350-601 Compute Practice Question
In a HyperFlex cluster with replication factor 2 (RF2), what is the minimum number of nodes required to sustain a single node failure?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that RF2 requires only two nodes to survive a failure, but the trap is that without a third node for quorum and replica redundancy, a single node failure in a 2-node cluster would leave only one copy of the data, violating the replication factor and causing data loss.
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
✓
3
In a HyperFlex cluster with replication factor 2 (RF2), each data block is stored on two different nodes. To survive a single node failure, the cluster must have at least three nodes: two nodes to hold the two replicas of the data, and a third node to provide a witness (or tie-breaker) for cluster quorum and to ensure data availability during the failure. With only two nodes, a single failure would leave only one replica, violating the RF2 requirement and potentially causing data loss or cluster unavailability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
3
Why this is correct
3 nodes allow one failure while still having two replicas available.
- ✗
4
Why it's wrong here
4 is possible but not minimum.
- ✗
2
Why it's wrong here
With 2 nodes, if one fails, data may be lost.
- ✗
5
Why it's wrong here
5 exceeds minimum.
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JA
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.