The answer is that compression improves effective throughput over the WAN link. When FCIP compression is enabled, the data payload is reduced before transmission, allowing more actual storage data to fit within the 100 Mbps bandwidth constraint. This directly boosts effective throughput for large sequential writes, which are highly compressible, without requiring additional WAN capacity. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of FCIP optimization techniques in a SAN extension scenario—a common trap is confusing throughput improvement with latency reduction, but compression actually adds a small processing delay. Remember that compression trades CPU cycles for bandwidth efficiency, not for lower latency. A useful memory tip: "Compress for throughput, not for speed"—it shrinks the data size, not the travel time.
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An organization uses FCIP to extend their SAN between two data centers over a 100 Mbps WAN link with 80 ms latency. The storage traffic includes large sequential writes. Which statement best describes the benefit of enabling compression on the FCIP tunnel?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Compression improves effective throughput over the WAN link
Option C is correct: Compression reduces the amount of data sent over the WAN, effectively improving throughput when bandwidth is limited. Option A is wrong: Compression adds latency due to processing. Option B is wrong: While compression reduces bandwidth usage, the benefit here is throughput improvement, not latency reduction. Option D is wrong: Compression is not recommended on lossy links because it can cause issues.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Compression reduces end-to-end latency
Why it's wrong here
Compression introduces processing delay.
✓
Compression improves effective throughput over the WAN link
Why this is correct
Reduces data volume, so more data can be sent within the limited bandwidth.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Compression is recommended only when the link has high packet loss
Why it's wrong here
Compression can exacerbate loss issues.
✗
Compression eliminates the need for jumbo frames
Why it's wrong here
Jumbo frames are still beneficial for large writes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-601 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Compression improves effective throughput over the WAN link — Option C is correct: Compression reduces the amount of data sent over the WAN, effectively improving throughput when bandwidth is limited. Option A is wrong: Compression adds latency due to processing. Option B is wrong: While compression reduces bandwidth usage, the benefit here is throughput improvement, not latency reduction. Option D is wrong: Compression is not recommended on lossy links because it can cause issues.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-601 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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