The answer is that the vPC domain ID must be identical on both peer switches. This is a fundamental prerequisite because the domain ID acts as a shared identifier that allows the two Nexus switches to recognize each other as members of the same vPC system, enabling them to synchronize control-plane state and forward traffic as a single logical entity. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this condition is frequently tested alongside two other mandatory requirements: both peers must run the same NX-OS software version, and they must be directly connected via a dedicated Layer 2 peer-link. A common trap is assuming that different software versions are acceptable as long as the domain ID matches, but version mismatches can cause inconsistent forwarding or a failure to form the vPC entirely. To remember the three conditions, use the mnemonic “DSP” — Domain ID, Software version, and Peer-link.
350-601 Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of network. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Which THREE conditions must be met for a Cisco Nexus switch to form a vPC? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Both switches must run the same NX-OS software version
Option C is correct because Cisco vPC requires both peer switches to run the same NX-OS software version to ensure consistent feature support, protocol behavior, and configuration syntax. Version mismatches can lead to unexpected failures, such as the vPC not forming or inconsistent forwarding states across the peer-link.
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.
✗
Both switches must use the same routing protocol
Why it's wrong here
Routing protocols can differ; vPC does not mandate same routing protocol.
✗
The peer-keepalive link must be carried over the peer-link
Why it's wrong here
Peer-keepalive must be a separate L3 link, not over the peer-link.
✓
Both switches must run the same NX-OS software version
Why this is correct
Same version ensures feature compatibility and stability.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
A dedicated peer-link port-channel must be configured
Why this is correct
The peer-link is a required port-channel for vPC control and data traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The vPC domain ID must be identical on both switches
Why this is correct
Domain ID must match for vPC to form.
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 peer-keepalive link must traverse the peer-link, when in fact it must be a separate Layer 3 path to avoid a single point of failure for vPC health monitoring.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The vPC peer-keepalive link uses UDP port 3200 to exchange heartbeat messages every second (default interval) to detect dual-active scenarios. The peer-link is a standard 802.3ad LACPport-channel that carries control-plane traffic (e.g., BPDUs, LACP, and vPC member port state information) and data-plane traffic for vPC VLANs; separating the keepalive from the peer-link ensures that a peer-link failure does not prevent the keepalive mechanism from triggering a consistency check or role election.
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.
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: Both switches must run the same NX-OS software version — Option C is correct because Cisco vPC requires both peer switches to run the same NX-OS software version to ensure consistent feature support, protocol behavior, and configuration syntax. Version mismatches can lead to unexpected failures, such as the vPC not forming or inconsistent forwarding states across the peer-link.
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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Question Discussion
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