What are two reasons why broadcast radiation is caused in the virtual machine environment? (Choose two.)

Question

Options

• AvSwitch must interrupt the server CPU to process the broadcast packet.
• BThe Layer 2 domain can be large in virtual machine environments.
• CVirtual machines communicate primarily through broadcast mode.
• DCommunication between vSwitch and network switch is broadcast based.
• ECommunication between vSwitch and network switch is multicast based.

• A
  86% (24)
• C
  7% (2)
• D
  4% (1)
• E
  4% (1)

Explanation

Broadcast Radiation in Virtual Machine Environments

Why A and B are correct: In virtual machine environments, broadcast packets are particularly problematic because the vSwitch must interrupt the physical server's CPU to process each broadcast frame, consuming valuable processing resources across potentially dozens of VMs simultaneously (A). Additionally, virtualized environments tend to consolidate large numbers of VMs onto fewer physical hosts, creating expansive Layer 2 broadcast domains that amplify broadcast traffic across many endpoints (B).

Why the distractors are wrong: Option C is incorrect because VMs communicate primarily through unicast, not broadcast - broadcasts are the exception, not the rule. Options D and E are both incorrect because vSwitch-to-physical-switch communication is neither inherently broadcast-based nor multicast-based; it follows standard Ethernet unicast/forwarding behavior.

Memory Tip: Think of the two "pain points" of VM broadcasting using the acronym "CPU-BIG" - CPU interruption (A) and Big Layer 2 domains (B). These are the two structural reasons why broadcast traffic hits harder in virtual environments than in traditional physical networks.

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