The answer is a dedicated FCoE VLAN and DCBX exchange to enable priority flow control. These two elements are required for FCoE communication on a Nexus switch configured as an FCF because the FCoE VLAN isolates Fibre Channel frames from standard Ethernet traffic, preventing misclassification, while DCBX negotiates Priority Flow Control (PFC) to guarantee the lossless transport that FCoE demands. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of FCoE initialization and the FCF role in a converged network; a common trap is assuming that FCoE can run over any VLAN without PFC, or that FIP snooping alone suffices. Remember the memory tip: “VLAN isolates, DCBX negotiates lossless lanes.”
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.
Which TWO are required for FCoE communication on a Nexus switch configured as an FCF? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A dedicated FCoE VLAN
In an FCoE FCF (Fabric Connect) configuration on a Nexus switch, a dedicated FCoE VLAN is required to carry FCoE traffic. This VLAN must be separate from standard Ethernet VLANs to prevent FCoE frames from being processed as regular Ethernet frames. Additionally, DCBX (Data Center Bridging Exchange) must be used to negotiate and enable Priority Flow Control (PFC) on the link, ensuring lossless behavior for FCoE traffic.
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.
✗
Jumbo frame support on the VLAN
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Jumbo frames are optional and not strictly required.
✗
VSAN configuration for the FCoE VLAN
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: VSANs are not used in FCoE; they are Fibre Channel.
✗
NPV enabled on the switch
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: NPV is for attaching to an upstream switch, not for FCoE.
✓
A dedicated FCoE VLAN
Why this is correct
Correct: FCoE traffic is mapped to a specific VLAN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
DCBX exchange to enable priority flow control
Why this is correct
Correct: DCBX ensures lossless behavior for FCoE.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between a dedicated FCoE VLAN (required) and jumbo frame support (optional), leading candidates to mistakenly select jumbo frames as a requirement when they are not mandatory for basic FCoE operation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
FCoE encapsulates Fibre Channel frames into Ethernet frames using a dedicated EtherType (0x8906). The FCoE VLAN must be configured with the 'fcoe' keyword (e.g., 'vlan 100; fcoe') to mark it as an FCoE VLAN, which prevents MAC address learning and ensures FCoE Initialization Protocol (FIP) frames are processed. DCBX, part of the IEEE 802.1Qbb standard, uses LLDP to exchange PFC and Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS) capabilities; without PFC enabled, FCoE frames could be dropped during congestion, violating Fibre Channel's lossless requirements.
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: A dedicated FCoE VLAN — In an FCoE FCF (Fabric Connect) configuration on a Nexus switch, a dedicated FCoE VLAN is required to carry FCoE traffic. This VLAN must be separate from standard Ethernet VLANs to prevent FCoE frames from being processed as regular Ethernet frames. Additionally, DCBX (Data Center Bridging Exchange) must be used to negotiate and enable Priority Flow Control (PFC) on the link, ensuring lossless behavior for FCoE traffic.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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. A team is configuring FCoE on a Cisco Nexus switch. Which TWO steps are mandatory to establish a lossless FCoE link?
medium
✓ A.Enable FCoE on the interface using the 'fcoe' command
B.Enable Priority Flow Control (PFC) as a separate CLI
C.Create a VSAN and map it to an FCoE VLAN
✓ D.Configure DCBX to advertise and negotiate FCoE capabilities
E.Set the MTU to 9216 bytes to accommodate FCoE frames
Why A: Options A and C are correct. FCoE must be explicitly enabled on the interface. DCBX must be configured (or enabled) to negotiate PFC and other parameters for lossless operation. Option B is incorrect: VSAN creation is part of FCoE configuration, but not mandatory on the interface level (VSANs are created globally). Option D is incorrect: MTU must be set to 2500 bytes (jumbo) for FCoE, not 9216. Option E is incorrect: PFC is enabled via DCBX, not as a separate command on the interface.
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Question Discussion
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