The answer is that the VM is using a standard switch while host B uses a VDS, which causes a vMotion network incompatibility. Even though both switches have a portgroup configured with VLAN ID 100, vMotion requires the source and destination hosts to share the same virtual switch type or have compatible network bridging; a standard switch portgroup and a VDS portgroup are treated as entirely separate networks by vSphere. On the VCP-DCV exam, this question tests your understanding of vMotion prerequisites, specifically that network compatibility is not just about VLAN IDs but about the underlying switch type and portgroup identity. A common trap is assuming matching VLANs alone suffice, but the exam emphasizes that standard switches and VDS are not interchangeable for live migration. Memory tip: think of it like two different phone carriers—same area code (VLAN) doesn’t mean you can transfer a call (VM) without a bridge.
VCP-DCV vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere architecture, products and solutions. 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.
An administrator attempts to vMotion a powered-on VM from ESXi host A to host B. The vMotion fails with the error: 'the destination host does not have access to the virtual machine's network'. The VM is connected to a standard switch on host A with a VLAN ID 100. Host B is connected to a VDS that also has a portgroup with VLAN ID 100. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The VM is using a standard switch while host B uses a VDS
Option D is correct because vMotion requires compatible network configurations; the standard switch portgroup and VDS portgroup are not considered the same network even if VLANIDs match. Option A is incorrect because VDS can support vMotion if networks are compatible. Option B is incorrect because different vSwitch types cause incompatibility. Option C is incorrect because host B may have the correct VLAN, but the network must be the same type or bridged via port groups with matching names.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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 VM is using a standard switch while host B uses a VDS
Why this is correct
vMotion requires the source and destination to have the same network label; standard and VDS are different.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The VM is connected to a network that is not present on the destination host
Why it's wrong here
The network is present on host B, but the type mismatch prevents recognition.
✗
Host B does not have the correct MTU set
Why it's wrong here
MTU mismatch would cause different errors, not network access.
✗
Host B does not have the correct VLAN configuration
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related VCP-DCV questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — This question tests vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VM is using a standard switch while host B uses a VDS — Option D is correct because vMotion requires compatible network configurations; the standard switch portgroup and VDS portgroup are not considered the same network even if VLAN IDs match. Option A is incorrect because VDS can support vMotion if networks are compatible. Option B is incorrect because different vSwitch types cause incompatibility. Option C is incorrect because host B may have the correct VLAN, but the network must be the same type or bridged via port groups with matching names.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related VCP-DCV questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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