Quick Answer
The answer is F port. This is the correct Fibre Channel port type for storage array connectivity because storage array ports operate as target mode devices, and F ports (fabric ports) are designed to connect end devices like storage targets or hosts to the Fibre Channel fabric. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Fibre Channel port roles in a redundant storage network, where each controller’s two ports connect to separate MDS switches—requiring F ports on the switch side to establish point-to-point links with the target. A common trap is confusing F ports with E ports (used for inter-switch links) or NP ports (used in NPV mode for connecting to an upstream core switch). While auto-negotiation might work, Cisco recommends explicitly configuring F ports for predictable behavior and to avoid misconfiguration. Memory tip: think “F for Fabric, F for Front-end” — the switch port faces the storage target, not another switch.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 storage array with dual controllers. Each controller has two 16 Gbps Fibre Channel ports. The engineer wants to connect each controller to two separate MDS switches for redundancy. What is the recommended port type configuration on the MDS switches for the storage-facing ports?
F port
F ports connect N ports of end devices.
Configure the port as auto to allow negotiation
Why wrong: Auto might work but F port is best practice for targets.
NP port
Why wrong: NP ports are for NPV switches to core.
E port
Why wrong: E ports are for switch-to-switch connections.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
F port
Storage array ports typically operate as target ports, so the switch ports should be configured as F ports (fabric ports). Option A is correct. Option B (E port) is for ISL. Option C (NP port) is for NPV. Option D (auto) may work but not recommended.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
F port
Why this is correct
F ports connect N ports of end devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Configure the port as auto to allow negotiation
Why it's wrong here
Auto might work but F port is best practice for targets.
NP port
Why it's wrong here
NP ports are for NPV switches to core.
E port
Why it's wrong here
E ports are for switch-to-switch connections.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Storage Network — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Storage Network practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-601 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-601 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Network.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Compute.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Storage Network.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Automation.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Security.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 fundamentals.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 scenario.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: F port — Storage array ports typically operate as target ports, so the switch ports should be configured as F ports (fabric ports). Option A is correct. Option B (E port) is for ISL. Option C (NP port) is for NPV. Option D (auto) may work but not recommended.
Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.