VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Storage Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage vsphere storage. 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.
Exhibit
esxcli storage core device list
=======================
Device: naa.6000eb3a10e71d0023f04b28b6544000
Device Display Name: DGC Fibre Channel Disk (naa.6000eb3a10e71d0023f04b28b6544000)
Size: 2048.00 GB
Device Type: Direct-Access
Multipath Plugin: NMP
Is Local: false
Is SAS: false
Is USB: false
Is NMP: true
Is PAE: false
Number of Paths: 4
Primary Storage Array Type: VMW_SATP_ALUA
Storage Array Type: VMW_SATP_ALUA
Path Selection Policy: VMW_PSP_FIXED
Path Selection Policy Device Config: {preferred=none}
Console Device: /vmfs/devices/disks/naa.6000eb3a10e71d0023f04b28b6544000
Refer to the exhibit. An administrator runs the 'esxcli storage core device list' command and sees the output. The storage array is an active-passive array with ALUA. The current path selection policy is set to Fixed with no preferred path. What is the consequence of this configuration?
Exhibit
esxcli storage core device list
=======================
Device: naa.6000eb3a10e71d0023f04b28b6544000
Device Display Name: DGC Fibre Channel Disk (naa.6000eb3a10e71d0023f04b28b6544000)
Size: 2048.00 GB
Device Type: Direct-Access
Multipath Plugin: NMP
Is Local: false
Is SAS: false
Is USB: false
Is NMP: true
Is PAE: false
Number of Paths: 4
Primary Storage Array Type: VMW_SATP_ALUA
Storage Array Type: VMW_SATP_ALUA
Path Selection Policy: VMW_PSP_FIXED
Path Selection Policy Device Config: {preferred=none}
Console Device: /vmfs/devices/disks/naa.6000eb3a10e71d0023f04b28b6544000
A
The I/O is load-balanced across all four paths
Why wrong: Fixed policy uses one path; other paths are standby.
B
ALUA is not supported, so the host will use only one path
Why wrong: ALUA is supported and indicated by SATP.
C
I/O may be sent to a non-optimized path, causing higher latency
Without preferred path, the host may use a path that is not in active state.
D
The device cannot be used for VMDKs, only for RDM
Why wrong: The device can be used for VMFS or RDM.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
I/O may be sent to a non-optimized path, causing higher latency
With an active-passive ALUA array, the Fixed path selection policy without a preferred path means the host may not switch to the optimized active path for a given LUN. Since no preferred path is set, the host can select any available path, potentially sending I/O through a non-optimized passive path. This results in higher latency as the array must redirect I/O through the partner controller. Option C correctly identifies this consequence. Option A is incorrect because Fixed policy does not load-balance; it uses a single path unless it fails. Option B is wrong because ALUA is supported and the host can use multiple paths but only one is active. Option D is irrelevant as VMDKs can be used on any path.
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.
✗
The I/O is load-balanced across all four paths
Why it's wrong here
Fixed policy uses one path; other paths are standby.
✗
ALUA is not supported, so the host will use only one path
Why it's wrong here
ALUA is supported and indicated by SATP.
✓
I/O may be sent to a non-optimized path, causing higher latency
Why this is correct
Without preferred path, the host may use a path that is not in active state.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The device cannot be used for VMDKs, only for RDM
Why it's wrong here
The device can be used for VMFS or RDM.
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.
Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — This question tests Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: I/O may be sent to a non-optimized path, causing higher latency — With an active-passive ALUA array, the Fixed path selection policy without a preferred path means the host may not switch to the optimized active path for a given LUN. Since no preferred path is set, the host can select any available path, potentially sending I/O through a non-optimized passive path. This results in higher latency as the array must redirect I/O through the partner controller. Option C correctly identifies this consequence. Option A is incorrect because Fixed policy does not load-balance; it uses a single path unless it fails. Option B is wrong because ALUA is supported and the host can use multiple paths but only one is active. Option D is irrelevant as VMDKs can be used on any path.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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