NPV Troubleshooting: No Traffic Conditions
A Cisco MDS switch is configured for NPV mode. An upstream NPIV-enabled switch is connected. The administrator notices that the NPV switch is not logging in to the NPIV switch. The NPV switch shows the following: 'show npv status' indicates NPV is enabled but no traffic. Which three conditions could cause this issue?
Quick Answer
The correct answer involves a VSAN mismatch on the NPV uplink, an interface not configured as an NP port, and a missing or incorrect NPIV-enabled upstream switch configuration. In NPV mode, the uplink interface must be explicitly set as an NP port (using the switchport mode np command) rather than left as a default F port; without this, the NPV switch cannot initiate the FLOGIN process to register with the core NPIV switch. Additionally, if the VSAN assigned to the NPV uplink does not match the VSAN on the core switch’s NPIV port, the fabric login is rejected, resulting in the “no traffic” condition shown in show npv status. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of NPV initialization prerequisites, and a common trap is assuming NPV is automatically functional once enabled—it is not. Remember the mnemonic “NPV needs NP” to recall that the uplink port type and VSAN alignment are both mandatory for traffic flow.
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that NPV requires a license or that FSPF must be enabled, when in fact NPV is license-free and does not use FSPF; the real issue is typically an incorrect port mode or VSAN mismatch.
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 uplink interface on the NPV switch is not configured as an NP port.
In NPV mode, the uplink interface on the NPV switch must be explicitly configured as an NP port (np). If the interface is left as a default F port or another port type, it cannot establish a connection to the upstream NPIV-enabled switch. The 'show npv status' output showing NPV enabled but no traffic indicates that the NPV switch is operational but the uplink is not properly configured to initiate the FLOGIN process.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
FSPF is not enabled on the NPV switch.
Why it's wrong here
NPV switches do not run FSPF; they rely on the core switch's FSPF.
- ✓
The uplink interface on the NPV switch is not configured as an NP port.
Why this is correct
NPV uplinks must be configured as NP ports to connect to the core NPIV switch.
- ✓
The upstream switch is not configured for NPIV mode.
Why this is correct
The core switch must have NPIV enabled to accept NPV logins.
- ✗
The NPV switch does not have the proper license for NPV mode.
Why it's wrong here
NPV mode is included in the base NX-OS license and does not require an additional license.
- ✓
The VSAN on the NPV uplink does not match the VSAN on the core switch.
Why this is correct
VSAN mismatch prevents fabric login between NPV and core.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 350-601
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A Cisco MDS switch is configured in NPV mode. A host connected to this switch fails to log into the SAN. Which command should be used to verify the host's FLOGI status?
medium- A.show zone
- B.show fcns database
- ✓ C.show flogi database module <module>
- D.show flogi database
- E.show port-channel summary
Why C: In NPV mode, the MDS switch acts as a passthrough and does not maintain its own FLOGI database; instead, it forwards FLOGI requests to the upstream NPIV-capable switch. The 'show flogi database module <module>' command is used on the NPV switch to verify the host's FLOGI status because it displays the FLOGI entries learned from the upstream switch for the specific module where the host is connected, which is essential for troubleshooting login failures.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.