The correct approach is to configure a SPAN session on the MDS switch to copy traffic between the storage ports. This works because SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer) creates a mirror of the Fibre Channel frames traversing the source ports and forwards that copy to a designated monitor port, leaving the original data flow completely untouched and disruption-free. On the Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of out-of-band monitoring versus disruptive troubleshooting tools; a common trap is confusing SPAN with FC traceroute or FC ping, which only verify path or connectivity and do not capture actual traffic. Remember that SPAN is passive—it copies, not intercepts—so it is the only non-intrusive method for inspecting live FC traffic between storage arrays. Memory tip: SPAN = "See Ports And Nothing changes."
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
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 storage administrator needs to monitor traffic between two specific storage arrays without causing any disruption. Which approach should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure a SPAN session on the MDS switch to copy traffic between the storage ports.
Option A is correct because configuring a SPAN session on the MDS switch allows copying traffic between the storage ports to a monitoring port without affecting the original traffic flow. Option B (FC traceroute) only shows path, not traffic. Option C (FC ping) tests connectivity. Option D (port channel) does not monitor. Option E (IVR) is for routing, not monitoring.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 a SPAN session on the MDS switch to copy traffic between the storage ports.
Why this is correct
SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer) copies traffic to a monitor port for analysis without disruption.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use FC traceroute to identify the path.
Why it's wrong here
Traceroute only shows the path, not the traffic content.
✗
Enable FC ping between arrays.
Why it's wrong here
FC ping tests connectivity but does not capture traffic.
✗
Use IVR to route traffic through a monitoring zone.
Why it's wrong here
IVR is for inter-VSAN routing, not traffic monitoring.
✗
Configure port channel between arrays.
Why it's wrong here
Port channels increase bandwidth, not monitoring capability.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Traceroute only shows the path, not the traffic content.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-601 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a SPAN session on the MDS switch to copy traffic between the storage ports. — Option A is correct because configuring a SPAN session on the MDS switch allows copying traffic between the storage ports to a monitoring port without affecting the original traffic flow. Option B (FC traceroute) only shows path, not traffic. Option C (FC ping) tests connectivity. Option D (port channel) does not monitor. Option E (IVR) is for routing, not monitoring.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-601 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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