Quick Answer
The answer is port security enabled with a WWN mismatch. When a server’s WWPN does not appear in the output of the ‘show flogi database’ command, it means the Fabric Login (FLOGI) request was rejected by the switch before the device could be registered. Port security enforces an allowed list of WWPNs; if the server’s WWPN is not on that list, the switch silently drops the FLOGI frame, preventing any login attempt from succeeding. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Fibre Channel port security and the FLOGI process—a common trap is assuming a physical cabling or SFP issue, but the absence from the database points specifically to a security filter. Remember the memory tip: “No FLOGI, no entry—check the port security entry.”
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. 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.
An administrator notices that a new server connected to a Fibre Channel switch cannot log in. The 'show flogi database' command does not show the server's WWPN. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Trunking mode not enabled on the port
Why wrong: Incorrect: Trunking is for VSAN tagging, not login.
Incorrect zoning configuration
Why wrong: Incorrect: Zoning only affects device discovery after login.
Speed mismatch between the server and switch
Why wrong: Incorrect: Speed mismatch prevents link establishment, not specifically FLOGI.
Port security enabled with WWN mismatch
Correct: Port security restricts which WWNs can log in.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Port security enabled with WWN mismatch
The 'show flogi database' command lists all devices that have successfully completed the Fabric Login (FLOGI) process. If the server's WWPN is absent, it indicates that the FLOGI request was rejected by the switch. Port security with a WWN mismatch is the most likely cause because the switch is configured to allow only specific WWPNs, and the server's WWPN does not match the allowed list, causing the switch to silently drop the FLOGI request without logging the device.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Trunking mode not enabled on the port
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Trunking is for VSAN tagging, not login.
Incorrect zoning configuration
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Zoning only affects device discovery after login.
Speed mismatch between the server and switch
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Speed mismatch prevents link establishment, not specifically FLOGI.
Port security enabled with WWN mismatch
Why this is correct
Correct: Port security restricts which WWNs can log in.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between FLOGI rejection (port security, fabric binding) and post-login restrictions (zoning, VSAN membership), so candidates mistakenly choose 'incorrect zoning' because they confuse zoning with port-level authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
Port security in Fibre Channel switches (e.g., Cisco MDS) uses the 'port-security' feature with 'port-security database' to bind specific WWPNs to specific interfaces. When a FLOGI request arrives, the switch compares the source WWPN against the allowed list; if no match is found, the switch discards the FLOGI and may generate a syslog message, but the device never appears in the FLOGI database. This is distinct from zoning (which operates at the name server level) and is often used in secure SAN environments to prevent unauthorized device attachment.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Port security enabled with WWN mismatch — The 'show flogi database' command lists all devices that have successfully completed the Fabric Login (FLOGI) process. If the server's WWPN is absent, it indicates that the FLOGI request was rejected by the switch. Port security with a WWN mismatch is the most likely cause because the switch is configured to allow only specific WWPNs, and the server's WWPN does not match the allowed list, causing the switch to silently drop the FLOGI request without logging the device.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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