350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network engineer is implementing VXLAN on a Cisco Nexus 9000 series switch running NX-OS. The underlay network uses OSPF and the loopback0 interface of each VTEP is advertised. The engineer wants to verify that the VXLAN tunnel endpoints can communicate. Which command should be used to check the VXLAN tunnel status?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that OSPF neighbor adjacency guarantees VXLAN tunnel establishment, but underlay routing and overlay tunnels are separate and must be verified independently.
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
✓
show nve peers
The 'show nve peers' command is the correct way to verify VXLAN tunnel endpoint communication. It provides details about peer VTEPs, including their IP addresses and state. This command is essential for troubleshooting VXLAN overlay connectivity, as it directly shows whether tunnels are established and operational.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
show interface tunnel
Why it's wrong here
VXLAN does not use traditional tunnel interfaces like GRE or IPsec. It uses a Network Virtualization Edge (NVE) interface. The 'show interface tunnel' command would not display VXLAN tunnel information and is irrelevant for VXLAN troubleshooting.
- ✗
show vxlan interface
Why it's wrong here
The 'show vxlan interface' command is not valid on Cisco Nexus NX-OS. VXLAN configuration uses the 'interface nve' command, and status is checked with 'show nve interface' or 'show nve peers'. This command would return an error or not provide the required tunnel peer information.
- ✓
show nve peers
Why this is correct
The 'show nve peers' command displays the state of VXLAN tunnel endpoints (VTEPs) and their peer relationships. It shows the IP address of each peer, the VNI, and the state (Up/Down). This directly verifies if VTEPs can communicate over the underlay, which is essential for VXLAN operation.
- ✗
show ip ospf neighbor
Why it's wrong here
While OSPF is used in the underlay, 'show ip ospf neighbor' only verifies OSPF adjacency, not VXLAN tunnel status. The VTEPs could have OSPF adjacency but still fail to establish VXLAN tunnels due to other issues like incorrect VNI configuration or MTU problems.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Routing Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Metric | Max Hops | Algorithm | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIP v2 | Hop count | 15 | Bellman-Ford | Distance vector |
| OSPF | Cost (bandwidth) | Unlimited | Dijkstra (SPF) | Link state |
| EIGRP | Composite metric | Unlimited | DUAL | Hybrid |
| IS-IS | Cost | Unlimited | Dijkstra | Link state |
| BGP | Policy / attributes | Unlimited | Path vector | Path vector |
RIP's 15-hop limit makes it unsuitable for large networks. OSPF and EIGRP dominate modern enterprise deployments.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting Tools
Key term
Fabric Fundamentals
Fabric Fundamentals is the set of core concepts behind a network fabric, where switches and routers form a single logical system that simplifies traffic forwarding and automation.
Key term
Cisco Virtual Topology System
Cisco Virtual Topology System is a software-defined networking solution that creates and manages virtual network overlays across physical and virtual infrastructure for enterprise networks.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.