What does the destination MAC on the outer MAC header identify in a VXLAN packet?

Question

Options

• Athe leaf switch
• Bthe next hop
• Cthe remote switch
• Dthe remote spine

• A
  4% (2)
• B
  92% (44)
• C
  2% (1)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

VXLAN Outer MAC Header Explanation

In a VXLAN-encapsulated packet, the outer MAC header's destination MAC address identifies the next hop - specifically the MAC address of the immediately adjacent device (typically the next-hop gateway or router) that will forward the packet toward the VTEP destination. This is consistent with how Ethernet frames always work: the destination MAC reflects the Layer 2 next hop, not the ultimate destination.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (leaf switch): The leaf switch may be involved, but the outer MAC specifically targets the next-hop device, not a named role in the topology.
• C (remote switch): The remote switch is the logical destination, but its MAC is found in the inner (original) MAC header, not the outer one. VXLAN encapsulation wraps the original frame, pushing the real destination into the inner header.
• D (remote spine): Spine switches are transit devices; VXLAN tunnels terminate at VTEPs (typically leaf switches), and the outer MAC still only reflects the immediate next hop, not a spine.

Memory Tip: Think of VXLAN like mailing a package inside another box - the outer label (outer MAC) gets you to the next delivery hub (next hop), while the inner label (inner MAC) shows the final recipient.

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