, especially with platforms like Kubernetes.
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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Network Function Virtualization — study guide chapter
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Network Function Virtualization practice questions
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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: NFV decouples network functions from proprietary hardware appliances. — NFV decouples network functions from dedicated hardware, running them as software on standard servers. The NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) includes compute, storage, and networking resources, while VNFs are the software implementations of network functions. Option A is correct because NFV indeed separates software from hardware. Option C is correct because VNFs run on NFVI. Option B is incorrect because NFV does not require proprietary hardware; it uses standard servers. Option D is incorrect because the NFV Orchestrator handles lifecycle management, not just the VNF Manager. Option E is incorrect because NFV can use both virtual machines and containers.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which two statements about NFV architecture and components are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.The NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) includes compute, storage, and networking resources that host VNFs.
- ✓ B.Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) are software implementations of network functions that run on virtualized infrastructure.
- C.Each VNF must be deployed on its own dedicated physical server to ensure performance isolation.
- D.The Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) is responsible for managing the lifecycle of VNFs.
- E.The NFV Orchestrator is primarily responsible for allocating virtual resources to VNFs.
Why A: 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.
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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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