Quick Answer
The answer is that NPIV is not enabled on the core switch. NPV registration fails because NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) is a prerequisite on the upstream core Fibre Channel switch; it allows a single physical N_Port to register multiple virtual FCIDs, which is exactly what the NPV switch needs to proxy logins for its attached end devices. Without NPIV enabled, the core switch rejects the FLOGI from the NPV switch, preventing it from joining the fabric. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of NPV and NPIV interdependence—a common trap is to misdiagnose the issue as a zoning or trunking problem. Remember the memory tip: NPV needs NPIV, just like a proxy needs permission from the main server.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 deployment uses NPV mode on a Cisco MDS switch to connect to a core Fibre Channel switch. After configuration, the NPV switch does not register with the core. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Fibre Channel ports are in trunk mode.
Why wrong: Trunking is allowed.
The core switch has NPV mode enabled.
Why wrong: Core should not be NPV.
NPIV is not enabled on the core switch.
Core must have NPIV enabled for NPV.
The NPV switch has an incorrect domain ID.
Why wrong: NPV does not use domain IDs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
NPIV is not enabled on the core switch.
NPV (N_Port Virtualization) mode requires NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) to be enabled on the core Fibre Channel switch. NPIV allows a single physical N_Port to register multiple FCIDs (Fibre Channel IDs) for multiple virtual initiators behind the NPV switch. Without NPIV on the core, the NPV switch cannot complete the FLOGI (Fabric Login) process and will not register with the fabric.
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.
Fibre Channel ports are in trunk mode.
Why it's wrong here
Trunking is allowed.
The core switch has NPV mode enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Core should not be NPV.
NPIV is not enabled on the core switch.
Why this is correct
Core must have NPIV enabled for NPV.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The NPV switch has an incorrect domain ID.
Why it's wrong here
NPV does not use domain IDs.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between NPV and NPIV, trapping candidates who confuse the two or assume that enabling NPV on both sides is required.
Detailed technical explanation
NPIV is defined in the T11 FC-LS-2 standard and is a prerequisite for NPV operation. When an NPV switch sends a FLOGI to the core, the core switch must support NPIV to allocate multiple FCIDs to the same physical N_Port. In real-world deployments, forgetting to enable NPIV on the core (via the 'feature npiv' command on Cisco MDS or 'npiv enable' on Brocade) is a common oversight that prevents NPV from working, even if all other configurations are correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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Storage Network — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: NPIV is not enabled on the core switch. — NPV (N_Port Virtualization) mode requires NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) to be enabled on the core Fibre Channel switch. NPIV allows a single physical N_Port to register multiple FCIDs (Fibre Channel IDs) for multiple virtual initiators behind the NPV switch. Without NPIV on the core, the NPV switch cannot complete the FLOGI (Fabric Login) process and will not register with the fabric.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A data center uses NPV to connect edge switches to a core Fibre Channel switch. The edge switches report that some servers cannot log in. What is a likely cause?
mediumWhy D: Option C is correct because NPV requires the NPIV feature on the core switch to allow multiple FLOGIs from an NPV switch. Option A is incorrect because overlapping VSANs are fine. Option B is incorrect because trunking is independent of NPV. Option D is incorrect because F port binding is not required for NPV.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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