Quick Answer
The answer is FCIP, or Fibre Channel over IP, because it encapsulates native Fibre Channel frames inside TCP/IP packets, allowing a Fibre Channel SAN extension over 50 km by routing traffic across existing IP WAN infrastructure rather than being limited by the 10 km reach of standard optical transceivers. This technique preserves all Fibre Channel semantics and fabric services, making the remote server appear as a native member of the SAN. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of long-distance SAN interconnect options; a common trap is confusing FCIP with FCoE, which is designed for short-distance lossless Ethernet fabrics, not WAN extension. Remember the memory tip: “FCIP travels far on IP, FCoE stays near on DCB.”
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 engineer needs to connect a new server to an existing FC SAN. The server is located 50 km away from the data center. Which technology should be used to extend the FC SAN over this distance?
iSCSI
Why wrong: iSCSI is a different storage protocol, not an extension of FC.
FCIP
FCIP is designed to extend FC over long distances using IP networks.
FCoE
Why wrong: FCoE is intended for local data center convergence, not long distance.
Direct FC connection with 10km optics
Why wrong: Even with long-range optics, 50 km exceeds typical FC distance limits.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
FCIP
FCIP (Fibre Channel over IP) is the correct choice because it encapsulates Fibre Channel frames inside TCP/IP packets, enabling the extension of FC SANs over long distances (beyond the 10 km limit of standard optics) by leveraging existing IP WAN infrastructure. This allows the 50 km connection while preserving native Fibre Channel semantics and fabric services.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
iSCSI
Why it's wrong here
iSCSI is a different storage protocol, not an extension of FC.
FCIP
Why this is correct
FCIP is designed to extend FC over long distances using IP networks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
FCoE
Why it's wrong here
FCoE is intended for local data center convergence, not long distance.
Direct FC connection with 10km optics
Why it's wrong here
Even with long-range optics, 50 km exceeds typical FC distance limits.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between FC extension protocols (FCIP) and alternative storage protocols (iSCSI, FCoE), trapping candidates who confuse 'extending FC' with 'replacing FC' or who assume long-reach optics can overcome distance limits without protocol adaptation.
Detailed technical explanation
FCIP uses TCP for congestion control and reliability, encapsulating FC frames per RFC 3821, and typically requires a dedicated or QoS-enabled WAN link to avoid packet loss that could cause FC fabric re-initialization. In real-world deployments, FCIP compression and acceleration features (e.g., from Cisco MDS 9000 series) are critical to mitigate latency and bandwidth constraints over 50 km links.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Storage Network — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Storage Network practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-601 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-601 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Network.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Compute.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Storage Network.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Automation.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to Security.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 fundamentals.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 scenario.
Practise 350-601 questions linked to 350-601 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: FCIP — FCIP (Fibre Channel over IP) is the correct choice because it encapsulates Fibre Channel frames inside TCP/IP packets, enabling the extension of FC SANs over long distances (beyond the 10 km limit of standard optics) by leveraging existing IP WAN infrastructure. This allows the 50 km connection while preserving native Fibre Channel semantics and fabric services.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.