Quick Answer
The answer is port mirroring on the vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS). This feature, also known as SPAN, copies all packets from a source virtual machine port to a designated destination port where a monitoring tool can capture the VM traffic for deep packet analysis. On the VMware Certified Professional Data Center Virtualization VCP-DCV exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between monitoring and troubleshooting features: NetFlow provides flow statistics but not full packet captures, traffic shaping controls bandwidth, and LLDP discovers physical network neighbors. A common trap is confusing NetFlow with port mirroring—remember that NetFlow gives you the “who and how much,” while port mirroring gives you the “what.” For a quick memory tip, think “SPAN the port to capture the plan.”
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage vsphere networking. 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 needs to capture traffic from a specific virtual machine for troubleshooting. Which vSphere networking feature should be used?
Port mirroring on the VDS.
Port mirroring duplicates traffic for capture.
LLDP on the VDS.
Why wrong: LLDP is for topology discovery.
NetFlow on the VDS.
Why wrong: NetFlow collects flow data, not full packets.
Traffic shaping on the VDS.
Why wrong: Traffic shaping manages bandwidth.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Port mirroring on the VDS.
Option B is correct because port mirroring (also called SPAN) on a VDS copies traffic from a source port to a destination port for analysis. Option A is incorrect because NetFlow provides flow statistics, not packet captures. Option C is incorrect because traffic shaping controls bandwidth. Option D is incorrect because LLDP is for discovering network neighbors.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Port mirroring on the VDS.
Why this is correct
Port mirroring duplicates traffic for capture.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
LLDP on the VDS.
Why it's wrong here
LLDP is for topology discovery.
NetFlow on the VDS.
Why it's wrong here
NetFlow collects flow data, not full packets.
Traffic shaping on the VDS.
Why it's wrong here
Traffic shaping manages bandwidth.
Common exam traps
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related VCP-DCV OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Configure and Manage vSphere Networking — This question tests Configure and Manage vSphere Networking — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: Port mirroring on the VDS. — Option B is correct because port mirroring (also called SPAN) on a VDS copies traffic from a source port to a destination port for analysis. Option A is incorrect because NetFlow provides flow statistics, not packet captures. Option C is incorrect because traffic shaping controls bandwidth. Option D is incorrect because LLDP is for discovering network neighbors.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related VCP-DCV OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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