The answer is to verify that port security is not blocking the initiator WWPN and to check for invalid FCID persistence. FCID persistence assigns a static Fibre Channel ID to a device upon login, but if that FCID conflicts with another device or falls outside the allowed range, the switch cannot grant the address, causing the login to fail. Similarly, port security can explicitly deny a WWPN, preventing any login even when VSAN and zoning are correct. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between Layer 2 fabric services and access control—a common trap is assuming zoning alone guarantees connectivity. Remember that zoning controls visibility, while port security and FCID persistence control admission and addressing. Memory tip: think “Zoning sees, security admits, persistence seats”—if the seat number is taken or the door is locked, login fails.
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
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 storage administrator is troubleshooting a Fibre Channel SAN where initiators cannot log in to a target. The administrator verifies that the VSAN is configured correctly and that zoning is in place. Which two additional checks should be performed to resolve the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Confirm that FCID persistence is not enabled with invalid static FCIDs.
In a Fibre Channel SAN, FCID persistence assigns a specific FCID to a device each time it logs in. If an invalid static FCID is configured (e.g., an FCID that conflicts with another device or is outside the allowed range), the initiator may fail to log in because the switch cannot assign the requested address. This is a common cause of login failures even when VSAN and zoning are correctly configured.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Ensure NPIV is enabled on the F-port.
Why it's wrong here
NPIV is for multiple virtual initiators, not required for basic single initiator login.
✓
Confirm that FCID persistence is not enabled with invalid static FCIDs.
Why this is correct
Invalid static FCID persistence can cause login failures if the FCID is already in use or conflicting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Verify that port security is not blocking the initiator WWPN.
Why this is correct
Port security can prevent login if the WWPN is not in the allowed list.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Verify the FCoE VLAN ID matches on both ends.
Why it's wrong here
This applies only to FCoE, not native FC.
✗
Check that LUN masking has been applied on the target.
Why it's wrong here
LUN masking is applied after successful login, so it does not prevent login itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between fabric-level login issues (like FCID persistence or port security) and storage-level issues (like LUN masking), leading candidates to incorrectly select LUN masking as a cause of login failure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
FCID persistence is configured using the 'fcid persistence' command on Cisco MDS switches, and invalid static FCIDs can be verified with 'show flogi database' and 'show fcid persistence'. A common real-world scenario is when a static FCID is set to a value already in use by another device, causing the switch to reject the login request with a reason code such as 'FCID already in use' or 'invalid FCID'.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Confirm that FCID persistence is not enabled with invalid static FCIDs. — In a Fibre Channel SAN, FCID persistence assigns a specific FCID to a device each time it logs in. If an invalid static FCID is configured (e.g., an FCID that conflicts with another device or is outside the allowed range), the initiator may fail to log in because the switch cannot assign the requested address. This is a common cause of login failures even when VSAN and zoning are correctly configured.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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