Quick Answer
The answer is Private VLAN. This feature is the correct choice because it enables network isolation between virtual machines that reside within the same VLAN on a vSphere distributed switch, effectively creating a sub-VLAN structure where ports can be designated as promiscuous, isolated, or community to control traffic flow. On the VMware Certified Professional Data Center Virtualization VCP-DCV exam, this question tests your understanding of distributed switch advanced features, often appearing as a scenario where you must differentiate Private VLANs from options like VLAN trunking, Network I/O Control, or traffic shaping. A common trap is confusing Private VLANs with standard VLANs—remember that standard VLANs only separate broadcast domains, while Private VLANs provide intra-VLAN isolation. For a quick memory tip, think “PVLAN = Port Isolation within the same VLAN,” and recall that the isolated port can only communicate with the promiscuous port, not with other isolated ports.
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage vsphere networking. 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.
A network administrator needs to isolate traffic between VMs in the same VLAN on a distributed switch. Which feature should be used?
Network I/O Control
Why wrong: NIOC manages bandwidth allocation, not isolation.
Private VLAN
PVLANs isolate ports within the same primary VLAN.
VLAN trunking
Why wrong: VLAN trunking allows multiple VLANs on one port, not isolation within a VLAN.
Traffic shaping
Why wrong: Traffic shaping controls bandwidth rates, not isolation.
Port binding
Why wrong: Port binding is used for static assignment of VMs to hosts.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Private VLAN
Option B is correct because Private VLANs allow isolation within a VLAN. Option A is for trunking. Option C is for bandwidth allocation. Option D is for rate limiting. Option E is for port binding.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Network I/O Control
Why it's wrong here
NIOC manages bandwidth allocation, not isolation.
Private VLAN
VLAN trunking
Why it's wrong here
VLAN trunking allows multiple VLANs on one port, not isolation within a VLAN.
Traffic shaping
Why it's wrong here
Traffic shaping controls bandwidth rates, not isolation.
Port binding
Why it's wrong here
Port binding is used for static assignment of VMs to hosts.
Common exam traps
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
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
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related VCP-DCV questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Configure and Manage vSphere Networking — This question tests Configure and Manage vSphere Networking — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
The correct answer is: Private VLAN — Option B is correct because Private VLANs allow isolation within a VLAN. Option A is for trunking. Option C is for bandwidth allocation. Option D is for rate limiting. Option E is for port binding.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related VCP-DCV questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This VCP-DCV practice question is part of Courseiva's free VMware 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 VCP-DCV exam.
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