Quick Answer
The answer is the `peer-keepalive destination <ip>` command. This command is mandatory because it establishes a dedicated Layer 3 keepalive link between the two VPC peers, which is the only mechanism that allows each switch to independently monitor the liveness of its peer and synchronize critical configuration states. Without this keepalive, the VPC domain cannot detect a peer failure or maintain consistent forwarding, making it a non-negotiable component for any VPC deployment on Nexus 9000 switches. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept often appears in scenario-based questions where a candidate must identify the missing command in a partial VPC configuration; a common trap is confusing the peer-keepalive link with the VPC peer-link (which carries data traffic). Remember the mnemonic: “Keep the peer alive to keep the VPC alive”—the destination IP is the heartbeat that prevents split-brain scenarios.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network engineer is configuring a VPC on a pair of Nexus 9000 switches. Which command is required to synchronize the configuration between the VPC peers?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
auto-recovery.
Why wrong: Auto-recovery is an optional feature for VPC.
peer-keepalive destination <ip>.
Peer-keepalive is mandatory for VPC to monitor peer liveliness.
vpc domain <id>.
Why wrong: This command defines the VPC domain but does not synchronize.
role preempt.
Why wrong: Role preempt is optional for role election.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
peer-keepalive destination <ip>.
Option B is correct because the `peer-keepalive destination <ip>` command configures a Layer 3 keepalive link between VPC peers, which is essential for monitoring peer liveness and synchronizing configuration states. Without this keepalive, the VPC peers cannot detect failures or maintain consistent forwarding, making it a mandatory component for VPC configuration on Nexus 9000 switches.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
auto-recovery.
Why it's wrong here
Auto-recovery is an optional feature for VPC.
peer-keepalive destination <ip>.
Why this is correct
Peer-keepalive is mandatory for VPC to monitor peer liveliness.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
vpc domain <id>.
Why it's wrong here
This command defines the VPC domain but does not synchronize.
role preempt.
Why it's wrong here
Role preempt is optional for role election.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between the peer-keepalive (Layer 3) and the peer-link (Layer 2) — candidates mistakenly think the peer-link alone synchronizes configurations, but the keepalive is mandatory for liveness detection and configuration sync initiation.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command defines the VPC domain but does not synchronize.
Detailed technical explanation
The VPC peer-keepalive link uses a UDP-based mechanism (default port 5000) to exchange heartbeat messages every second, ensuring both peers are alive and the VPC domain remains stable. Configuration synchronization is achieved via the Cisco Fabric Services (CFS) protocol over the peer-link, but the keepalive is required to validate peer reachability before any synchronization can occur. In real-world scenarios, a misconfigured or missing keepalive can lead to split-brain conditions where both switches act as primary, causing traffic disruption.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: peer-keepalive destination <ip>. — Option B is correct because the `peer-keepalive destination <ip>` command configures a Layer 3 keepalive link between VPC peers, which is essential for monitoring peer liveness and synchronizing configuration states. Without this keepalive, the VPC peers cannot detect failures or maintain consistent forwarding, making it a mandatory component for VPC configuration on Nexus 9000 switches.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This 350-601 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 350-601 exam.
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