- A
To synchronize MAC address tables
Why wrong: Synchronization occurs over the peer-link.
- B
To carry BPDUs for STP
Why wrong: BPDUs are handled in the data plane.
- C
To provide a keepalive mechanism to detect peer failure
The keepalive link sends periodic messages to verify peer liveness.
- D
To forward data traffic between vPC peers
Why wrong: Data traffic uses the peer-link.
Question 65 of 1,000
350-601 Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. 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.
What is the purpose of the vPC peer keepalive link in a vPC domain?
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 provide a keepalive mechanism to detect peer failure
The vPC peer keepalive link is a dedicated Layer 3 link used to detect a failure of the vPC peer switch. It sends periodic UDP-based keepalive messages (default every second) to ensure the peer is still operational, allowing the surviving switch to take over the vPC forwarding role. This mechanism is critical for preventing dual-active scenarios where both switches would incorrectly forward traffic for the same vPC VLAN.
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 synchronize MAC address tables
Why it's wrong here
Synchronization occurs over the peer-link.
- ✗
To carry BPDUs for STP
Why it's wrong here
BPDUs are handled in the data plane.
- ✓
To provide a keepalive mechanism to detect peer failure
Why this is correct
The keepalive link sends periodic messages to verify peer liveness.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
To forward data traffic between vPC peers
Why it's wrong here
Data traffic uses the peer-link.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between the peer-link (which carries data and control traffic) and the peer keepalive link (which is only for liveness detection), and candidates mistakenly assume the keepalive link handles data or STP BPDUs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the peer keepalive link uses a UDP-based mechanism (port 3200) with a configurable interval (default 1 second) and timeout (default 5 seconds). In a real-world scenario, if the peer-link fails but the keepalive link remains up, the vPC primary switch will suspend its vPC member ports to prevent a split-brain condition, ensuring only one switch forwards traffic for the vPC VLANs. This behavior is defined by the vPC role election and the 'peer-gateway' feature can further optimize forwarding without relying on the keepalive link for data.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-601 question test?
Network — This question tests Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: To provide a keepalive mechanism to detect peer failure — The vPC peer keepalive link is a dedicated Layer 3 link used to detect a failure of the vPC peer switch. It sends periodic UDP-based keepalive messages (default every second) to ensure the peer is still operational, allowing the surviving switch to take over the vPC forwarding role. This mechanism is critical for preventing dual-active scenarios where both switches would incorrectly forward traffic for the same vPC VLAN.
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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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