- A
A standard virtual switch (vSwitch) operates at Layer 2 and can forward frames between virtual machines on the same host.
Correct because a vSwitch is a Layer 2 switch that connects VMs within a host.
- B
A distributed virtual switch (DVS) provides consistent network configuration across multiple ESXi hosts in a cluster.
Correct because a DVS centralizes network settings and spans multiple hosts.
- C
Virtual switches support VLAN tagging using IEEE 802.1Q trunking between the hypervisor and physical switches.
Correct because virtual switches can be configured with VLAN IDs to segregate traffic.
- D
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) must always be enabled on virtual switches to prevent loops in the virtual network.
Why wrong: Incorrect because virtual switches do not use STP; loops are avoided by design (no redundant paths within a single vSwitch).
- E
A virtual switch can only be configured with a single port group for all virtual machines.
Why wrong: Incorrect because a virtual switch supports multiple port groups, each with different VLAN or policy settings.
Quick Answer
The answer is that virtual switches support VLAN tagging using IEEE 802.1Q trunking between the hypervisor and physical switches. This is correct because a virtual switch, whether standard or distributed, operates at Layer 2 within the hypervisor, forwarding frames between virtual machines and the physical NIC. It uses 802.1Q tags to segregate traffic across VLANs, allowing multiple logical networks to share a single physical uplink without requiring Spanning Tree Protocol, as the hypervisor’s architecture inherently prevents loops. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how virtual networking integrates with physical infrastructure, often appearing in questions that contrast standard vSwitches (host-local) with distributed switches (spanning multiple hosts). A common trap is assuming virtual switches need STP or that they operate like physical switches; remember, they do not run STP because the hypervisor controls all paths. Memory tip: “No loops, no STP—just tags and trunks.”
CCNP Virtual Machines and Hypervisors Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of virtual machines and hypervisors. 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 three statements about virtual networking and hypervisor switches are true? (Choose three.)
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
A standard virtual switch (vSwitch) operates at Layer 2 and can forward frames between virtual machines on the same host.
Virtual switches (vSwitch) forward frames between VMs and physical NICs. They support VLANs and port groups. A distributed switch spans multiple hosts. Virtual switches do not require STP because loops are prevented by design.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A standard virtual switch (vSwitch) operates at Layer 2 and can forward frames between virtual machines on the same host.
Why this is correct
Correct because a vSwitch is a Layer 2 switch that connects VMs within a host.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
A distributed virtual switch (DVS) provides consistent network configuration across multiple ESXi hosts in a cluster.
Why this is correct
Correct because a DVS centralizes network settings and spans multiple hosts.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✓
Virtual switches support VLAN tagging using IEEE 802.1Q trunking between the hypervisor and physical switches.
- ✗
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) must always be enabled on virtual switches to prevent loops in the virtual network.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because virtual switches do not use STP; loops are avoided by design (no redundant paths within a single vSwitch).
- ✗
A virtual switch can only be configured with a single port group for all virtual machines.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because a virtual switch supports multiple port groups, each with different VLAN or policy settings.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Virtual Machines and Hypervisors — This question tests Virtual Machines and Hypervisors — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A standard virtual switch (vSwitch) operates at Layer 2 and can forward frames between virtual machines on the same host. — Virtual switches (vSwitch) forward frames between VMs and physical NICs. They support VLANs and port groups. A distributed switch spans multiple hosts. Virtual switches do not require STP because loops are prevented by design.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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