350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A storage administrator wants to implement Fibre Channel zoning to ensure that only specific initiators can access specific targets. The administrator prefers a method that does not require reconfiguration when a host's HBA is replaced with a new one with a different WWPN. Which zoning type meets this requirement?
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
✓
Soft zoning by port
Soft zoning by port uses the physical port number, not the WWPN. If the HBA is replaced but the same port is used, the zoning remains valid. Hard zoning by WWN would require updating the zone if the WWPN changes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Hard zoning by port
Why it's wrong here
Hard zoning by port uses physical port numbers, but hard zoning enforces access at the hardware level; however, the question asks for a method that avoids reconfiguration on HBA replacement. Hard zoning by port still uses port IDs, which may change if the port is different.
- ✓
Soft zoning by port
Why this is correct
Soft zoning by port uses the switch port number. If the same port is used for the new HBA, no reconfiguration is needed.
- ✗
Soft zoning by WWN
Why it's wrong here
Soft zoning by WWN still relies on WWPNs and would require changes if the WWPN changes.
- ✗
Hard zoning by WWN
Why it's wrong here
Hard zoning by WWN depends on the WWPN; a new HBA has a different WWPN, requiring zone reconfiguration.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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