Quick Answer
The answer is VSAN trunking, which is the correct feature because it enables a single Inter-Switch Link (ISL) to carry traffic for multiple VSANs while preserving strict traffic isolation between them. In a storage network with Cisco MDS 9700 switches, VSAN trunking extends the concept of VLAN trunking from Ethernet to Fibre Channel, allowing you to share a physical ISL between VSANs 100 and 200 without merging their fabrics. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of Fibre Channel fabric services—specifically, the difference between trunking, PortChannels (which aggregate bandwidth but not VSANs), FSPF (a routing protocol), and IVR (which routes between VSANs rather than sharing a link). A common trap is confusing trunking with PortChannels, so remember: trunking is about sharing, not bonding. Memory tip: think “Trunking = Transport for multiple VSANs” to keep it straight.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 network using Cisco MDS 9700 switches has two VSANs (100 and 200). The engineer wants to share a physical ISL between both VSANs while maintaining traffic isolation. Which feature should be used?
VSAN trunking
VSAN trunking allows multiple VSANs over a single link with isolation.
PortChannel with trunk mode on
Why wrong: PortChannel provides link aggregation, not VSAN multiplexing.
Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR)
Why wrong: IVR enables communication between VSANs, not sharing a link.
FSPF metric manipulation
Why wrong: FSPF is a routing protocol, not for sharing links across VSANs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
VSAN trunking
VSAN trunking allows multiple VSANs over a single ISL, maintaining isolation. PortChannel aggregates bandwidth, not VSANs. FSPF is routing, and IVR routes between VSANs, not sharing a link.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
VSAN trunking
Why this is correct
VSAN trunking allows multiple VSANs over a single link with isolation.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
PortChannel with trunk mode on
Why it's wrong here
PortChannel provides link aggregation, not VSAN multiplexing.
Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR)
Why it's wrong here
IVR enables communication between VSANs, not sharing a link.
FSPF metric manipulation
Why it's wrong here
FSPF is a routing protocol, not for sharing links across VSANs.
Common exam traps
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-601 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
The correct answer is: VSAN trunking — VSAN trunking allows multiple VSANs over a single ISL, maintaining isolation. PortChannel aggregates bandwidth, not VSANs. FSPF is routing, and IVR routes between VSANs, not sharing a link.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-601 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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