Quick Answer
The answer is 3. For a vSAN cluster using RAID-1 mirroring with PFTT=1, each data block is written as two mirrored copies, and a witness component is required to break ties during failures, meaning the cluster must have at least three hosts to host these components across distinct fault domains. This requirement stems from vSAN’s object-based storage model: with PFTT=1, the policy demands one primary copy, one secondary copy, and one witness, and each must reside on a separate host when each host contributes one disk group. On the VCP-DCV exam, this concept tests your understanding of vSAN availability design and is a common trap where candidates mistakenly think two hosts suffice, but standard RAID-1 mirroring without stretched cluster configurations always needs three. A helpful memory tip is “1+1+1 = 3 hosts for PFTT=1 mirroring,” reminding you that the witness is the third required host.
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.
A vSAN cluster uses a storage policy with Primary Failures to Tolerate (PFTT) = 1 and Failure Tolerance Method = RAID-1 (Mirroring). What is the minimum number of hosts required to support this policy if each host contributes one disk group?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
4
Why wrong: Incorrect: 4 hosts is more than necessary for PFTT=1.
3
Correct: vSAN requires 3 hosts for RAID-1 with PFTT=1 (2 data copies + 1 witness).
6
Why wrong: Incorrect: 6 hosts is excessive for PFTT=1.
2
Why wrong: Incorrect: With 2 hosts, you cannot achieve PFTT=1 in standard vSAN; you would need stretched cluster.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
3
For RAID-1 mirroring with PFTT=1, vSAN requires at least 3 hosts to provide two copies of data and one witness component. Option B is incorrect because 2 hosts can only support RAID-1 if using stretched cluster or special configuration, but standard requires 3. Option C is incorrect because 4 is more than needed. Option D is incorrect because 6 is too many.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
4
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: 4 hosts is more than necessary for PFTT=1.
3
Why this is correct
Correct: vSAN requires 3 hosts for RAID-1 with PFTT=1 (2 data copies + 1 witness).
Clue confirmation
The clue words "primary", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
6
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: 6 hosts is excessive for PFTT=1.
2
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: With 2 hosts, you cannot achieve PFTT=1 in standard vSAN; you would need stretched cluster.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
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FAQ
Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — This question tests Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 3 — For RAID-1 mirroring with PFTT=1, vSAN requires at least 3 hosts to provide two copies of data and one witness component. Option B is incorrect because 2 hosts can only support RAID-1 if using stretched cluster or special configuration, but standard requires 3. Option C is incorrect because 4 is more than needed. Option D is incorrect because 6 is too many.
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.
Yes — watch for: "primary", "minimum / minimize". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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Variation 1. Refer to the exhibit. A VM is deployed with this storage policy. What is the minimum number of hosts required for the VM's objects to be provisioned successfully?
mediumWhy D: With FTT=1 and default RAID-1 mirroring, vSAN needs 2 data replicas plus 1 witness, requiring at least 3 hosts. A single host cannot tolerate failure; two hosts would work for FTT=0.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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