FCoE VLAN Configuration with FIP Snooping
In an FCoE deployment, a storage administrator needs to ensure that FCoE traffic is carried over a dedicated VLAN. Which configuration is required on a Cisco Nexus switch?
Quick Answer
The answer is to enable FIP snooping and map the FCoE VLAN to a VSAN. This is correct because FCoE traffic requires a dedicated VLAN to isolate storage frames from standard LAN traffic, and FIP snooping acts as a security gateway by inspecting FCoE Initialization Protocol messages to prevent unauthorized access, while the VSAN mapping ensures that the FCoE VLAN is logically associated with a specific Fibre Channel fabric. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this configuration tests your understanding of converged network design, where a common trap is assuming that simply creating a VLAN or enabling LLDP is sufficient—without FIP snooping, the switch cannot enforce FCoE traffic boundaries. Remember that FIP snooping must be enabled globally and per interface, and the VSAN mapping is done under the VLAN configuration mode. A useful memory tip is “FIP first, then map”—always enable FIP snooping before assigning the VSAN to the FCoE VLAN.
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that a dedicated VLAN alone is sufficient for FCoE traffic, but the trap here is that FIP snooping and VSAN mapping are mandatory to enforce isolation and security, not just VLAN assignment.
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
✓
Enable FIP snooping and map the FCoE VLAN to a VSAN.
In an FCoE deployment, FIP snooping is required on the Cisco Nexus switch to enforce that only FCoE traffic is carried over a dedicated VLAN. The FCoE VLAN must be mapped to a VSAN to ensure proper isolation and forwarding of storage traffic. This configuration prevents unauthorized devices from injecting FCoE frames and maintains the integrity of the storage network.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure the VLAN as a private VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
Private VLANs are not used for FCoE.
- ✗
Assign the VLAN as an access VLAN to the interface.
Why it's wrong here
Access VLAN does not support FCoE; it requires trunk.
- ✓
Enable FIP snooping and map the FCoE VLAN to a VSAN.
Why this is correct
FIP snooping is needed for FCoE; mapping FCoE VLAN to VSAN isolates traffic.
- ✗
Configure the VLAN as a native VLAN on the FCoE interface.
Why it's wrong here
FCoE is not native; it must be specifically allowed and not native.
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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. Which FCoE feature allows multiple VLANs to be carried over a single physical link when using FIP snooping?
easy- A.NPV
- B.VSANs
- ✓ C.FIP snooping
- D.Port channels
Why C: FIP snooping is the correct answer because it is the FCoE feature that enables multiple VLANs to be carried over a single physical link by snooping FIP (FCoE Initialization Protocol) frames. FIP snooping builds a forwarding table that maps FCoE sessions to specific VLANs, allowing the switch to forward FCoE traffic for different VLANs on the same physical interface while maintaining isolation and security.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.