- A
A virtual switch can be connected to a physical network through uplink ports.
Correct. Uplink ports map to physical NICs to provide connectivity to the physical network.
- B
A virtual switch does not support VLAN tagging.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Virtual switches support 802.1Q VLAN tagging for traffic segmentation.
- C
A virtual switch performs routing between different subnets.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Virtual switches operate at Layer 2 only; routing requires a router or Layer 3 switch.
- D
A virtual switch forwards frames between virtual machines based on MAC addresses.
Correct. Virtual switches use MAC address tables to forward frames.
- E
A virtual switch is a physical device installed in the hypervisor host.
Why wrong: Incorrect. A virtual switch is a software-based switch running within the hypervisor.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that a virtual switch forwards frames between virtual machines based on MAC addresses, just like a physical switch. This is because the hypervisor virtual switch operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, maintaining a MAC address table to make forwarding decisions between VMs on the same host. Its uplink connectivity to the physical network is achieved through uplink ports mapped to the host’s physical NICs, enabling external communication. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how hypervisor virtual switching differs from physical switching—specifically that the virtual switch has no control plane and relies on the hypervisor kernel. A common trap is assuming virtual switches support STP or routing natively; they do not. For the memory tip: think of the virtual switch as a “MAC-only bridge” with uplinks as the only exit to the physical world.
CCNP Virtualization Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 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 virtual switching in a hypervisor environment are correct?
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 virtual switch can be connected to a physical network through uplink ports.
A virtual switch connects to the physical network through uplink ports, which are typically mapped to physical NICs on the hypervisor host. This allows VMs on the virtual switch to communicate with external networks, making option A correct.
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.
- ✓
A virtual switch can be connected to a physical network through uplink ports.
Why this is correct
Correct. Uplink ports map to physical NICs to provide connectivity to the physical network.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A virtual switch does not support VLAN tagging.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Virtual switches support 802.1Q VLAN tagging for traffic segmentation.
- ✗
A virtual switch performs routing between different subnets.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Virtual switches operate at Layer 2 only; routing requires a router or Layer 3 switch.
- ✓
A virtual switch forwards frames between virtual machines based on MAC addresses.
Why this is correct
Correct. Virtual switches use MAC address tables to forward frames.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A virtual switch is a physical device installed in the hypervisor host.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A virtual switch is a software-based switch running within the hypervisor.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that virtual switches are physical devices or that they perform Layer 3 functions, when in fact they are software-based Layer 2 forwarding engines that support VLANs and uplink connectivity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In hypervisors like VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V, the virtual switch maintains a MAC address table (similar to a physical switch) to forward frames between VMs and uplink ports. It can also implement features like port security, traffic shaping, and VLAN trunking. A common real-world scenario is using multiple uplink ports with NIC teaming for redundancy and load balancing.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Virtualization — This question tests Virtualization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A virtual switch can be connected to a physical network through uplink ports. — A virtual switch connects to the physical network through uplink ports, which are typically mapped to physical NICs on the hypervisor host. This allows VMs on the virtual switch to communicate with external networks, making option A correct.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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