Quick Answer
The correct answer is a faulty SFP or fiber optic cable. CRC errors on a Fibre Channel link are the direct result of physical-layer bit corruption, typically caused by signal degradation from a damaged transceiver, dirty connectors, or a compromised fiber strand. Because the Cyclic Redundancy Check is designed to detect even single-bit errors introduced by faulty hardware, these errors point squarely to the physical medium rather than higher-layer protocol issues. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate physical-layer faults from configuration or fabric-level problems—a common trap is to blame buffer credits or zoning, but CRC errors always demand a cable or SFP swap first. Remember the memory tip: CRC = Check the Cable and Replace the Connector.
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 SAN administrator notices intermittent connectivity issues between an initiator and target. The Fibre Channel link shows CRC errors. 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.
Incorrect domain ID.
Why wrong: Domain ID issues cause fabric login problems.
Faulty SFP or fiber optic cable.
Physical layer issues cause CRC errors.
Buffer credit starvation.
Why wrong: Buffer credit issues cause frame drops, not CRC.
Incorrect zone configuration.
Why wrong: Zoning issues cause login failures, not CRC.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Faulty SFP or fiber optic cable.
CRC errors on a Fibre Channel link indicate physical-layer issues such as signal degradation, dirty connectors, or faulty hardware. The most common cause is a faulty SFP module or damaged fiber optic cable, which introduces bit errors that the CRC check detects. This is the first component to verify when troubleshooting intermittent connectivity with CRC errors.
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.
Incorrect domain ID.
Why it's wrong here
Domain ID issues cause fabric login problems.
Faulty SFP or fiber optic cable.
Why this is correct
Physical layer issues cause CRC errors.
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.
Buffer credit starvation.
Why it's wrong here
Buffer credit issues cause frame drops, not CRC.
Incorrect zone configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Zoning issues cause login failures, not CRC.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between physical-layer errors (CRC) and higher-layer issues (zoning, domain ID, buffer credits) to see if candidates can map symptoms to the correct OSI layer.
Detailed technical explanation
CRC errors in Fibre Channel are calculated over the entire frame (excluding the SOF and EOF delimiters) using a 32-bit polynomial. Even a single bit error caused by a marginal SFP or a bent fiber can cause the CRC to mismatch, leading to frame retransmission and degraded performance. Real-world scenarios often involve SFPs that pass basic link initialization but fail under temperature or traffic load, making intermittent CRC errors a classic symptom.
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.
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FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Faulty SFP or fiber optic cable. — CRC errors on a Fibre Channel link indicate physical-layer issues such as signal degradation, dirty connectors, or faulty hardware. The most common cause is a faulty SFP module or damaged fiber optic cable, which introduces bit errors that the CRC check detects. This is the first component to verify when troubleshooting intermittent connectivity with CRC errors.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.
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