The answer is that the fc1/1 interface is configured as an E-port but is connected to a storage target, which prevents the link from coming up. An E-port, or expansion port, is designed exclusively to interconnect two Fibre Channel switches, not to attach end devices like a storage target. When a target is plugged into an E-port, the port type mismatch occurs because the target expects an F-port (fabric port) or FL-port, causing the link to fail and the initiator to be unable to discover the target. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Fibre Channel port roles and the consequences of misconfiguring interface modes—a common trap where engineers overlook that a switchport mode E command forces the port into switch-to-switch mode, blocking any end-device connection. A quick memory tip: E is for “Exchange between switches,” while F is for “Fabric to a device.”
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
interface fc1/1
switchport mode E
switchport rate-mode dedicated
no shutdown
interface fc1/2
switchport mode F
switchport rate-mode shared
no shutdown
A Cisco MDS switch has the above configuration on two 16 Gbps FC interfaces. An engineer connects an initiator to fc1/2 and a target to fc1/1. The initiator cannot discover the target. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit.
interface fc1/1
switchport mode E
switchport rate-mode dedicated
no shutdown
interface fc1/2
switchport mode F
switchport rate-mode shared
no shutdown
A
The fc1/2 interface is configured as an F-port but the initiator requires an FL-port.
Why wrong: F-port is correct for a single initiator; FL-port is for arbitrated loop.
B
The fc1/1 interface is configured as dedicated rate-mode but the target expects shared.
Why wrong: Rate-mode affects bandwidth allocation, not device discovery.
C
The fc1/2 interface is configured as shared rate-mode which prevents F-port operation.
Why wrong: Shared rate-mode is allowed on F-ports.
D
The fc1/1 interface is configured as an E-port but is connected to a storage target.
An E-port is for inter-switch links; the target should be connected to an F-port.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The fc1/1 interface is configured as an E-port but is connected to a storage target.
Option D is correct because the configuration shows interface fc1/1 with the command 'switchport mode E', which explicitly configures it as an E-port (expansion port). E-ports are used to interconnect two Fibre Channel switches, not to connect a storage target. When a target is connected to an E-port, the link will not come up properly because the target expects to be connected to an F-port (fabric port) or FL-port, preventing discovery by the initiator.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The fc1/2 interface is configured as an F-port but the initiator requires an FL-port.
Why it's wrong here
F-port is correct for a single initiator; FL-port is for arbitrated loop.
✗
The fc1/1 interface is configured as dedicated rate-mode but the target expects shared.
Why it's wrong here
Rate-mode affects bandwidth allocation, not device discovery.
✗
The fc1/2 interface is configured as shared rate-mode which prevents F-port operation.
Why it's wrong here
Shared rate-mode is allowed on F-ports.
✓
The fc1/1 interface is configured as an E-port but is connected to a storage target.
Why this is correct
An E-port is for inter-switch links; the target should be connected to an F-port.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between port types (E-port vs. F-port) and their allowed connections, trapping candidates who overlook that an E-port is strictly for switch-to-switch links, not for attaching end devices like targets or initiators.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Fibre Channel, E-ports carry inter-switch links (ISLs) and use the Exchange Link Parameters (ELP) protocol to negotiate parameters; a target device does not understand ELP and will not respond, causing the port to remain in an isolated state. The 'show interface fc1/1' output would likely show the port as 'isolated' or 'down' due to an incompatible port type. In real-world scenarios, misconfiguring a storage port as an E-port is a common cause of connectivity loss, especially when using templates or copying configurations between switches.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The fc1/1 interface is configured as an E-port but is connected to a storage target. — Option D is correct because the configuration shows interface fc1/1 with the command 'switchport mode E', which explicitly configures it as an E-port (expansion port). E-ports are used to interconnect two Fibre Channel switches, not to connect a storage target. When a target is connected to an E-port, the link will not come up properly because the target expects to be connected to an F-port (fabric port) or FL-port, preventing discovery by the initiator.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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