The answer is to review the SAN boot target configuration in Cisco IMC. This is the correct step because when a UCS C-Series rack server fails to discover the LUN during POST despite correct HBA zoning, the issue typically lies in the boot target parameters—such as the WWPN, LUN ID, or target name—that are stored in the IMC’s SAN boot settings. These parameters are critical because the HBA reads them during the BIOS-level boot process to address and log into the storage target; if they are misconfigured, the LUN discovery will fail even with proper zoning. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the boot-from-SAN workflow, where many candidates mistakenly recheck zoning or cabling, overlooking the IMC configuration as the root cause. A common trap is assuming that correct zoning guarantees LUN discovery, but the IMC’s boot target list must explicitly match the storage array’s configuration. Remember the memory tip: “Zone the fabric, but configure the target in IMC.”
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 C-Series rack server with a boot from SAN policy fails to discover the LUN during POST. The HBA is correctly zoned with the storage array. Which step should be taken to troubleshoot the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Review the SAN boot target configuration in Cisco IMC
Option C is correct because when a UCS C-Series rack server with a boot-from-SAN policy fails to discover the LUN during POST, the most direct troubleshooting step is to review the SAN boot target configuration in Cisco IMC. The HBA is already correctly zoned, so the issue likely lies in the boot target parameters (e.g., WWPN, LUN ID, or target name) configured in the IMC's SAN boot settings, which the HBA uses during the BIOS-level boot process. Verifying these settings ensures the HBA can properly address and log into the storage target.
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.
✗
Verify VSAN membership on the fabric interconnect
Why it's wrong here
VSANs are for B-Series blade chassis, not C-Series rack servers
✗
Update the server firmware to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
Firmware upgrade is not a troubleshooting step for LUN discovery
✓
Review the SAN boot target configuration in Cisco IMC
Why this is correct
CIMC stores the SAN boot settings for C-Series servers
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Check the service profile association in UCS Manager
Why it's wrong here
C-Series servers are managed independently, not through service profiles
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between UCS B-Series (managed via UCS Manager with service profiles) and C-Series (standalone with Cisco IMC) to trap candidates who apply B-Series troubleshooting steps to a C-Series scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a boot-from-SAN scenario on a UCS C-Series server, the HBA's BIOS (e.g., Emulex or QLogic) uses the boot target parameters stored in Cisco IMC to perform a Fibre Channel login (PLOGI/PRLI) and discover the LUN. If the target WWPN or LUN ID is incorrect, the HBA will fail to establish a session even if zoning is correct. The IMC stores these parameters in the 'Storage' > 'SAN Boot' section, and misconfigurations such as a missing or duplicate LUN ID are common causes of POST failures.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-601 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: Review the SAN boot target configuration in Cisco IMC — Option C is correct because when a UCS C-Series rack server with a boot-from-SAN policy fails to discover the LUN during POST, the most direct troubleshooting step is to review the SAN boot target configuration in Cisco IMC. The HBA is already correctly zoned, so the issue likely lies in the boot target parameters (e.g., WWPN, LUN ID, or target name) configured in the IMC's SAN boot settings, which the HBA uses during the BIOS-level boot process. Verifying these settings ensures the HBA can properly address and log into the storage target.
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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