350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
A storage network engineer notices high buffer credit starvation counters on an inter-switch link. What is the most effective solution to reduce this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that reducing speed or using QoS can fix buffer credit issues, but the correct solution is always to increase buffer credits or use extended credits for long-distance links.
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
✓
Increase the number of buffer credits on the ISL.
High buffer credit starvation counters on an inter-switch link (ISL) indicate that the switch is running out of buffer credits to send frames, causing pauses in transmission. Increasing the number of buffer credits on the ISL directly addresses this by providing more credit pool for the link, allowing the switch to send more frames before needing acknowledgment, thus reducing starvation and improving throughput.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Change the ISL port mode from E to F.
Why it's wrong here
F ports are for end devices, not ISLs.
- ✗
Reduce the ISL speed to 1 Gbps.
Why it's wrong here
Lower speed may reduce the need for credits but decreases bandwidth.
- ✓
Increase the number of buffer credits on the ISL.
Why this is correct
More buffer credits accommodate longer distances and reduce starvation.
- ✗
Enable QoS to prioritize buffer credit recovery.
Why it's wrong here
QoS does not directly affect buffer credit allocation.
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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.