The correct answer is a VM-VM affinity rule with a 'must run on the same host' constraint. This rule forces all VMs in the specified group to be placed together on a single ESXi host, which is essential for latency-sensitive applications that require low-latency communication or shared memory access. On the VCP-DCV exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how DRS rules control VM placement, and it often appears as a distractor against host affinity rules (which govern VM-to-host relationships) or the "should run" preference, which is non-mandatory. A common trap is confusing VM-VM rules with VM-host rules, so remember: VM-VM rules keep VMs together or apart, while host rules tie VMs to specific hosts. For a memory tip, think "VM-VM = VMs with VMs" to recall that the rule governs relationships between virtual machines, not between VMs and physical hosts.
VCP-DCV vSphere Performance and Scaling Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere performance and scaling. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 cluster has 10 ESXi hosts configured with vSphere DRS. The administrator wants to ensure that a group of VMs running a latency-sensitive application are always placed on the same host. Which DRS rule should be created?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "always"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
VM-VM affinity rule with a 'must run on the same host' constraint.
Option B is correct because a VM-VM affinity rule (Must run on the same host) ensures that VMs in a group are kept together. Option A is incorrect because host affinity rules affect VM-host relationships, not VM-VM. Option C is incorrect because should run on hosts is a preference, not mandatory. Option D is incorrect because Separate VMs rule does the opposite.
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.
✗
VM-to-Host affinity rule with a 'should run on hosts in group' constraint.
Why it's wrong here
This ties VMs to specific hosts, not to each other.
✓
VM-VM affinity rule with a 'must run on the same host' constraint.
Why this is correct
This ensures the VMs are always on the same host.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
VM-VM affinity rule with a 'should run on the same host' constraint.
Why it's wrong here
This is only a preference and may not be enforced.
✗
VM-VM anti-affinity rule with a 'separate VMs' constraint.
Why it's wrong here
This would spread VMs apart, not keep them together.
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 VCP-DCV 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 VCP-DCV 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.
vSphere Performance and Scaling — This question tests vSphere Performance and Scaling — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: VM-VM affinity rule with a 'must run on the same host' constraint. — Option B is correct because a VM-VM affinity rule (Must run on the same host) ensures that VMs in a group are kept together. Option A is incorrect because host affinity rules affect VM-host relationships, not VM-VM. Option C is incorrect because should run on hosts is a preference, not mandatory. Option D is incorrect because Separate VMs rule does the opposite.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
Identify which VCP-DCV 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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