350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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.
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.
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.
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