The answer is that a Cisco vPC peer-link can be a single link or an EtherChannel, and that vPC allows a server to be dual-homed to two switches for active-active load balancing. This is correct because the peer-link serves as the control and data synchronization channel between the two vPC peer switches, and it must be configured as either a single physical link or a port-channel (EtherChannel) to carry the Cisco Fabric Services (CFS) protocol and BPDU updates. The dual-homing characteristic is fundamental: a downstream device connects to both switches via separate links, yet the vPC domain presents them as a single logical switch, enabling both links to forward traffic simultaneously without spanning-tree blocking. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of vPC’s role in data center fabric design, often appearing in questions that contrast vPC with traditional spanning-tree or port-channel topologies. A common trap is assuming the peer-link must always be an EtherChannel, but Cisco permits a single link for smaller deployments. Memory tip: think “vPC = virtual PortChannel, but the peer-link can be a single wire or a bundle.”
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.
Which TWO characteristics are true about Cisco VPC? (Choose two)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
VPC allows dual-homing of a server to two different switches.
Option A is correct because Cisco Virtual PortChannel (vPC) allows a server to be dual-homed to two different switches, enabling active-active load balancing and link redundancy. This is achieved by making the two switches appear as a single logical switch to the downstream device using the vPC protocol, which synchronizes state and forwarding information 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.
✓
VPC allows dual-homing of a server to two different switches.
Why this is correct
VPC enables a server to connect to two switches simultaneously, treating them as a single logical node.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
VPC keepalive uses Layer 2 connectivity.
Why it's wrong here
Keepalive uses Layer 3 reachability (IP) and is often sent via the management VRF.
✗
VPC requires a dedicated management VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
No dedicated management VLAN is required; the keepalive link can use an existing management interface.
✓
VPC peer-link can be a single link or EtherChannel.
Why this is correct
The peer-link is typically a port-channel but can also be a single link.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
VPC member ports can be on different VLANs on each peer.
Why it's wrong here
For a given VPC VLAN, the member ports must be in the same VLAN on both switches.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that vPC keepalive uses Layer 2 connectivity, when in fact it requires Layer 3 reachability, and that vPC member ports can have mismatched VLANs, which is not allowed because the VLAN configuration must be consistent across both peers for the vPC to operate correctly.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, vPC uses the Cisco Fabric Services (CFS) protocol over the peer link to synchronize MAC addresses, IGMP snooping states, and ARP tables between the two switches. The vPC peer-keepalive link uses a UDP-based heartbeat (default port 3200) to detect dual-active scenarios, and if the peer link fails, the vPC role election determines which switch continues forwarding traffic. In real-world deployments, the peer link is often built as a multi-chassis EtherChannel (MEC) to provide high bandwidth and redundancy.
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.
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: VPC allows dual-homing of a server to two different switches. — Option A is correct because Cisco Virtual PortChannel (vPC) allows a server to be dual-homed to two different switches, enabling active-active load balancing and link redundancy. This is achieved by making the two switches appear as a single logical switch to the downstream device using the vPC protocol, which synchronizes state and forwarding information 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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