The answer is the show zoneset active and show fcns database commands. The show fcns database command verifies the Fibre Channel name server database, listing all logged-in devices and their WWPNs to confirm that the host and targets are registered in the VSAN. The show zoneset active command displays the currently enforced zone set, which is critical because even with correct VSAN configuration and up interfaces, a missing or incorrect active zone set will block all traffic between the host and targets. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your ability to isolate zoning versus name server issues—a common trap is assuming interface status alone guarantees connectivity. Remember the memory tip: “Name server shows who’s there, active zone set shows who can talk.”
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 reports that a host cannot reach any of the targets on a Cisco MDS 9000 Series switch. The VSAN configuration is correct, and all interfaces are up. Which two commands should be used to verify the Fibre Channel name server database and zoning configuration?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
show zoneset active
Option A is correct because the 'show zoneset active' command displays the currently active zone set, which is essential for verifying which zones are enforced by the switch. Since the VSAN configuration is correct and interfaces are up, a missing or incorrect active zone set could prevent the host from reaching any targets, even if the name server database is populated.
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.
✓
show zoneset active
Why this is correct
Shows the active zoneset and its member devices, verifying zoning.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
show zone
Why it's wrong here
Shows all configured zones but not necessarily the active set.
✗
show flogi database
Why it's wrong here
Shows fabric login information, not the name server or active zoneset.
✓
show fcns database
Why this is correct
Displays the Fibre Channel name server database, showing all registered devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
show fcns details
Why it's wrong here
'show fcns details' is not a valid Cisco NX-OS command.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'show flogi database' (which shows fabric login state) and 'show fcns database' (which shows name server registrations), leading candidates to mistakenly choose 'show flogi database' when the question asks for name server verification.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows all configured zones but not necessarily the active set.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Fibre Channel name server (FCNS) database is populated via FLOGI and PLOGI (Port Login) processes, where each N_Port registers its WWN and FC-4 types (e.g., SCSI-FCP). The active zone set is enforced by the switch’s fabric services, which use the FCNS database to permit or deny frame delivery between initiators and targets based on zone membership; if a zone set is not activated, all devices in the same VSAN can communicate, but if activated, only zoned pairs can communicate.
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 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
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: show zoneset active — Option A is correct because the 'show zoneset active' command displays the currently active zone set, which is essential for verifying which zones are enforced by the switch. Since the VSAN configuration is correct and interfaces are up, a missing or incorrect active zone set could prevent the host from reaching any targets, even if the name server database is populated.
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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