VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Storage Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ~ # esxcli storage nmp path list fc.20000010a1234:5006016844e0a6a6-naa.600601607...-fc.20000010a1234:5006016844e0a6a7 State: active (optimized) SATP: VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA PSP: VMW_PSP_MRU fc.20000010a1234:5006016844e0a6a7-naa.600601607...-fc.20000010a1234:5006016844e0a6a8 State: active (non-optimized) SATP: VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA PSP: VMW_PSP_MRU fc.20000010a1234:5006016844e0a6a8-naa.600601607...-fc.20000010a1234:5006016844e0a6a9 State: active (non-optimized) SATP: VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA PSP: VMW_PSP_MRU fc.20000010a1234:5006016844e0a6a9-naa.600601607...-fc.20000010a1234:5006016844e0a6a6 State: active (non-optimized) SATP: VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA PSP: VMW_PSP_MRU
An administrator notices that a VMFS datastore has only one optimized path. The exhibit shows the output of esxcli storage nmp path list for that datastore. What should the administrator do to fully utilize both storage controllers?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often assume a Round Robin PSP alone will solve multipathing issues, but they overlook that the SATP must first correctly classify the path states for ALUA arrays before the PSP can distribute I/O across them.
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
✓
Change the SATP to VMW_SATP_ALUA.
The exhibit shows only one optimized path because the storage array uses Asymmetric Logical Unit Access (ALUA), which requires the VMW_SATP_ALUA SATP to properly recognize and manage both active/optimized and active/non-optimized paths. With the default SATP (e.g., VMW_SATP_DEFAULT_AA), the host treats all paths as active but fails to distinguish optimized from non-optimized paths, often resulting in only one path being used. Changing to VMW_SATP_ALUA allows the host to correctly identify the optimized path and actively use both storage controllers for load balancing.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Rescan the storage adapters.
Why it's wrong here
Rescanning will not change the assigned SATP or improve path state recognition.
- ✗
Change the PSP to Round Robin.
Why it's wrong here
Changing PSP does not address the underlying path state classification; the SATP is responsible for path state management.
- ✗
Enable the path failover policy.
Why it's wrong here
Path failover does not change the SATP and will not utilize non-optimized paths effectively.
- ✓
Change the SATP to VMW_SATP_ALUA.
Why this is correct
VMW_SATP_ALUA correctly recognizes optimized and non-optimized paths, allowing the PSP to use both paths for I/O.
Quick reference
Asymmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Exchange | Signatures | Equivalent Security Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSA-3072 | Yes | Yes | 128-bit | Widely deployed; slow for bulk data |
| ECDSA P-256 | No | Yes | 128-bit | Fast signatures; standard TLS certs |
| ECDH / ECDHE | Yes | No | 128-bit | Perfect forward secrecy in TLS 1.3 |
| DH / DHE | Yes | No | 128-bit (3072-bit key) | Replaced by ECDHE in modern TLS |
| Ed25519 | No | Yes | ~128-bit | SSH keys, modern PKI |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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