- A
The vDS is not configured with a VLAN trunking policy.
Why wrong: VLAN trunking policy is not required; the port group VLAN ID performs VLAN tagging. This would not limit communication to a single host.
- B
The VM's network adapter is configured with the wrong MAC address.
Why wrong: The VM's MAC address is typically automatically generated and correct. Wrong MAC would likely prevent all communication, not just cross-host.
- C
The distributed port group has forging transmits set to reject.
Why wrong: Forging transmits controls whether the virtual switch accepts frames with a different source MAC. It does not affect basic connectivity across hosts.
- D
The physical switch ports connecting the ESXi hosts are not configured as trunk ports for the VLAN.
If physical switch ports are not trunking the VLAN, frames tagged with that VLAN will be dropped, preventing cross-host communication while intra-host communication (no physical switch) works.
VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Networking Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage vsphere networking. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 vSphere administrator is troubleshooting connectivity issues for a virtual machine that is unable to communicate with other VMs on the same VLAN. The VM is connected to a distributed port group on a vSphere Distributed Switch (vDS). The administrator verifies that the VM's IP configuration is correct and that the port group is configured with the correct VLAN ID. However, the VM can only communicate with other VMs on the same ESXi host. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 physical switch ports connecting the ESXi hosts are not configured as trunk ports for the VLAN.
Option C is correct because if VMs on the same VLAN cannot communicate across hosts, the physical switch ports connecting ESXi hosts are likely not configured as trunk ports for that VLAN. This prevents VLAN-tagged frames from passing between hosts. Option A is incorrect because VLAN trunking policy on the vDS is not required for basic VLAN communication; the port group VLAN ID handles tagging. Option B is incorrect because the MAC address is automatically assigned and would not cause host-only communication. Option D is incorrect because the 'forging transmits' security policy controls MAC address changes, not basic connectivity.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The vDS is not configured with a VLAN trunking policy.
Why it's wrong here
VLAN trunking policy is not required; the port group VLAN ID performs VLAN tagging. This would not limit communication to a single host.
- ✗
The VM's network adapter is configured with the wrong MAC address.
Why it's wrong here
The VM's MAC address is typically automatically generated and correct. Wrong MAC would likely prevent all communication, not just cross-host.
- ✗
The distributed port group has forging transmits set to reject.
Why it's wrong here
Forging transmits controls whether the virtual switch accepts frames with a different source MAC. It does not affect basic connectivity across hosts.
- ✓
The physical switch ports connecting the ESXi hosts are not configured as trunk ports for the VLAN.
Why this is correct
If physical switch ports are not trunking the VLAN, frames tagged with that VLAN will be dropped, preventing cross-host communication while intra-host communication (no physical switch) works.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
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
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.
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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Configure and Manage vSphere Networking — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this VCP-DCV question test?
Configure and Manage vSphere Networking — This question tests Configure and Manage vSphere Networking — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The physical switch ports connecting the ESXi hosts are not configured as trunk ports for the VLAN. — Option C is correct because if VMs on the same VLAN cannot communicate across hosts, the physical switch ports connecting ESXi hosts are likely not configured as trunk ports for that VLAN. This prevents VLAN-tagged frames from passing between hosts. Option A is incorrect because VLAN trunking policy on the vDS is not required for basic VLAN communication; the port group VLAN ID handles tagging. Option B is incorrect because the MAC address is automatically assigned and would not cause host-only communication. Option D is incorrect because the 'forging transmits' security policy controls MAC address changes, not basic connectivity.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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