350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A Cisco MDS switch is connected to a Fibre Channel storage array and a host. The host cannot see the storage LUNs. The 'show flogi database' command on the MDS shows the host's WWPN, but the 'show fcns database' does not show the storage target. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between FLOGI (physical login) and FCNS registration (name server entry), leading candidates to incorrectly assume that a device visible in 'show flogi database' must also be in the fabric name server database.
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 storage target is not logged into the fabric.
The 'show flogi database' command displays all devices that have completed the Fabric Login (FLOGI) process, which the host has done. However, the 'show fcns database' command lists only devices that have registered with the Fabric Name Server (via FDISC or FLOGI with PLOGI). Since the storage target is not in the name server database, it means the target has not logged into the fabric (or has not registered its FC-4 type/SCSI features), preventing the host from discovering its LUNs. This is the most likely cause because the host can see its own WWPN in the FLOGI database but cannot see the target in the FCNS database.
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 zone configuration is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect zoning would prevent communication, but the target would still appear in the name server if logged in.
- ✗
The host and target are in different VSANs.
Why it's wrong here
If they are in different VSANs, the host would not see the target, but the host is in the fabric, so the target is either not logged in or in a different VSAN.
- ✓
The storage target is not logged into the fabric.
Why this is correct
The 'show fcns database' shows only devices that have logged into the fabric; if the target is not logged in, it won't appear.
- ✗
The host is not in the name server database.
Why it's wrong here
The host appears in 'show flogi database', so it is logged in and should be in the name server.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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