VCP-DCV vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions Practice Question
Which switch type requires a separate vCenter Server to manage its configuration?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the vSphere Standard Switch (VSS) with the vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS), assuming both can be managed without vCenter, but the VDS explicitly requires vCenter for any configuration changes, while the VSS can be managed directly on the ESXi host.
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
✓
vSphere Distributed Switch
The vSphere Distributed Switch (VDS) requires a separate vCenter Server to manage its configuration because the VDS is a centralized virtual switch that spans multiple ESXi hosts, and its configuration is stored in the vCenter Server database rather than on individual hosts. Without vCenter, the VDS cannot be created, configured, or managed, as the ESXi hosts rely on vCenter to synchronize the distributed port group settings and network policies across the cluster.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Virtual Edge Gateway Switch
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard term.
- ✓
vSphere Distributed Switch
Why this is correct
Requires vCenter Server for central management.
- ✗
vSphere Standard Switch
Why it's wrong here
Managed per host, not dependent on vCenter.
- ✗
vSphere Edge Switch
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid vSphere switch type.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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