VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Networking Practice Question
A vSphere administrator needs to ensure that a specific virtual machine's network traffic is isolated from all other virtual machines on the same ESXi host, even if they are on the same VLAN. Which vSphere networking feature should the administrator use?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that VLAN tagging alone can isolate VMs; VMs on the same VLAN can still communicate unless PVLANs are used.
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
✓
Private VLANs (PVLANs) on a vSphere Distributed Switch
Private VLANs (PVLANs) on a vSphere Distributed Switch enable isolation of virtual machines at layer 2 by using secondary VLANs. This allows VMs on the same primary VLAN to be isolated from each other, which is not possible with standard VLAN tagging alone. NIOC, traffic shaping, and VLAN tagging do not provide this level of isolation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Private VLANs (PVLANs) on a vSphere Distributed Switch
Why this is correct
Private VLANs allow isolation of virtual machines at layer 2 by using secondary VLANs. A PVLAN can isolate ports so that VMs cannot communicate with each other even if they are on the same primary VLAN. This provides the required isolation without changing the VLAN of the VMs.
- ✗
Network I/O Control (NIOC) on a vSphere Distributed Switch
Why it's wrong here
NIOC manages bandwidth allocation and prioritization among traffic types, but it does not provide traffic isolation between virtual machines. It cannot prevent VMs on the same VLAN from communicating. NIOC is about quality of service, not security isolation.
- ✗
VLAN tagging on the virtual machine's vNIC
Why it's wrong here
VLAN tagging assigns the VM to a specific VLAN, but VMs on the same VLAN can still communicate with each other. It does not provide isolation within the same VLAN. To isolate VMs on the same VLAN, additional features like PVLANs are required.
- ✗
Traffic shaping on a standard switch port group
Why it's wrong here
Traffic shaping limits the bandwidth of outbound traffic but does not isolate VMs from each other. VMs on the same port group can still communicate. Traffic shaping is used to control burst and average bandwidth, not to enforce isolation.
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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 VMware exam blueprint
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