Quick Answer
The answer is two alignment issues: the vHBA is assigned to an incorrect VSAN, and the WWPN of the vHBA is not properly zoned on the SAN fabric. These are correct because UCS SAN boot alignment depends on the initiator’s WWPN being included in the correct zone on the Fibre Channel switch and belonging to the right VSAN; without proper zoning, the switch blocks the FLOGI and PLOGI processes, preventing the server from discovering the boot LUN, while an incorrect VSAN isolates the vHBA into a separate virtual fabric that cannot reach the target storage. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of the boot-from-SAN dependency chain—many candidates mistakenly focus only on the boot policy or vHBA association, forgetting that zoning and VSAN membership are fabric-level prerequisites. A common trap is assuming a correct boot policy guarantees boot success; in reality, the fabric must first allow the initiator to log in. Memory tip: “Zone the WWPN, match the VSAN—no login, no boot plan.”
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of compute. 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 reports that a Cisco UCS domain is not booting from the Fibre Channel SAN. The boot policy is correctly configured and the vHBA is associated. Which two alignment issues could cause this problem? (Choose two.)
The WWPN of the vHBA is not zoned on the SAN fabric.
Proper WWPN zoning is critical for SAN boot.
The vHBA is assigned to an incorrect VSAN.
VSAN mismatch prevents communication with the storage target.
The Ethernet LAN is not configured on the FI.
Why wrong: Ethernet is not used for SAN boot.
The disk firmware on the server is outdated.
Why wrong: Disk firmware affects local boot, not SAN boot.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The WWPN of the vHBA is not zoned on the SAN fabric.
Option A is correct because if the WWPN of the vHBA is not properly zoned on the SAN fabric, the Fibre Channel switch will not allow the server to log in to the target storage. Even with a correct boot policy and vHBA association, without zoning, the initiator cannot discover or communicate with the boot LUN, causing the boot to fail.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The WWPN of the vHBA is not zoned on the SAN fabric.
Why this is correct
Proper WWPN zoning is critical for SAN boot.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The vHBA is assigned to an incorrect VSAN.
Why this is correct
VSAN mismatch prevents communication with the storage target.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The Ethernet LAN is not configured on the FI.
Why it's wrong here
Ethernet is not used for SAN boot.
The disk firmware on the server is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
Disk firmware affects local boot, not SAN boot.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often focus only on the UCS-side configuration (boot policy, vHBA association) and forget that SAN fabric-level settings like zoning and VSAN assignment are equally critical for Fibre Channel boot to succeed.
Detailed technical explanation
In Cisco UCS, the vHBA presents a WWPN to the SAN fabric, and zoning must be configured on the Fibre Channel switch (e.g., Brocade or Cisco MDS) to allow the initiator to access the target storage. Without proper zoning, the FLOGI (Fabric Login) may succeed, but the PLOGI (Port Login) to the target will fail, preventing SCSI command execution. Similarly, assigning the vHBA to an incorrect VSAN isolates it from the correct storage targets, as VSANs create separate Fibre Channel fabrics.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-601 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Compute — This question tests Compute — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The WWPN of the vHBA is not zoned on the SAN fabric. — Option A is correct because if the WWPN of the vHBA is not properly zoned on the SAN fabric, the Fibre Channel switch will not allow the server to log in to the target storage. Even with a correct boot policy and vHBA association, without zoning, the initiator cannot discover or communicate with the boot LUN, causing the boot to fail.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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