Quick Answer
The answer is port mirroring (NetFlow) and Network I/O Control, as these two features are exclusive to the vSphere Distributed Switch and are not available on a standard switch. Port mirroring, also known as NetFlow or switch-level monitoring, allows you to copy traffic from one port to another for analysis, while Network I/O Control enables you to prioritize and reserve bandwidth for specific network traffic types—both capabilities rely on the centralized management and advanced policy engine of the vDS. On the VCP-DCV exam, this question tests your understanding of the core architectural differences between standard and distributed switching, often appearing as a multiple-select item where you must distinguish vDS-only features from those shared with standard switches. A common trap is assuming VLAN configuration or MTU settings are exclusive to the vDS, but these are available on both switch types. For a quick memory tip, remember that the vDS adds “mirror” and “control”—port mirroring for monitoring and Network I/O Control for traffic shaping.
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere architecture, products and solutions. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO features are provided by vSphere vDS (Distributed Switch) but not by a standard switch?
MTU configuration
Why wrong: Both support Jumbo frames.
LACP support
Why wrong: Standard switch supports static LACP.
VLAN support
Why wrong: Both switch types support VLANs.
Network I/O Control
Centralized QoS for traffic types.
Port mirroring (NetFlow)
vDS supports advanced network monitoring.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Network I/O Control
Options A and D are correct. Network I/O Control and port mirroring (NetFlow, switch-level monitoring) are vDS-only features. B is available on both, C is a standard switch limitation (hybrid not supported), E is available on both.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
MTU configuration
Why it's wrong here
Both support Jumbo frames.
LACP support
Why it's wrong here
Standard switch supports static LACP.
VLAN support
Why it's wrong here
Both switch types support VLANs.
Network I/O Control
Port mirroring (NetFlow)
Why this is correct
vDS supports advanced network monitoring.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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.
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FAQ
vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — This question tests vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
The correct answer is: Network I/O Control — Options A and D are correct. Network I/O Control and port mirroring (NetFlow, switch-level monitoring) are vDS-only features. B is available on both, C is a standard switch limitation (hybrid not supported), E is available on both.
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.
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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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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