Quick Answer
The answer is the HX Data Platform, which serves as the data plane replication protocol in a Cisco HyperFlex cluster. This is correct because the HX Data Platform is a distributed, log-structured file system that synchronously replicates data across nodes at the hypervisor level, managing all I/O operations and ensuring data consistency without relying on external protocols like Fibre Channel or iSCSI. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of the separation between the management plane (vCenter) and the data plane, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose a storage protocol like NFS or Fibre Channel. Remember that HyperFlex’s data plane is entirely software-defined and embedded in the hypervisor kernel, not a traditional SAN protocol. A helpful memory tip: think “HX Data Platform handles the data, vCenter handles the management” — the “HX” in the protocol name directly mirrors the cluster’s own name, reinforcing that it is the native replication engine.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of compute. 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.
In a Cisco HyperFlex cluster, the management plane uses vCenter, but the data plane uses which protocol to replicate data across nodes?
Fibre Channel
Why wrong: FC is not used in HyperFlex data path.
HX Data Platform
HyperFlex uses its own HX Data Platform protocol for data replication and distribution.
NFS
Why wrong: NFS is used for file sharing, not HyperFlex data replication.
iSCSI
Why wrong: iSCSI is block storage protocol, not used for replication in HyperFlex.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
HX Data Platform
In a Cisco HyperFlex cluster, the data plane replication across nodes is handled by the HX Data Platform, which is a distributed, log-structured file system that synchronously replicates data at the hypervisor level. This platform manages all I/O operations and ensures data consistency across the cluster without relying on external storage protocols like Fibre Channel or iSCSI.
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.
Fibre Channel
Why it's wrong here
FC is not used in HyperFlex data path.
HX Data Platform
Why this is correct
HyperFlex uses its own HX Data Platform protocol for data replication and distribution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
NFS
Why it's wrong here
NFS is used for file sharing, not HyperFlex data replication.
iSCSI
Why it's wrong here
iSCSI is block storage protocol, not used for replication in HyperFlex.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between the management plane (vCenter) and the data plane (HX Data Platform), and the trap here is that candidates may confuse the data replication protocol with common storage protocols like NFS or iSCSI, which are used for external storage access but not for HyperFlex's internal replication.
Detailed technical explanation
The HX Data Platform uses a log-structured file system that writes data sequentially to a distributed object store, with synchronous replication to at least one other node (or more, depending on the replication factor) before acknowledging the write to the hypervisor. This design ensures crash consistency and eliminates the need for traditional RAID or external storage arrays, as the cluster itself provides data protection and high availability. In a real-world scenario, if a node fails, the HX Data Platform automatically rebuilds the missing data from replicas on surviving nodes without requiring manual intervention.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-601 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Compute — This question tests Compute — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: HX Data Platform — In a Cisco HyperFlex cluster, the data plane replication across nodes is handled by the HX Data Platform, which is a distributed, log-structured file system that synchronously replicates data at the hypervisor level. This platform manages all I/O operations and ensures data consistency across the cluster without relying on external storage protocols like Fibre Channel or iSCSI.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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