The answer is insufficient buffer credits on the transmitting port. Fibre Channel interfaces rely on a buffer-to-buffer credit mechanism to manage frame flow between directly connected ports; when the transmitting port exhausts its available credits, it cannot send more frames until the receiving port returns credits via R_RDY primitives, leading to output discards as frames are dropped at the transmit buffer. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of FC flow control versus physical-layer errors—a common trap is confusing output discards with CRC errors or high latency, but discards specifically point to credit starvation. Remember that buffer credits are a per-hop, not end-to-end, resource, so the fix involves increasing the number of credits on the long-distance link or verifying the receiving port’s buffer availability. A useful memory tip: “Discards mean credits are hard—if you see drops, check the buffer stops.”
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
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 engineer is troubleshooting a SAN performance issue. The show interface counters command shows high output discard counts on a particular Fibre Channel interface. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Insufficient buffer credits on the transmitting port.
Output discards on an FC interface typically indicate that the port is out of buffer credits and frames are being discarded. Option A is wrong because CRC errors are different. Option B is wrong because high latency doesn't directly cause discards. Option D is wrong because zoning mismatch would cause login issues, not discards.
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.
✗
High CRC errors on the link.
Why it's wrong here
CRC errors are input errors, not output discards.
✓
Insufficient buffer credits on the transmitting port.
Why this is correct
Output discards happen when the port runs out of buffer credits.
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.
✗
Insufficient bandwidth due to latency.
Why it's wrong here
Latency can cause buffer credit starvation, but the direct cause is lack of credits.
✗
Mismatched zone configurations.
Why it's wrong here
Zoning mismatch prevents communication, but does not cause output discards.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
CRC errors are input errors, not output discards.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Insufficient buffer credits on the transmitting port. — Output discards on an FC interface typically indicate that the port is out of buffer credits and frames are being discarded. Option A is wrong because CRC errors are different. Option B is wrong because high latency doesn't directly cause discards. Option D is wrong because zoning mismatch would cause login issues, not discards.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.