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 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?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
NPIV not enabled on the core switch
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.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Overlapping VSAN IDs between edge and core
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Overlapping VSANs are allowed and do not prevent login.
✗
F port binding on the edge switch
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Port binding is optional and does not affect NPV login.
✗
Trunking mode not enabled on the core switch
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Trunking is not required for basic NPV operation.
✓
NPIV not enabled on the core switch
Why this is correct
Correct: NPIV must be enabled on core switches to support NPV.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-601 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NPIV not enabled on the core switch — 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.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-601 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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