The answer is that the VSANs are not connected through an IVR zone. By default, VSANs provide complete fabric isolation, meaning traffic from one VSAN cannot cross into another, even on the same physical Cisco MDS switch. Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) must be explicitly configured to create a controlled path between VSANs, allowing hosts in different VSANs to communicate while maintaining isolation for the rest of the traffic. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of VSAN isolation as a fundamental Fibre Channel security feature, and a common trap is assuming that simply sharing a switch enables cross-VSAN traffic. Remember the memory tip: “No IVR, no inter-VSAN chatter”—without IVR zones, VSANs are separate fabrics by design.
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 with two VSANs. Hosts in VSAN 1 cannot communicate with hosts in VSAN 2. What is the most likely reason?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The VSANs are not connected through an IVR zone.
By default, VSANs are isolated from each other, meaning traffic cannot cross VSAN boundaries. Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) must be explicitly configured to allow communication between hosts in different VSANs. Without IVR, hosts in VSAN 1 and VSAN 2 remain in separate fabrics and cannot communicate, even if they are connected to the same switch.
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 IVR is not configured.
Why it's wrong here
IVR must be enabled and configured with zones; simply not configuring IVR is not enough—zones are also required.
✓
The VSANs are not connected through an IVR zone.
Why this is correct
IVR zones define which devices can communicate across VSANs. Without these zones, traffic is isolated.
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.
✗
The FC domain ID is conflicting.
Why it's wrong here
Domain ID conflicts affect fabric stability, but not inter-VSAN communication directly.
✗
The switch does not support multi VSAN.
Why it's wrong here
Cisco MDS switches support multiple VSANs natively.
✗
The hosts are on different switches.
Why it's wrong here
Even on the same switch, VSANs are isolated without IVR.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that VSANs are like VLANs and can communicate by default, but in Fibre Channel fabrics, VSANs are fully isolated unless IVR is explicitly configured.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IVR works by creating IVR zones that span VSANs, allowing specific initiators and targets to communicate across VSAN boundaries while maintaining isolation for other traffic. The IVR zone configuration uses the 'ivr zone' command under 'ivr' configuration mode, and requires that the VSANs involved are part of the same IVR-enabled fabric. In real-world deployments, IVR is used to share storage resources across VSANs without merging the fabrics, preserving fault isolation and administrative boundaries.
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 VSANs are not connected through an IVR zone. — By default, VSANs are isolated from each other, meaning traffic cannot cross VSAN boundaries. Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) must be explicitly configured to allow communication between hosts in different VSANs. Without IVR, hosts in VSAN 1 and VSAN 2 remain in separate fabrics and cannot communicate, even if they are connected to the same switch.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.