Quick Answer
The answer is 25 links. This is correct because the total bandwidth demand from the 100 hosts, each requiring 4 Gbps, equals 400 Gbps, which must be matched by the total storage bandwidth of 50 arrays at 8 Gbps each, also 400 Gbps. Dividing this aggregate demand by the 16 Gbps per Fibre Channel link yields 25 links, assuming full-duplex operation and no oversubscription in the fabric. On the Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this FC bandwidth oversubscription calculation tests your ability to balance host-to-storage bandwidth requirements without overcommitting fabric capacity. A common trap is forgetting to sum both sides of the equation or misapplying half-duplex assumptions; always verify that the total host demand equals the total storage supply before dividing by link speed. Remember the mnemonic “Hosts times their need, arrays times their feed, then divide by link speed” to avoid errors.
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 engineer is designing a storage network for a virtualized environment with 100 hosts and 50 storage arrays. Each host requires 4 Gbps of bandwidth to storage, and each storage array provides 8 Gbps. All devices use 16 Gbps FC links. What is the minimum number of 16 Gbps FC links required to support the total bandwidth demand without oversubscription?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
50
Why wrong: 50 links would provide 800 Gbps, which is double the requirement.
200
Why wrong: 200 links are excessive for the bandwidth requirement.
100
Why wrong: 100 links are more than needed; demand is 400 Gbps.
25
25 links provide 400 Gbps of bandwidth (16 Gbps each) to meet total demand.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
25
The total bandwidth demand from hosts is 100 hosts × 4 Gbps = 400 Gbps. Each storage array provides 8 Gbps, so total storage bandwidth is 50 arrays × 8 Gbps = 400 Gbps. Since all links are 16 Gbps FC, the minimum number of links required to carry 400 Gbps without oversubscription is 400 / 16 = 25 links. This assumes full-duplex links and no oversubscription in 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.
50
Why it's wrong here
50 links would provide 800 Gbps, which is double the requirement.
200
Why it's wrong here
200 links are excessive for the bandwidth requirement.
100
Why it's wrong here
100 links are more than needed; demand is 400 Gbps.
25
Why this is correct
25 links provide 400 Gbps of bandwidth (16 Gbps each) to meet total demand.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the concept of aggregate bandwidth versus per-device bandwidth, leading candidates to incorrectly multiply host count by link speed or storage array count by link speed instead of summing the total bandwidth demand and dividing by link speed.
Detailed technical explanation
In Fibre Channel storage networks, bandwidth calculations must consider full-duplex operation where each 16 Gbps link provides 16 Gbps in each direction simultaneously. The aggregate bandwidth demand is calculated from the host side (initiators) and storage side (targets), and the minimum link count is determined by the higher of the two demands divided by link speed. In practice, oversubscription ratios (e.g., 3:1 or 7:1) are often used to reduce cost, but this question explicitly requires no oversubscription.
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: 25 — The total bandwidth demand from hosts is 100 hosts × 4 Gbps = 400 Gbps. Each storage array provides 8 Gbps, so total storage bandwidth is 50 arrays × 8 Gbps = 400 Gbps. Since all links are 16 Gbps FC, the minimum number of links required to carry 400 Gbps without oversubscription is 400 / 16 = 25 links. This assumes full-duplex links and no oversubscription in 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: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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 →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.