350-601 Compute Practice Question
In a HyperFlex cluster, what is the function of the cluster witness VM when replication factor 3 (RF3) is used?
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
✓
It provides a quorum vote to prevent split-brain scenarios.
With RF3, data is replicated to three nodes. The witness VM is still needed for quorum and to prevent split-brain scenarios, especially when the cluster has an even number of nodes. For a 4-node cluster with RF3, a witness helps maintain availability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It stores a third replica of all data to reduce storage requirements.
Why it's wrong here
The witness does not store data.
- ✗
It handles storage replication tasks.
Why it's wrong here
Replication is done by the nodes, not the witness.
- ✗
It serves as a backup node for failover.
Why it's wrong here
Witness is not a compute node.
- ✓
It provides a quorum vote to prevent split-brain scenarios.
Why this is correct
Correct. The witness votes for cluster decisions.
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