Quick Answer
The answer is the UCS Fabric Interconnect, which provides Fibre Channel connectivity to SAN switches when using FCoE. This is because the Fabric Interconnect natively integrates both Ethernet and Fibre Channel traffic, performing FCoE encapsulation on server-side traffic and forwarding the resulting Fibre Channel frames to the SAN via its dedicated native Fibre Channel uplink ports. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how a unified fabric collapses LAN and SAN connectivity within a UCS domain, often appearing in questions about FCoE connectivity or SAN integration. A common trap is assuming an external FCoE switch is required, but the Fabric Interconnect handles this directly. Remember the memory tip: “FI does FCoE—no extra switch for FC.”
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.
In a Cisco UCS environment, which component provides the Fibre Channel connectivity to the SAN switches when using FCoE?
IOM (I/O Module)
Why wrong: IOM is for chassis connectivity, not direct SAN.
Cisco VIC adapter
Why wrong: VIC presents virtual interfaces, not direct SAN connectivity.
UCS Manager
Why wrong: Management plane only.
UCS Fabric Interconnect
FI provides FCoE uplinks.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
UCS Fabric Interconnect
In a Cisco UCS environment, the Fabric Interconnect (FI) is the component that provides Fibre Channel connectivity to SAN switches when using FCoE. The FI integrates both Ethernet and Fibre Channel traffic, performing FCoE encapsulation and forwarding the Fibre Channel frames to the SAN via its native Fibre Channel uplink ports. This allows the UCS domain to connect directly to Fibre Channel SAN fabrics without requiring external FCoE-capable switches.
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.
IOM (I/O Module)
Why it's wrong here
IOM is for chassis connectivity, not direct SAN.
Cisco VIC adapter
Why it's wrong here
VIC presents virtual interfaces, not direct SAN connectivity.
UCS Manager
Why it's wrong here
Management plane only.
UCS Fabric Interconnect
Why this is correct
FI provides FCoE uplinks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that the IOM or VIC adapter directly provides Fibre Channel connectivity, when in fact the Fabric Interconnect is the central aggregation and conversion point for FCoE-to-FC traffic in a UCS domain.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the Fabric Interconnect uses its Fibre Channel uplink ports (typically 8/16/32 Gbps) to connect to the SAN, while the server-facing ports use FCoE over Ethernet. The FI performs FCoE-to-FC conversion at the hardware level using ASICs, enabling lossless FCoE traffic via Priority Flow Control (PFC) and Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS) per IEEE 802.1Qbb and 802.1Qaz. In a real-world scenario, if you have a converged network with FCoE, the FI must be configured with VSANs and FC zones to properly forward traffic to the SAN, and any misconfiguration can cause storage connectivity failures.
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: UCS Fabric Interconnect — In a Cisco UCS environment, the Fabric Interconnect (FI) is the component that provides Fibre Channel connectivity to SAN switches when using FCoE. The FI integrates both Ethernet and Fibre Channel traffic, performing FCoE encapsulation and forwarding the Fibre Channel frames to the SAN via its native Fibre Channel uplink ports. This allows the UCS domain to connect directly to Fibre Channel SAN fabrics without requiring external FCoE-capable switches.
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 →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.