The answer is a speed mismatch, specifically when the remote switch interface is set to 8000 Mbps while the local interface is configured for a different speed. This occurs because the E_port init state is the phase where the port runs the Exchange Link Parameters (ELP) and Exchange Switch Capabilities (ESC) protocols to negotiate link parameters; if the speed settings do not match, these negotiations fail, and the port remains stuck in the init state instead of transitioning to online. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Fibre Channel E_port initialization and common misconfigurations—a frequent trap is assuming the issue is a cable fault or incompatible switch modes when the real culprit is a speed mismatch between the two ends. Remember that Cisco MDS switches require identical speed settings on both E_ports for successful initialization, so always verify the speed configuration on both sides. Memory tip: "Speed must match to escape the init hatch."
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
<config>
interface fc1/1
switchport mode E
switchport speed 16000
no shutdown
</config>
Refer to the exhibit. The interface fc1/1 is configured as an E_port. The connected switch also has an E_port configured. However, the interface shows an 'init' state. 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
✓
The speed on the remote switch interface is set to 8000 Mbps.
The 'init' state on an E_port indicates that the link is up but the port is still initializing the Exchange Link Parameters (ELP) and Exchange Switch Capabilities (ESC) protocols. If the remote switch interface speed is set to 8000 Mbps (8 Gbps) while the local interface is configured for a different speed (e.g., 4 Gbps or 16 Gbps), the speed negotiation will fail, preventing the E_port from transitioning to the 'online' state. Cisco MDS switches require matching speed settings on both ends of an E_port for successful initialization.
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 domain ID is not configured on either switch.
Why it's wrong here
Domain IDs are assigned automatically or manually but are not required for E_port to come up.
✓
The speed on the remote switch interface is set to 8000 Mbps.
Why this is correct
E_ports require matching speed settings to establish a link.
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.
✗
The port VSAN on the local interface is different from the remote.
Why it's wrong here
ISLs can carry multiple VSANs; VSAN mismatch does not prevent E_port initialization.
✗
The remote switch interface is not configured as a trunk.
Why it's wrong here
Trunk mode is not required for E_port; E_port is a type of trunk port.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'init' and 'isolated' states, where candidates mistakenly attribute VSAN mismatch or domain ID issues to 'init', but the correct cause is often a speed mismatch or incompatible port parameters during ELP negotiation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
During E_port initialization, the ELP frame includes the transmitter and receiver speeds; if the speeds do not match, the receiving switch sends a reject (LS_RJT) with reason code 'speed not supported', causing the port to remain in 'init' instead of progressing to 'online'. In Cisco MDS, the 'speed' command under the interface can be set to 'auto' or a specific value; if set to a non-standard value like 8000 Mbps on one side and 'auto' on the other, auto-negotiation may fail because 8 Gbps is not a standard Fibre Channel speed (standard speeds are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 Gbps). This is a common misconfiguration when an administrator manually sets speed to 8000 Mbps thinking it equals 8 Gbps, but the switch interprets it as an unsupported value.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 speed on the remote switch interface is set to 8000 Mbps. — The 'init' state on an E_port indicates that the link is up but the port is still initializing the Exchange Link Parameters (ELP) and Exchange Switch Capabilities (ESC) protocols. If the remote switch interface speed is set to 8000 Mbps (8 Gbps) while the local interface is configured for a different speed (e.g., 4 Gbps or 16 Gbps), the speed negotiation will fail, preventing the E_port from transitioning to the 'online' state. Cisco MDS switches require matching speed settings on both ends of an E_port for successful initialization.
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.
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