350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
During a SAN migration, an engineer connects new storage to an existing MDS switch. The new storage array is configured with WWPNs that were previously used by decommissioned servers. After zoning is updated, some servers fail to see the correct LUNs. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the concept of duplicate WWPNs in the fabric as a subtle cause of device login failures, and the trap here is that candidates might overlook the reuse of WWPNs and instead blame VSAN misconfiguration or firmware issues.
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
✓
Duplicate WWPNs exist in the fabric, causing device login conflicts.
The new storage array is configured with WWPNs that were previously used by decommissioned servers. When these WWPNs are introduced into the fabric, the switch detects duplicate WWPNs because the fabric name server still holds the old entries (or the devices are still logged in). This causes login conflicts, preventing the servers from correctly discovering the LUNs. The correct answer is B.
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 NPV feature is enabled on the switch causing proxy login issues.
Why it's wrong here
NPV does not affect LUN visibility directly.
- ✓
Duplicate WWPNs exist in the fabric, causing device login conflicts.
Why this is correct
Reusing WWPNs without clearing the old entries leads to duplicate registrations.
- ✗
The new storage is not in the same VSAN as the servers.
Why it's wrong here
Zoning was updated, so VSAN membership should be correct.
- ✗
The switch is running an older firmware that does not support the new storage.
Why it's wrong here
Firmware compatibility may cause issues, but WWPN duplication is more likely.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.