350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A large enterprise is deploying a new storage network for a VMware vSphere cluster with 200 VMs. The cluster uses vSphere 7 with vVols and requires a SAN that supports 16 Gbps FC. The storage team wants to use a Cisco MDS 9148S switch and has configured two VSANs: VSAN 100 for production and VSAN 200 for backup. The backup server is connected to VSAN 200. After the deployment, the backup administrator reports that backup jobs from the backup server to the storage array are failing. The storage array is connected to both VSANs via a single FC interface configured in 'auto' mode. The backup server is connected to an F-port in VSAN 200. The storage array's interface shows 'trunking' enabled and is in 'up' state. What is the most likely cause of the backup failure?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that enabling trunking on the storage array alone is sufficient, when in fact both ends of the link must be configured as trunk ports for multi-VSAN traffic to pass.
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
✓
Configure the MDS switch interface connected to the storage array as a trunk port and ensure VSAN 200 is in the allowed list.
The storage array is connected to both VSANs via a single interface with trunking enabled, but the MDS switch interface connected to the array is not configured as a trunk port. Without trunking on the switch side, the interface can only belong to one VSAN (likely VSAN 100 by default), so traffic from the backup server in VSAN 200 cannot reach the storage array. Option A resolves this by configuring the switch interface as a trunk port and explicitly allowing VSAN 200 in the allowed VSAN list, enabling the array to communicate with both VSANs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure the MDS switch interface connected to the storage array as a trunk port and ensure VSAN 200 is in the allowed list.
Why this is correct
This allows the array to be in both VSANs and ensures the backup server can communicate with the array.
- ✗
Move the backup server to VSAN 100 to match the production storage.
Why it's wrong here
The backup server is intended to be in VSAN 200; moving it would not fix the underlying trunking issue.
- ✗
Change the storage array interface to 'F' mode to force it to be in a single VSAN.
Why it's wrong here
Changing to F mode would limit the array to one VSAN, but the array needs to be in both VSANs.
- ✗
Disable trunking on the storage array interface to prevent VSAN mismatch.
Why it's wrong here
Trunking is required for the array to be in multiple VSANs; disabling it would cause loss of connectivity to one VSAN.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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