- A
To store backup copies of all cluster data
Why wrong: The witness does not store data; it only maintains quorum state.
- B
To offload data replication processing
Why wrong: Data replication is handled by the HXDP across storage nodes.
- C
To provide a centralized management interface
Why wrong: Management is done via HX Connect or vCenter plugin, not the witness.
- D
To act as a tie-breaker for cluster quorum
The witness ensures cluster availability by voting in the event of a failure.
Question 251 of 1,000
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.
In a HyperFlex cluster, what is the function of the witness VM?
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
✓
To act as a tie-breaker for cluster quorum
The witness VM in a HyperFlex cluster is a lightweight virtual machine that participates in the cluster's quorum process. It provides a tie-breaking vote when the cluster experiences a split-brain scenario, ensuring that only one side of the cluster remains operational and data integrity is maintained. Without the witness, the cluster could become unavailable if an even number of nodes lose connectivity.
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.
- ✗
To store backup copies of all cluster data
Why it's wrong here
The witness does not store data; it only maintains quorum state.
- ✗
To offload data replication processing
Why it's wrong here
Data replication is handled by the HXDP across storage nodes.
- ✗
To provide a centralized management interface
Why it's wrong here
Management is done via HX Connect or vCenter plugin, not the witness.
- ✓
To act as a tie-breaker for cluster quorum
Why this is correct
The witness ensures cluster availability by voting in the event of a failure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that the witness VM is used for backup or management, but its sole purpose is to provide a quorum vote in split-brain scenarios, not to store data or offload processing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The witness VM uses a small amount of resources (typically 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM, and 8 GB disk) and runs on a separate ESXi host or vCenter to maintain independence from the cluster nodes. In a three-node HyperFlex cluster, the witness ensures that if two nodes fail, the remaining node can still achieve quorum (2 out of 3 votes) and continue serving data. This design prevents the cluster from entering a read-only or offline state during network partitions.
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 — study guide chapter
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Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-601 question test?
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: To act as a tie-breaker for cluster quorum — The witness VM in a HyperFlex cluster is a lightweight virtual machine that participates in the cluster's quorum process. It provides a tie-breaking vote when the cluster experiences a split-brain scenario, ensuring that only one side of the cluster remains operational and data integrity is maintained. Without the witness, the cluster could become unavailable if an even number of nodes lose connectivity.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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