VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Networking Practice Question
An administrator is configuring a distributed switch with LACP. Which two statements are true regarding LACP support on vSphere distributed switches? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
VCP-DCV often tests the misconception that LACP works on standard vSwitches or that it uses IP hash automatically, when in fact it requires a distributed switch and a LAG.
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
✓
LACP supports both active and passive modes.
Option A is correct because vSphere distributed switches support LACP in both active and passive modes, allowing the ESXi host to either initiate LACPDU negotiation (active) or respond to the physical switch's negotiation (passive). Option D is correct because LACP on a vSphere distributed switch requires creating a Link Aggregation Group (LAG), which is then bound to a distributed port group or uplink port group to aggregate multiple uplinks. Option B is incorrect because IP hash is a static NIC teaming load-balancing policy, not an LACP behavior; LACP uses a dynamic link aggregation hashing scheme. Option C is incorrect because LACP is only supported on vSphere distributed switches, not on standard vSwitches. Option E is incorrect because LACP LAGs can carry management, vMotion, and VM traffic, not just virtual machine traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
LACP supports both active and passive modes.
Why this is correct
LACP on a vSphere distributed switch supports both active and passive negotiation modes, letting the ESXi host initiate or await LACPDU exchange with the physical switch. This satisfies the stem's requirement for a true statement about LACP support.
- ✗
LACP automatically distributes traffic based on IP hash.
Why it's wrong here
LACP does not automatically select IP hash; the load-balancing algorithm is chosen separately, and IP hash is a distinct teaming policy that does not require LACP. The temptation is conflating link aggregation with hashing, but LACP negotiates the bundle while the configured policy decides per-flow distribution.
- ✗
LACP can be configured on standard vSwitches.
Why it's wrong here
LACP is configured on vSphere distributed switches and on the physical switch, not on standard vSwitches, which offer only static or IP-hash teaming. The temptation is that standard vSwitches do support NIC teaming, but that mechanism lacks the LACP negotiation this question requires.
- ✓
LACP requires a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) to be created on the distributed switch.
Why this is correct
LACP on a vSphere distributed switch cannot function without first creating a Link Aggregation Group, which binds uplinks into the LAG that LACP then negotiates. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement for a true LACP support statement.
- ✗
LACP is only supported for virtual machine traffic, not for management or vMotion.
Why it's wrong here
LACP on a vSphere distributed switch is not restricted to virtual machine traffic; it can carry management, vMotion, iSCSI and other VMkernel traffic on the same uplink team. The tempting assumption is that LACP is a guest-facing feature, but the distributed switch applies it per uplink group regardless of traffic type.
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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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