350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A storage administrator needs to configure zoning while minimizing administrative overhead and allowing multiple initiators to access multiple targets without having to change zones when new members are added. Which zoning approach is best?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between zoning by WWN (hard zoning) versus zoning by alias (soft zoning), and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly choose 'multiple initiator-multiple target zoning' (Option B) thinking it is the simplest, but they overlook that it eliminates all isolation and violates Fibre Channel security best practices, whereas alias-based zoning provides both scalability and proper segmentation.
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
✓
Zoning by naming using a zone alias for initiators and another for targets
Zoning by name using zone aliases decouples the zone configuration from the physical port or WWN, allowing administrators to group initiators and targets into separate aliases. When new members are added to an alias, the zone automatically includes them without manual zone reconfiguration, minimizing administrative overhead while supporting multiple initiators and multiple targets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Zoning by naming using a zone alias for initiators and another for targets
Why this is correct
Using zone aliases groups initiators and targets; adding new members to the alias automatically includes them in the zone, reducing overhead.
- ✗
Multiple initiator-multiple target zoning (all devices in one zone)
Why it's wrong here
This is simple but insecure; any device can see any other.
- ✗
Single initiator-single target zoning
Why it's wrong here
This minimizes security but increases overhead and requires changes for new members.
- ✗
Single initiator-multiple target zoning (initiator-based)
Why it's wrong here
This allows one initiator to see multiple targets but still requires zone changes for new initiators.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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