The answer is that NPIV is not enabled on the upstream switch. When an NPV switch connects to an upstream Fibre Channel switch, the upstream switch must have NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) enabled to recognize the downstream device as a switch rather than an end host. Without NPIV, the upstream switch sees the NPV switch’s NP port as a simple N port, classifying it as an end device. This concept is frequently tested on the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, often as a trick where candidates confuse NPV with NPIV requirements or assume the NPV switch needs its own domain ID—it does not, as NPV switches are transparent and do not participate in fabric zoning. A common trap is thinking F ports are misconfigured, but NPV switches use NP ports, not F ports. Remember the memory tip: “NPV needs NPIV upstream” to avoid this pitfall.
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 configures a new Cisco MDS switch and enables NPV mode. However, the upstream switch shows the NPV switch as an end device instead of a switch. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
NPIV is not enabled on the upstream switch.
NPV mode requires the upstream switch to have NPIV enabled. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because NPV switches do not have their own domain ID. Option B is wrong because F ports are correct. Option D is wrong because N port is initiator mode; NPV uses NP ports.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The upstream switch port is configured as an E port.
Why it's wrong here
E ports are for switch-to-switch; for NPV, the upstream should use F port.
✓
NPIV is not enabled on the upstream switch.
Why this is correct
Without NPIV, the upstream switch treats the NPV device as a regular end device.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The NPV switch has a domain ID that conflicts with the upstream switch.
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NPIV is not enabled on the upstream switch. — NPV mode requires the upstream switch to have NPIV enabled. Option C is correct. Option A is wrong because NPV switches do not have their own domain ID. Option B is wrong because F ports are correct. Option D is wrong because N port is initiator mode; NPV uses NP ports.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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. A storage administrator notices that a newly deployed Fibre Channel initiator cannot log in to the SAN switch. The switch is configured for NPV mode. Which condition is most likely causing the issue?
easy
✓ A.NPIV is disabled on the upstream switch.
B.The initiator is not using a device alias.
C.The switch is configured for NPIV mode instead of NPV.
D.The switch port is configured as an E port.
Why A: In NPV mode, the switch acts as a transparent proxy, forwarding FLOGI requests from initiators to the upstream NPIV-capable core switch. If NPIV is disabled on the upstream switch, it will reject the FLOGI because it cannot register multiple N-Port IDs on a single physical link, causing the initiator to fail login.
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Question Discussion
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