- A
Hard zoning uses the Fibre Channel name server to restrict access.
Why wrong: That describes soft zoning.
- B
Both hard and soft zoning require the active zone set to be configured.
Why wrong: While both require zone set activation, this is not a distinguishing statement.
- C
Hard zoning provides security against WWPN spoofing.
Hard zoning uses hardware-based ACLs that filter by port or WWN, making it harder to spoof.
- D
Soft zoning enforces access at the hardware level.
Why wrong: Soft zoning is implemented via the name server and does not enforce at hardware level.
- E
Soft zoning can be bypassed by a device that directly addresses another device.
Soft zoning only hides devices; a device can still attempt to send frames to any destination.
Question 429 of 1,000
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
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 storage administrator is configuring Fibre Channel zoning on a Cisco MDS switch to restrict access between initiators and targets. Which two statements about hard zoning vs. soft zoning are true? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Hard zoning provides security against WWPN spoofing.
Hard zoning uses hardware ACLs to enforce access at the port level, providing security against WWPN spoofing. Soft zoning relies on the name server to filter responses, but a device can still attempt to communicate; it is less secure.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Hard zoning uses the Fibre Channel name server to restrict access.
Why it's wrong here
That describes soft zoning.
- ✗
Both hard and soft zoning require the active zone set to be configured.
Why it's wrong here
While both require zone set activation, this is not a distinguishing statement.
- ✓
Hard zoning provides security against WWPN spoofing.
Why this is correct
Hard zoning uses hardware-based ACLs that filter by port or WWN, making it harder to spoof.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Soft zoning enforces access at the hardware level.
Why it's wrong here
Soft zoning is implemented via the name server and does not enforce at hardware level.
- ✓
Soft zoning can be bypassed by a device that directly addresses another device.
Why this is correct
Soft zoning only hides devices; a device can still attempt to send frames to any destination.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-601 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-601 question test?
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Hard zoning provides security against WWPN spoofing. — Hard zoning uses hardware ACLs to enforce access at the port level, providing security against WWPN spoofing. Soft zoning relies on the name server to filter responses, but a device can still attempt to communicate; it is less secure.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-601 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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