The correct storage policy for HyperFlex VDI performance and redundancy is dual replication with deduplication and compression. This policy delivers the highest possible performance by mirroring data across two copies for redundancy, while deduplication and compression reduce storage consumption without introducing the write latency penalty of parity-based schemes like RAID 5 or erasure coding, which are unsuitable for latency-sensitive VDI workloads. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of HyperFlex storage policies in virtualized environments, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between replication and erasure coding for VDI. A common trap is selecting RAID 5 or erasure coding for space efficiency, but remember that VDI demands low write latency, making dual replication the performance-first choice. Memory tip: for VDI, think “two copies, no parity” — dual replication keeps writes fast and data safe.
350-601 Compute Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of compute. 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.
A network engineer is designing a Cisco HyperFlex cluster for a virtualized environment. The cluster will run VDI workloads. Which storage policy should be selected to ensure that all VMs have the highest possible performance while maintaining data redundancy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Dual replication with deduplication and compression
For VDI workloads in a Cisco HyperFlex cluster, the storage policy must balance performance and data redundancy. Dual replication with deduplication and compression provides the highest performance by using two copies of data (mirroring) for redundancy, while deduplication and compression reduce storage overhead without the write penalty of parity-based schemes. This avoids the performance degradation of RAID 5 parity or erasure coding, which are unsuitable for latency-sensitive VDI.
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.
✗
Triple replication with RAID 5 parity
Why it's wrong here
Triple replication uses more capacity and RAID 5 can have performance overhead.
✗
Erasure coding with deduplication
Why it's wrong here
Erasure coding has higher CPU overhead and lower performance than replication for VDI.
✓
Dual replication with deduplication and compression
Why this is correct
Dual replication provides redundancy, and deduplication/compression reduce capacity, while caching maintains performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
No replication with compression
Why it's wrong here
No replication means no redundancy, which is unacceptable for VDI.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that erasure coding or RAID parity is always better for space efficiency, but in VDI scenarios, the write penalty of these methods makes dual replication the correct choice for performance-sensitive workloads.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco HyperFlex, the default storage policy for VDI is dual replication (mirroring) because it offers the lowest write latency by writing two copies in parallel, avoiding the read-modify-write cycle of parity-based schemes. Deduplication and compression operate inline at the hypervisor level, reducing the effective storage footprint without impacting write performance, as they are applied after the write is acknowledged. This is critical for VDI boot storms, where hundreds of VMs simultaneously write to disk, as mirroring ensures consistent low latency.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Compute — This question tests Compute — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Dual replication with deduplication and compression — For VDI workloads in a Cisco HyperFlex cluster, the storage policy must balance performance and data redundancy. Dual replication with deduplication and compression provides the highest performance by using two copies of data (mirroring) for redundancy, while deduplication and compression reduce storage overhead without the write penalty of parity-based schemes. This avoids the performance degradation of RAID 5 parity or erasure coding, which are unsuitable for latency-sensitive VDI.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 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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Question Discussion
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