The answer is to create a redundant fabric by connecting both MDS switches to each storage array and host via multiple paths. This design ensures that a single switch failure does not disrupt storage traffic because the fabric remains intact through the remaining paths, with Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) enabling communication between the two switches and VSAN trunking carrying multiple VSANs over those links. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Fibre Channel fabric redundancy versus link-level aggregation—a common trap is confusing port channels (which only protect against link failure) with a true redundant fabric that survives a full switch outage. Remember that NPIV is for host virtualization, not fabric resilience, and FCoE is a different transport. Memory tip: "Two switches, two paths, no single point of failure—think fabric, not just links."
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 company is deploying a new SAN with two MDS 9148S switches in a single VSAN. They want to ensure that a failure of one switch does not affect storage traffic. Which technology should be implemented?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a redundant fabric by connecting both switches to each storage array and host via multiple paths.
For redundancy in a single VSAN, using Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) between the two switches and enabling NPV on the edge switches (or simply having the switches in a fabric) is typical. However, the question implies two switches. For high availability, they should connect both switches with multiple ISLs and use VSAN-based trunking. Option A is wrong because port channels are for link aggregation, not switch failure. Option B is wrong because FCoE is not relevant. Option D is wrong because NPIV is for port virtualization.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Port channels provide link-level redundancy but not switch-level if one switch fails.
✓
Create a redundant fabric by connecting both switches to each storage array and host via multiple paths.
Why this is correct
This provides path redundancy; if one switch fails, the other continues.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-601 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a redundant fabric by connecting both switches to each storage array and host via multiple paths. — For redundancy in a single VSAN, using Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) between the two switches and enabling NPV on the edge switches (or simply having the switches in a fabric) is typical. However, the question implies two switches. For high availability, they should connect both switches with multiple ISLs and use VSAN-based trunking. Option A is wrong because port channels are for link aggregation, not switch failure. Option B is wrong because FCoE is not relevant. Option D is wrong because NPIV is for port virtualization.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-601 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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