Why a Zoned Host Can't Access a Storage Controller Path
Exhibit
zone name Server1_Storage1 vsan 100 member pwwn 10:00:00:00:c9:2b:1a:5f member pwwn 20:00:00:00:c9:2b:1a:6a member pwwn 20:00:00:00:c9:2b:1a:6b zone name Server1_Storage2 vsan 100 member pwwn 10:00:00:00:c9:2b:1a:5f member pwwn 20:00:00:00:c9:2b:1a:6c zoneset name Production vsan 100 member Server1_Storage1 member Server1_Storage2
Refer to the exhibit. A server with WWPN 10:00:00:00:c9:2b:1a:5f is zoned to two storage ports in zone Server1_Storage1 and to one storage port in zone Server1_Storage2. The server can access the LUNs through the first zone but not through the second. What is the most likely cause?
Quick Answer
The answer is that the second zone is missing the other storage controller's WWPN, which prevents the host from seeing the second storage path. In Fibre Channel zoning, each zone must include both the initiator and all target ports that need to communicate; if a zone only contains one storage port from a dual-controller array, the host will lack a path to the second controller, causing the "FC zoning host cannot see storage path" issue. This scenario tests your understanding of redundant path design in Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601, where a common trap is assuming a single zone per server is sufficient without verifying that both storage controllers are members. The key is that each zone must mirror the full multipath topology—if the first zone works but the second does not, check for missing controller WWPNs, not VSAN or activation problems. Memory tip: "One zone, one path; two controllers, both in the zone."
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that an initiator cannot be in multiple zones, but the real trap is that each zone must include the correct storage controller port that owns the LUNs, not just any storage port.
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
✓
The second zone does not include the second storage controller's port
The server can access LUNs through zone Server1_Storage1 because both storage ports in that zone are from the same storage controller or are properly configured for multipathing. However, zone Server1_Storage2 contains only one storage port (20:00:00:00:c9:2b:1a:6c), and if that port belongs to a different storage controller that is not zoned with the server's WWPN correctly, or if the second storage controller's port is missing from the zone, the server cannot discover or access LUNs through that path. In Fibre Channel zoning, each zone must include the initiator and at least one target port from the storage controller that owns the LUNs; if the second zone omits the required storage controller port, access fails.
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 second zone does not include the second storage controller's port
Why this is correct
The server may need both storage paths to access LUNs; missing port causes no path.
- ✗
The storage port 20:00:00:00:c9:2b:1a:6c is in a different VSAN
Why it's wrong here
Zones are in VSAN 100; the port is presumably in VSAN 100.
- ✗
The zone set has not been activated
Why it's wrong here
If the zone set were not active, first zone would also fail.
- ✗
The server is not allowed to be in multiple zones
Why it's wrong here
Devices can be in multiple zones.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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. Refer to the exhibit. A host with WWPN 10:00:00:00:c9:29:3b:23 can only see its own WWPN but not the target. What is the likely cause?
medium- A.The host is in a different VSAN.
- ✓ B.The target is missing from the zone.
- C.The zoneset is not the full zoneset.
- D.The host's FLOGI is rejected.
- E.The zone is not activated.
Why B: The host can see its own WWPN but not the target, which indicates that the host has successfully logged into the fabric (FLOGI accepted) and is in the correct VSAN. The most likely cause is that the target WWPN is not included in the zone that contains the host. In Fibre Channel zoning, only members within the same zone can communicate; if the target is missing from the zone, the host cannot discover or access it.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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