The correct step is to update the HBA firmware on the blade to match the SAN compatibility matrix. This resolves the issue because the SAN firmware upgrade likely altered Fibre Channel protocol behavior—such as link initialization or error recovery—creating an incompatibility with the existing HBA firmware, which manifests as the high number of Link Reset events seen in UCS Manager. These repeated link resets directly cause SCSI command timeouts and application degradation, even when the storage array and cables are fine. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of UCS-storage interoperability and the importance of firmware alignment after any SAN change. A common trap is to blame the cables or array, but the symptom of Link Reset events points squarely to a host-side negotiation mismatch. Remember: when you see Link Resets after a SAN upgrade, think “HBA firmware first.” Memory tip: “Link Resets after a SAN refresh? HBA firmware must mesh.”
350-601 Compute Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of compute. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 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?
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
Option C is correct because 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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Rezone the SAN fabric to use a different target port
Why it's wrong here
Not a firmware issue; zoning won't help
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Link Reset events in Fibre Channel occur when a port detects a loss of synchronization or a protocol violation, often due to mismatched buffer-to-buffer credits, frame sizes, or error recovery policies between the HBA and the switch. After a SAN firmware upgrade, the switch may enforce stricter compliance with FC standards (e.g., FC-FS-3 or FC-LS-2), causing older HBA firmware to fail link initialization. Updating the HBA firmware aligns it with the switch's new behavior, restoring stable FC frame exchange and eliminating the SCSI command timeouts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Compute — This question tests Compute — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Update the HBA firmware on the blade to match the SAN compatibility matrix — Option C is correct because 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.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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