The answer is that the device with FCID 0x010003 is a loop-attached device, as indicated by the 'NL' designation in the FC show output. In Fibre Channel terminology, 'NL' stands for Node Loop, which identifies a device operating in Arbitrated Loop topology rather than a fabric-attached 'N' (Node) port. This distinction is critical because loop-attached devices use a different addressing and arbitration scheme, and the output explicitly shows the port type as 'NL' to confirm this. On the Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, interpreting FC show output to identify loop-attached devices tests your ability to read real-world command results and understand Fibre Channel topologies—a common trap is confusing 'NL' with 'N' or assuming all FCIDs are fabric-direct. A reliable memory tip is to think of 'NL' as "Not Loop-free" or simply "Loop-attached," which directly maps to the output's port type field.
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
switch# show fcns database vsan 100
VSAN 100:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
FCID TYPE PWWN (VENDOR) FC4_TYPE
-------------------------------------------------------------------
0x010000 N 10:00:00:00:c9:00:00:01 (ABC) scsi-fcp
0x010001 N 10:00:00:00:c9:00:00:02 (ABC) scsi-fcp
0x010002 N 10:00:00:00:c9:00:00:03 (DEF) scsi-fcp
0x010003 NL 10:00:00:00:c9:00:00:04 (ABC) scsi-fcp
Total number of entries = 4
Based on the exhibited output, what can be concluded about the fabric?
Refer to the exhibit.
switch# show fcns database vsan 100
VSAN 100:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
FCID TYPE PWWN (VENDOR) FC4_TYPE
-------------------------------------------------------------------
0x010000 N 10:00:00:00:c9:00:00:01 (ABC) scsi-fcp
0x010001 N 10:00:00:00:c9:00:00:02 (ABC) scsi-fcp
0x010002 N 10:00:00:00:c9:00:00:03 (DEF) scsi-fcp
0x010003 NL 10:00:00:00:c9:00:00:04 (ABC) scsi-fcp
Total number of entries = 4
A
The fabric contains a domain ID conflict.
Why wrong: No evidence of conflict; all FCIDs start with 0x01.
B
The device with FCID 0x010002 is a disk array.
Why wrong: FC4 type does not differentiate between host and storage.
C
There are three initiators and one target.
Why wrong: The FC4 type is scsi-fcp for all, but cannot determine role from FCNS alone.
D
The device with FCID 0x010003 is a loop-attached device.
The 'NL' type indicates a loop-attached node (public loop).
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The device with FCID 0x010003 is a loop-attached device.
Option B is correct. 'NL' indicates loop-attached. Others are incorrect based on output.
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.
✗
The fabric contains a domain ID conflict.
Why it's wrong here
No evidence of conflict; all FCIDs start with 0x01.
✗
The device with FCID 0x010002 is a disk array.
Why it's wrong here
FC4 type does not differentiate between host and storage.
✗
There are three initiators and one target.
Why it's wrong here
The FC4 type is scsi-fcp for all, but cannot determine role from FCNS alone.
✓
The device with FCID 0x010003 is a loop-attached device.
Why this is correct
The 'NL' type indicates a loop-attached node (public loop).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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: The device with FCID 0x010003 is a loop-attached device. — Option B is correct. 'NL' indicates loop-attached. Others are incorrect based on output.
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.
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.