350-601 Compute Practice Question
A UCS B-Series blade server (blade 5) has been running a database application for months. Recently, the storage team upgraded the SAN firmware. Since then, the blade experiences intermittent 'SCSI command timeout' errors in the system logs. The application performance degrades periodically. You check the UCS Manager performance data and see that the vHBA statistics show a high number of 'Link Reset' events. The storage array logs show no errors. The fibre channel cables are new. Which step should you take to resolve the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume physical cabling or zoning is the cause of link resets, but Cisco often tests the concept that firmware mismatches after a SAN upgrade can cause intermittent FC link issues without any physical layer faults.
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
✓
Update the HBA firmware on the blade to match the SAN compatibility matrix
The SAN firmware upgrade likely introduced a change in the Fibre Channel protocol behavior (e.g., link initialization or error recovery) that is incompatible with the current HBA firmware on the blade. The high 'Link Reset' events indicate that the vHBA is repeatedly reinitializing the link, which directly causes SCSI command timeouts. Updating the HBA firmware to match the SAN compatibility matrix ensures the HBA can properly negotiate and interoperate with the upgraded SAN fabric, resolving the intermittent timeouts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Delete and recreate the vHBA in the service profile
Why it's wrong here
Would cause disruption and likely not fix firmware mismatch
- ✗
Replace the fibre channel cables between the IOM and storage
Why it's wrong here
No error on cables; link resets suggest protocol mismatch
- ✓
Update the HBA firmware on the blade to match the SAN compatibility matrix
Why this is correct
Firmware mismatch after SAN upgrade is a common cause
- ✗
Rezone the SAN fabric to use a different target port
Why it's wrong here
Not a firmware issue; zoning won't help
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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