350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A storage administrator notices that a Fiber Channel link between a server and a Cisco MDS switch is flapping every few minutes. The server's HBA and the switch port are both configured for 16 Gbps. Which action is most likely to resolve the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume link flapping is always a configuration or timeout issue (options A or C), when in fact Cisco MDS switches enforce strict SFP compatibility and will flap with non-Cisco optics even if speed and other settings are correct.
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
✓
Replace the SFP module on the switch port with a compatible Cisco SFP
The most likely cause of link flapping on a 16 Gbps Fiber Channel link is an incompatible or faulty SFP module. Cisco MDS switches require Cisco-qualified SFPs to ensure proper signal integrity and protocol negotiation; using a third-party or mismatched SFP can cause intermittent link drops. Replacing the SFP with a compatible Cisco SFP directly addresses the hardware compatibility issue that leads to flapping.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Increase the link timeout interval on the switch port
Why it's wrong here
Temporary masking of the symptom.
- ✓
Replace the SFP module on the switch port with a compatible Cisco SFP
Why this is correct
Faulty SFP is a common cause of link flapping.
- ✗
Configure the switch port speed to auto-negotiate
Why it's wrong here
Auto-negotiation is not standard in FC and does not fix SFP issues.
- ✗
Change the admin state of the interface to shut and no shut
Why it's wrong here
This does not address the underlying physical issue.
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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.