The correct approach is to create separate VSANs for each department and a shared VSAN for the tape library with inter-VSAN routing (IVR). This design achieves VSAN isolation with a shared tape library using IVR by keeping departmental traffic confined to their respective VSANs while IVR allows controlled, selective access to the common tape library VSAN only when needed. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that VSANs provide hard isolation at Layer 2, but shared resources like tape libraries require a routing mechanism—IVR—to bridge those isolated domains without merging them. A common trap is assuming a single VSAN with zones is sufficient, but that fails to isolate traffic between departments; another is thinking FCIP solves this, but FCIP extends SANs over distance, not for local resource sharing. Remember the memory tip: “Separate VSANs for isolation, IVR for sharing—never merge what should stay apart.”
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 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?
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).
Multiple VSANs isolate traffic, and a shared tape library can be placed in a common VSAN with appropriate zones. Option D is correct. Option A is wrong because a single VSAN does not isolate. Option B is wrong because merging VSANs loses isolation. Option C is wrong because FCIP is for distance.
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.
✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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 — 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: Create separate VSANs for each department and a shared VSAN for the tape library with inter-VSAN routing (IVR). — Multiple VSANs isolate traffic, and a shared tape library can be placed in a common VSAN with appropriate zones. Option D is correct. Option A is wrong because a single VSAN does not isolate. Option B is wrong because merging VSANs loses isolation. Option C is wrong because FCIP is for distance.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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