VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) Practice Exam

What does the output of the command esxcli storage core device list indicate when it shows a device status of 'off'?

1. The device is a local Solid State Device (SSD).

2. The device is being used for vFlash Read Cache.

3. The device is in a Permanent Device Loss (PDL) state.

4. The device is in an All Paths Down (APD) state.

The correct answer is: The device is being used for vFlash Read Cache.

The output of the command esxcli storage core device list showing a device status of 'off' relates to specific conditions under which storage devices are recognized by VMware ESXi. When the device status indicates 'off', it suggests that the device is not available for use by the host. This is often seen in situations where the storage device is configured in a way that restricts access, such as the device being dedicated to a specific function like vFlash Read Cache. In this context, while the device may be physically present, it is not actively utilized for traditional storage I/O. Instead, it might be reserved for cache to improve virtual machine performance. The other conditions, such as Permanent Device Loss (PDL) or All Paths Down (APD), typically indicate that the device is unable to communicate because of more severe issues, such as misconfiguration or complete loss of connectivity, rather than simply being designated as 'off'. Similarly, identifying a device as a local SSD does not accurately reflect the status of being 'off', as SSDs can be online and functional. Understanding the specific states such as 'off' for vFlash Read Cache highlights the specialized usage of storage devices in VMware environments, as well as the distinction between being offline versus experiencing