350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A data center architect is designing a SAN with two MDS switches using VSANs. Which method ensures traffic isolation between departments while allowing sharing of a tape library?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse VSANs with zones, thinking that zoning alone provides the same level of isolation as separate VSANs, but VSANs create independent fabrics while zones only restrict access within a single fabric.
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
✓
Create separate VSANs for each department and a shared VSAN for the tape library with inter-VSAN routing (IVR).
It uses separate VSANs to isolate each department's traffic at Layer 2, while inter-VSAN routing (IVR) selectively allows the tape library to be shared across VSANs without merging them. IVR enables controlled communication between specific initiators and targets in different VSANs, preserving isolation for all other traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use FCIP tunnels for each department.
Why it's wrong here
FCIP is for extension, not internal isolation.
- ✗
Create separate VSANs and merge them for the tape library.
Why it's wrong here
Merging VSANs would mix traffic.
- ✓
Create separate VSANs for each department and a shared VSAN for the tape library with inter-VSAN routing (IVR).
Why this is correct
IVR allows selective sharing between VSANs.
- ✗
Use one VSAN for all departments and one zone for each department.
Why it's wrong here
One VSAN does not provide traffic isolation; all devices see each other's fabric services.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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