hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
NFV MANO Framework: Orchestrator, VNF Manager, and Infrastructure Manager
Which three statements about NFV MANO (Management and Orchestration) are true? (Choose three.)
Quick Answer
The correct answer identifies the Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) as the component that controls and manages NFVI compute, storage, and network resources. This is true because NFV MANO is the architectural framework that separates orchestration from resource management: the NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) coordinates network services across multiple VIMs and WAN Infrastructure Managers, the VNF Manager (VNFM) handles the lifecycle of individual VNF instances, and the VIM directly manages the underlying NFVI hardware and hypervisors. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish the three core MANO roles without confusing them with OSS/BSS systems, which interact with but are not part of MANO. A common trap is attributing hypervisor management to the NFVO, but remember: the Orchestrator handles service-level coordination, not infrastructure control. Use the mnemonic "NVO orchestrates services, VNFM manages instances, VIM controls resources" to lock in the roles.
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
✓
The NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) is responsible for network service orchestration and resource orchestration across multiple VIMs.
NFV MANO is the architectural framework for managing and orchestrating NFV resources. The NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) coordinates network services across VIMs and WIMs. The VNF Manager (VNFM) handles VNF lifecycle. The VIM manages NFVI resources. Option A is correct because NFVO handles network service orchestration. Option B is correct because VNFM manages VNF instances. Option C is correct because VIM controls NFVI compute, storage, and network. Option D is incorrect because OSS/BSS are separate from MANO, though they interact. Option E is incorrect because the NFVO does not directly manage hypervisors; that is the VIM's role.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) is responsible for network service orchestration and resource orchestration across multiple VIMs.
Why this is correct
Correct because the NFVO coordinates the lifecycle of network services and manages resource allocation across multiple VIMs and WIMs.
- ✓
The VNF Manager (VNFM) handles lifecycle management of VNF instances, including instantiation, scaling, and termination.
Why this is correct
Correct because the VNFM is responsible for all lifecycle operations of VNFs, such as creation, update, scaling, and deletion.
- ✓
The Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) controls and manages the NFVI compute, storage, and network resources.
Why this is correct
Correct because the VIM is the component that manages the physical and virtual resources of the NFVI, similar to a cloud management platform.
- ✗
OSS/BSS systems are part of the NFV MANO framework and directly manage VNF instances.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because OSS/BSS are separate systems that interact with MANO but are not part of the MANO architectural framework; they handle business and operational support.
- ✗
The NFVO directly manages the hypervisor layer to allocate virtual resources to VNFs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the NFVO does not directly manage hypervisors; it delegates resource management to the VIM, which controls the hypervisor and other infrastructure.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which two statements about NFV MANO (Management and Orchestration) are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.The VNF Manager (VNFM) is responsible for the lifecycle management of VNF instances, including instantiation and scaling.
- ✓ B.The NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) coordinates the allocation of resources across multiple VNFs and the NFVI.
- C.The Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) manages the lifecycle of VNFs and their connectivity.
- D.The VIM is responsible for service chaining and policy enforcement within the NFV environment.
- E.The VNFM is responsible for managing the physical hardware resources in the NFVI.
Why A: NFV MANO consists of three main components: NFV Orchestrator (NFVO), VNF Manager (VNFM), and Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM). The NFVO coordinates network services across multiple VNFs, the VNFM manages individual VNF instances, and the VIM controls the NFVI resources. Option A is correct because the VNFM handles VNF lifecycle (instantiation, scaling, termination). Option B is correct because the NFVO coordinates resources across VNFs and the infrastructure. Option C is incorrect because the VIM manages the NFVI, not VNFs. Option D is incorrect because the VIM does not handle service chaining; that is the role of the NFVO. Option E is incorrect because the VNFM does not manage physical hardware.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.