- A
Configure the MDS switch interface connected to the storage array as a trunk port and ensure VSAN 200 is in the allowed list.
This allows the array to be in both VSANs and ensures the backup server can communicate with the array.
- B
Move the backup server to VSAN 100 to match the production storage.
Why wrong: The backup server is intended to be in VSAN 200; moving it would not fix the underlying trunking issue.
- C
Change the storage array interface to 'F' mode to force it to be in a single VSAN.
Why wrong: Changing to F mode would limit the array to one VSAN, but the array needs to be in both VSANs.
- D
Disable trunking on the storage array interface to prevent VSAN mismatch.
Why wrong: Trunking is required for the array to be in multiple VSANs; disabling it would cause loss of connectivity to one VSAN.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure the MDS switch interface connected to the storage array as a trunk port and ensure VSAN 200 is in the allowed list. This is correct because a single Fibre Channel interface on the storage array has trunking enabled to carry multiple VSANs, but the corresponding MDS switch port remains in default access mode, which binds it to a single VSAN—typically VSAN 100. Without trunk port configuration for multiple VSANs on MDS, the switch discards frames from VSAN 200, isolating the backup server. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of VSAN trunking and the critical distinction between enabling trunking on the end device versus the switch port; a common trap is assuming the array’s trunking status alone suffices. Remember: both sides of the link must agree on trunking—the switch port must be explicitly set to trunk mode and include the target VSAN in its allowed list. Memory tip: “Trunk the switch side, or the backup will hide.”
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.
A large enterprise is deploying a new storage network for a VMware vSphere cluster with 200 VMs. The cluster uses vSphere 7 with vVols and requires a SAN that supports 16 Gbps FC. The storage team wants to use a Cisco MDS 9148S switch and has configured two VSANs: VSAN 100 for production and VSAN 200 for backup. The backup server is connected to VSAN 200. After the deployment, the backup administrator reports that backup jobs from the backup server to the storage array are failing. The storage array is connected to both VSANs via a single FC interface configured in 'auto' mode. The backup server is connected to an F-port in VSAN 200. The storage array's interface shows 'trunking' enabled and is in 'up' state. What is the most likely cause of the backup failure?
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 choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure the MDS switch interface connected to the storage array as a trunk port and ensure VSAN 200 is in the allowed list.
The storage array is connected to both VSANs via a single interface with trunking enabled, but the MDS switch interface connected to the array is not configured as a trunk port. Without trunking on the switch side, the interface can only belong to one VSAN (likely VSAN 100 by default), so traffic from the backup server in VSAN 200 cannot reach the storage array. Option A resolves this by configuring the switch interface as a trunk port and explicitly allowing VSAN 200 in the allowed VSAN list, enabling the array to communicate with both VSANs.
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.
- ✓
Configure the MDS switch interface connected to the storage array as a trunk port and ensure VSAN 200 is in the allowed list.
Why this is correct
This allows the array to be in both VSANs and ensures the backup server can communicate with the array.
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.
- ✗
Move the backup server to VSAN 100 to match the production storage.
Why it's wrong here
The backup server is intended to be in VSAN 200; moving it would not fix the underlying trunking issue.
- ✗
Change the storage array interface to 'F' mode to force it to be in a single VSAN.
Why it's wrong here
Changing to F mode would limit the array to one VSAN, but the array needs to be in both VSANs.
- ✗
Disable trunking on the storage array interface to prevent VSAN mismatch.
Why it's wrong here
Trunking is required for the array to be in multiple VSANs; disabling it would cause loss of connectivity to one VSAN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that enabling trunking on the storage array alone is sufficient, when in fact both ends of the link must be configured as trunk ports for multi-VSAN traffic to pass.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco MDS fabrics, trunking (using the ISL or E_port trunking protocol) allows a single physical link to carry traffic for multiple VSANs by encapsulating frames with VSAN tags. When a storage array with a single FC interface has trunking enabled, the MDS switch port must also be configured as a trunk port (e.g., using 'switchport mode trunk' and 'switchport trunk allowed vsan add 200') to accept and forward frames from VSAN 200. Without this, the switch port defaults to an access port in the native VSAN (usually VSAN 1 or the configured VSAN), dropping any frames tagged for other VSANs.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-601 question test?
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: Configure the MDS switch interface connected to the storage array as a trunk port and ensure VSAN 200 is in the allowed list. — The storage array is connected to both VSANs via a single interface with trunking enabled, but the MDS switch interface connected to the array is not configured as a trunk port. Without trunking on the switch side, the interface can only belong to one VSAN (likely VSAN 100 by default), so traffic from the backup server in VSAN 200 cannot reach the storage array. Option A resolves this by configuring the switch interface as a trunk port and explicitly allowing VSAN 200 in the allowed VSAN list, enabling the array to communicate with both VSANs.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-601
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is consolidating its storage network into a single fabric using a Cisco MDS 9509. They want to use VSANs to isolate different departments. The VSANs will be 10, 20, and 30. They have a single ISL between two MDS switches. The engineers want to carry all three VSANs over the ISL. They configure both ends of the ISL as E ports and enable trunking. After configuration, they notice that only VSAN 10 traffic passes over the ISL. The other VSANs appear isolated. The show vsan membership shows all three VSANs are present on both switches. The show interface trunk on the ISL shows that the trunk is up but only VSAN 10 is allowed. What is the most likely cause?
medium- A.The other VSANs are not configured on the trunk interface
- ✓ B.The allowed VSAN list on the trunk port is limited to only VSAN 10
- C.The trunk mode is set to 'on' instead of 'desirable'/'auto'
- D.The ISL is in an error-disabled state for VSAN 20 and 30
Why B: The show interface trunk output indicates that only VSAN 10 is in the allowed list. The allowed VSAN list on the trunk port must be configured to include all three VSANs. The trunk mode (on/desirable) does not limit VSANs. Error-disabled would show in different status. VSAN membership on the interface is not applicable for trunk ports.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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