350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A storage administrator reports that an FC initiator cannot log in to the SAN. The FC switch shows the following on the interface connected to the initiator: 'VSAN 100, State: Offline'. Which action should be taken to resolve the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between link-level issues (offline state) and fabric-level issues (zoning, VSAN membership), leading candidates to incorrectly choose zoning or VSAN changes when the root cause is a physical or speed mismatch.
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
✓
Configure port speed manually on the switch interface
The interface state 'Offline' in VSAN 100 indicates a Layer 1 or Layer 2 issue, often caused by a speed mismatch between the FC initiator and the switch interface. Configuring the port speed manually on the switch interface forces the link to negotiate at a specific speed, resolving the mismatch and bringing the interface online. This is a common fix when auto-negotiation fails or the initiator does not support the default speed settings.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a zone including the initiator and target
Why it's wrong here
Zoning does not affect link state; it controls device visibility.
- ✗
Change the interface VSAN to match the initiator
Why it's wrong here
The interface is already in VSAN 100 as shown by the state.
- ✗
Increase the number of buffer credits on the interface
Why it's wrong here
Buffer credits are not configured per port; they are negotiated between ports.
- ✓
Configure port speed manually on the switch interface
Why this is correct
Forcing the port speed can stop flapping and bring the link online.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 984 original 350-601 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
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.