The answer is that I/O may be sent to a non-optimized path, causing higher latency. This occurs because on an active-passive ALUA array, the Fixed path selection policy without a preferred path does not automatically steer I/O to the active, optimized controller; instead, the host may retain a path that is accessible but not optimized, forcing every command to traverse the passive controller before reaching the active one. On the VCP-DCV exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how ALUA arrays expose both optimized and non-optimized paths, and how the Fixed policy behaves differently from Round Robin or Most Recently Used when no preferred path is defined—a common trap is assuming Fixed always picks the best path. Remember the memory tip: “No preferred path on Fixed equals a fixed chance of high latency.”
VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Storage Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage vsphere storage. 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.
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?
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, using Fixed policy with no preferred path means the host may not automatically switch to the active path, causing I/O to potentially go through the passive path (if it is accessible but not optimized). Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because only one path is active at a time. Option C is wrong because ALUA is supported. Option D is wrong because RDM is irrelevant.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
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: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related VCP-DCV NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — This question tests Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
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, using Fixed policy with no preferred path means the host may not automatically switch to the active path, causing I/O to potentially go through the passive path (if it is accessible but not optimized). Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because only one path is active at a time. Option C is wrong because ALUA is supported. Option D is wrong because RDM is irrelevant.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related VCP-DCV NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.