Quick Answer
The correct answer is to place each storage array in a different VSAN. This is because VSANs provide complete Layer 2 isolation, creating separate, independent Fibre Channel fabric topologies within the same physical MDS switch infrastructure, so frames from one array never reach the other. On the Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of VSAN isolation versus zoning: zoning only restricts which devices can communicate within the same fabric, while VSANs physically separate traffic at the fabric level. A common trap is confusing zoning’s access control with VSAN’s full traffic segregation—zoning would still allow broadcast or control traffic to leak between arrays. For the exam, remember the memory tip: “VSANs build walls, zoning just locks doors.”
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 MDS switch is configured with VSANs 100 and 200. The engineer wants to isolate traffic between two storage arrays on the same physical fabric. Which best practice should be applied?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Use zones within the same VSAN to separate arrays.
Why wrong: Zoning is per VSAN, but both arrays would be in the same VSAN if no VSAN separation.
Place each array in a different VSAN.
VSANs provide complete isolation.
Enable QoS to prioritize storage traffic.
Why wrong: QoS prioritizes but does not isolate.
Configure a port channel between the switches.
Why wrong: Port channels increase bandwidth but not isolation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Place each array in a different VSAN.
Option B is correct because VSANs provide complete isolation of traffic at Layer 2, creating separate fabric topologies within the same physical infrastructure. Placing each storage array in a different VSAN ensures that Fibre Channel frames from one array never reach the other, even though they share the same MDS switch hardware. This is the recommended best practice for separating storage traffic that must not interact.
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.
Use zones within the same VSAN to separate arrays.
Why it's wrong here
Zoning is per VSAN, but both arrays would be in the same VSAN if no VSAN separation.
Place each array in a different VSAN.
Why this is correct
VSANs provide complete isolation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Enable QoS to prioritize storage traffic.
Why it's wrong here
QoS prioritizes but does not isolate.
Configure a port channel between the switches.
Why it's wrong here
Port channels increase bandwidth but not isolation.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse zoning with VSAN isolation, thinking that zones within a single VSAN provide the same level of separation, when in fact zones only restrict end-device communication while leaving fabric services and control traffic shared across the entire VSAN.
Detailed technical explanation
VSANs operate by assigning a unique VSAN ID to each Fibre Channel frame via the VSAN tag in the Inter-Switch Link (ISL) header, effectively creating independent Fibre Channel SANs with separate fabric login (FLOGI), name server, and zone databases. In a real-world scenario, if two storage arrays must be isolated for compliance or security, using separate VSANs ensures that a misconfiguration in one array's zone set cannot inadvertently expose LUNs to the other array, as the VSAN boundary prevents any Fibre Channel frames from crossing.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Storage Network — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Storage Network practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-601 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-601 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Network.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Compute.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Storage Network.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Automation.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Security.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 fundamentals.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 scenario.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Place each array in a different VSAN. — Option B is correct because VSANs provide complete isolation of traffic at Layer 2, creating separate fabric topologies within the same physical infrastructure. Placing each storage array in a different VSAN ensures that Fibre Channel frames from one array never reach the other, even though they share the same MDS switch hardware. This is the recommended best practice for separating storage traffic that must not interact.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.