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.
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.
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?
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.
Option B is correct because 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.
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.
✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The upstream switch is not configured for NPIV mode.
Why this is correct
The core switch must have NPIV enabled to accept NPV logins.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
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 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NPV (N_Port Virtualization) allows a switch to act as a transparent proxy, forwarding FLOGI requests from end devices to an upstream NPIV-capable core switch. The NP port on the NPV switch must be configured with the 'switchport mode np' command to initiate the FLOGI; without this, the interface remains an F port and cannot communicate with the core switch's NPIV-enabled F port. In real-world deployments, misconfigured VSAN mismatches (Option E) also prevent login, as the NPV uplink and core switch must belong to the same VSAN for fabric login to succeed.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-601 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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 uplink interface on the NPV switch is not configured as an NP port. — Option B is correct because 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.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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