Quick Answer
The answer is Cisco IVR (Inter-VSAN Routing). This technology is the correct choice because it enables selective communication between specific devices in different VSANs—such as hosts in Fabric A and storage arrays in Fabric B—without merging the fabrics or collapsing their fault domains. IVR achieves this by routing only designated traffic across VSAN boundaries while keeping each fabric’s VSANs logically isolated, preserving administrative boundaries and preventing fabric-wide disruptions. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how IVR differs from VSAN merging or FCIP extension; a common trap is confusing IVR with VSAN trunking or inter-fabric routing that merges control planes. Remember the memory tip: IVR stands for “I Very Rarely merge”—it routes selectively, not merges globally.
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.
A company has two Cisco MDS 9700 switches in a dual-fabric SAN. Each fabric has its own set of storage arrays and hosts. The company wants to enable selective communication between specific devices in Fabric A and Fabric B without merging the fabrics. Which Cisco technology should be used?
FCIP
Why wrong: FCIP is used to connect remote Fibre Channel fabrics over IP networks.
NPV
Why wrong: NPV is used to simplify edge switch configuration, not for inter-fabric communication.
IVR
IVR enables selective communication between devices in different VSANs while keeping fabrics separate.
Port channels
Why wrong: Port channels provide increased bandwidth and redundancy on a single link, not inter-fabric routing.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
IVR
Cisco IVR (Inter-VSAN Routing) allows selective communication between devices in different VSANs without merging the fabrics. In this dual-fabric SAN scenario, IVR enables specific hosts in Fabric A to communicate with specific storage arrays in Fabric B while keeping the VSANs and fabrics logically isolated, preserving fault domains and administrative boundaries.
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.
FCIP
Why it's wrong here
FCIP is used to connect remote Fibre Channel fabrics over IP networks.
NPV
Why it's wrong here
NPV is used to simplify edge switch configuration, not for inter-fabric communication.
IVR
Why this is correct
IVR enables selective communication between devices in different VSANs while keeping fabrics separate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Port channels
Why it's wrong here
Port channels provide increased bandwidth and redundancy on a single link, not inter-fabric routing.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between technologies that merge fabrics (like FCIP or trunking) versus those that enable selective inter-fabric communication without merging (like IVR), and the trap here is confusing FCIP's WAN extension capability with IVR's selective routing within a local dual-fabric design.
Detailed technical explanation
IVR operates by creating IVR zones that span multiple VSANs, using the Fibre Channel frame's VSAN ID to route frames between VSANs without merging the fabric's principal switch or zone databases. A key subtlety is that IVR requires the IVR-enabled switch to have a unique domain ID across both VSANs, and it uses the Fibre Channel standard's Inter-VSAN Routing (RFC 3651) to maintain isolation of fabric services like FSPF and zone distribution. In a real-world scenario, IVR is critical for disaster recovery where backup traffic must traverse fabrics without exposing production zones to the backup fabric.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: IVR — Cisco IVR (Inter-VSAN Routing) allows selective communication between devices in different VSANs without merging the fabrics. In this dual-fabric SAN scenario, IVR enables specific hosts in Fabric A to communicate with specific storage arrays in Fabric B while keeping the VSANs and fabrics logically isolated, preserving fault domains and administrative boundaries.
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.
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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.
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