The answer is a duplex mismatch between the MDS 9700 switch and the WAN router. High TCP retransmissions on an FCIP interface are a classic symptom of packet loss, and a duplex mismatch—where one side is set to full-duplex and the other to half-duplex—causes collisions and dropped frames that directly trigger those retransmissions, even when bandwidth utilization sits at only 50%. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between configuration errors that cause actual packet loss versus those that simply reduce throughput or add overhead; a common trap is to blame IPSec encryption or compression, but neither introduces the frame-level corruption that a duplex mismatch does. Remember the memory tip: “Duplex mismatch drops frames, not just speed”—if you see retransmissions with moderate utilization, always check the physical layer negotiation first.
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.
A company has two data centers connected via a WAN link using an FCIP tunnel between two Cisco MDS 9700 switches. The FCIP link is configured on a GigabitEthernet port with an MTU of 1500 bytes and uses IPSec for encryption. Recently, storage replication traffic has become slow, and the administrator notices high TCP retransmissions on the FCIP interface. The administrator checks the bandwidth utilization and sees it is only 50% of the link capacity. The storage arrays report no errors or performance issues on their local switches. The administrator also verifies that the FCIP profile is configured correctly and that compression is enabled but not causing any errors. What is the most likely cause of the TCP retransmissions?
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 WAN link has packet loss due to a duplex mismatch.
High TCP retransmissions indicate packet loss. A duplex mismatch between the MDS switch and the WAN router can cause packet loss, even if bandwidth utilization is moderate. Option D is correct. Option A would cause low throughput without retransmissions. Option B adds overhead but typically does not cause retransmissions. Option C (compression) can add delay but not packet loss.
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 WAN link has packet loss due to a duplex mismatch.
Why this is correct
Duplex mismatch causes errors and retransmissions, even at moderate utilization.
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.
✗
IPSec encryption introduces too much overhead.
Why it's wrong here
IPSec overhead can reduce throughput but not directly cause retransmissions.
✗
The FCIP profile is configured with compression that is causing delays.
Why it's wrong here
Compression can increase latency but not cause packet loss.
✗
The TCP window size is too small for the latency.
Why it's wrong here
Small TCP window reduces throughput but does not cause retransmissions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 WAN link has packet loss due to a duplex mismatch. — High TCP retransmissions indicate packet loss. A duplex mismatch between the MDS switch and the WAN router can cause packet loss, even if bandwidth utilization is moderate. Option D is correct. Option A would cause low throughput without retransmissions. Option B adds overhead but typically does not cause retransmissions. Option C (compression) can add delay but not packet loss.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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