350-601 Compute Practice Question
In a Cisco HyperFlex cluster, a new ESXi host is being added. The host is discovered, but the cluster health status shows 'Degraded'. What should be the first troubleshooting step?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that a 'Degraded' cluster health status is due to network or vCenter issues, when in fact it frequently stems from firmware or software version mismatches in the HyperFlex storage layer.
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
✓
Verify that the new host's controller VM has the same firmware version as the cluster.
When adding a new ESXi host to a Cisco HyperFlex cluster, the controller VM (CVM) firmware version must match the cluster's version. A mismatch causes the cluster health status to show 'Degraded' because the CVMs cannot properly synchronize storage operations. Verifying and aligning the firmware version is the first troubleshooting step, as it directly impacts cluster stability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reboot the new ESXi host.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting without diagnosis may not resolve the issue.
- ✓
Verify that the new host's controller VM has the same firmware version as the cluster.
Why this is correct
Firmware consistency is critical for cluster stability.
- ✗
Check if the vCenter Server is in maintenance mode.
Why it's wrong here
vCenter maintenance is not directly related to host addition.
- ✗
Delete and re-create the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
Too drastic and will cause downtime.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.