Question 1,672 of 2,015

Network Function Virtualization →easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer is that NFV can be deployed on-premises, in a private cloud, or in a public cloud infrastructure, with Virtual CPE and Virtual Evolved Packet Core as primary use cases. This is true because NFV decouples network functions from proprietary hardware, allowing vCPE to replace physical customer premises equipment with software on standard servers, while vEPC virtualizes mobile core functions for 4G/5G networks. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of NFV deployment flexibility and the distinction between virtualized functions and their physical counterparts—a common trap is assuming NFV requires dedicated hardware or static scaling. Remember the memory tip: “vCPE and vEPC are the stars, and NFV runs on any cloud, near or far.”

350-401 Network Function Virtualization Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of network function virtualization. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 statements about NFV use cases and deployment models are true? (Choose three.)

Question 1easymulti select

Study the full virtualization explanation →

A
Virtual CPE (vCPE) is a common NFV use case that replaces physical routers and firewalls at customer sites with software-based functions.
Correct because vCPE is a well-known NFV application where network functions like routing and firewall run as VNFs on standard hardware at the customer premises or in the cloud.
B
Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) virtualizes mobile core network functions such as MME, SGW, and PGW.
Correct because vEPC is a key NFV use case in 4G/5G networks, running mobile core functions as software on standard servers.
C
NFV can be deployed on-premises, in a private cloud, or in a public cloud infrastructure.
Correct because NFV is cloud-agnostic and can be deployed in various environments, including on-premises data centers, private clouds, and public cloud platforms.
D
NFV requires dedicated hardware appliances for each virtualized network function.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NFV specifically aims to eliminate dedicated hardware by running network functions as software on general-purpose servers.
E
NFV deployments are limited to static, non-scalable configurations.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NFV enables elastic scaling; VNFs can be instantiated, scaled out, and terminated dynamically based on demand.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

Virtual CPE (vCPE) is a common NFV use case that replaces physical routers and firewalls at customer sites with software-based functions.

NFV is used to virtualize various network functions. Virtual CPE (vCPE) replaces physical customer premises equipment with software running on standard hardware. Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) is a key use case in mobile networks. NFV can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. Option A is correct because vCPE is a common NFV use case. Option B is correct because vEPC virtualizes mobile core functions. Option C is correct because NFV supports both on-prem and cloud deployment. Option D is incorrect because NFV does not require dedicated hardware; it uses standard servers. Option E is incorrect because NFV can scale dynamically, not just statically.

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.

✓
Virtual CPE (vCPE) is a common NFV use case that replaces physical routers and firewalls at customer sites with software-based functions.
Why this is correct
Correct because vCPE is a well-known NFV application where network functions like routing and firewall run as VNFs on standard hardware at the customer premises or in the cloud.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) virtualizes mobile core network functions such as MME, SGW, and PGW.
Why this is correct
Correct because vEPC is a key NFV use case in 4G/5G networks, running mobile core functions as software on standard servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
NFV can be deployed on-premises, in a private cloud, or in a public cloud infrastructure.
Why this is correct
Correct because NFV is cloud-agnostic and can be deployed in various environments, including on-premises data centers, private clouds, and public cloud platforms.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
NFV requires dedicated hardware appliances for each virtualized network function.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NFV specifically aims to eliminate dedicated hardware by running network functions as software on general-purpose servers.
✗
NFV deployments are limited to static, non-scalable configurations.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NFV enables elastic scaling; VNFs can be instantiated, scaled out, and terminated dynamically based on demand.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

Underline the problem statement mentally.
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 350-401 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 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

Network Function Virtualization — This question tests Network Function Virtualization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Virtual CPE (vCPE) is a common NFV use case that replaces physical routers and firewalls at customer sites with software-based functions. — NFV is used to virtualize various network functions. Virtual CPE (vCPE) replaces physical customer premises equipment with software running on standard hardware. Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) is a key use case in mobile networks. NFV can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. Option A is correct because vCPE is a common NFV use case. Option B is correct because vEPC virtualizes mobile core functions. Option C is correct because NFV supports both on-prem and cloud deployment. Option D is incorrect because NFV does not require dedicated hardware; it uses standard servers. Option E is incorrect because NFV can scale dynamically, not just statically.

What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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