350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A SAN administrator notices intermittent connectivity issues between an initiator and target. The Fibre Channel link shows CRC errors. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between physical-layer errors (CRC) and higher-layer issues (zoning, domain ID, buffer credits) to see if candidates can map symptoms to the correct OSI layer.
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
✓
Faulty SFP or fiber optic cable.
CRC errors on a Fibre Channel link indicate physical-layer issues such as signal degradation, dirty connectors, or faulty hardware. The most common cause is a faulty SFP module or damaged fiber optic cable, which introduces bit errors that the CRC check detects. This is the first component to verify when troubleshooting intermittent connectivity with CRC errors.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Incorrect domain ID.
Why it's wrong here
Domain ID issues cause fabric login problems.
- ✓
Faulty SFP or fiber optic cable.
Why this is correct
Physical layer issues cause CRC errors.
- ✗
Buffer credit starvation.
Why it's wrong here
Buffer credit issues cause frame drops, not CRC.
- ✗
Incorrect zone configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Zoning issues cause login failures, not CRC.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.