The answer is that the interface is configured as an NP port, which is the most likely reason the host is not appearing in the FLOGI database. In NPV mode, a switch acts as a transparent proxy and cannot perform FLOGI processing locally; it must forward registration requests upstream to the core switch. For interface fc1/3 to accept and forward FLOGI frames from the host, it must be explicitly configured as an NP port (N_Port proxy); without this configuration, the interface will drop the FLOGI frames, leaving the host invisible in the database. This scenario tests your understanding of NPV behavior on the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, where a common trap is assuming all interfaces in NPV mode automatically handle FLOGI—they do not. Remember the memory tip: “NP port or no port” for FLOGI in NPV mode.
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.
Exhibit
switch# show flogi database
INTERFACE VSAN FCID PORT NAME NODE NAME
fc1/1 1 0x010100 10:00:00:00:c9:29:3b:21 20:00:00:00:c9:29:3b:21
fc1/2 1 0x010200 10:00:00:00:c9:29:3b:22 20:00:00:00:c9:29:3b:22
Refer to the exhibit. A new host is connected to interface fc1/3. It is not appearing in the flogi database. The switch is in NPV mode. 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
✓
The interface is configured as an NP port.
In NPV mode, a switch does not perform FLOGI processing locally; instead, it forwards FLOGI requests upstream to the core switch. For an interface to participate in NPV, it must be configured as an NP port (N_Port proxy). If interface fc1/3 is not explicitly configured as an NP port, it will not accept or forward FLOGI frames from the host, so the host never appears in the flogi database.
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 FCID is already allocated.
Why it's wrong here
FCID allocation is dynamic and would not prevent FLOGI; the switch would assign a new FCID or reject if duplicate.
✗
The host's WWPN is already in use by another device.
Why it's wrong here
If the WWPN were in use, the switch would show a FLOGI attempt with an error, not just absence.
✓
The interface is configured as an NP port.
Why this is correct
An NP port expects connection to a core switch, not a host; thus hosts cannot log in through it.
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 interface is in a different VSAN than the host's FLOGI.
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit shows VSAN 1 for all interfaces; if fc1/3 were in a different VSAN, it would still show FLOGI in that VSAN.
✗
The host's HBA is not compatible with NPV.
Why it's wrong here
NPV is transparent to hosts; any standard FC HBA works.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between NPV mode and standard Fibre Channel switching, where candidates mistakenly assume that simply connecting a host to an NPV switch will automatically result in a FLOGI entry, ignoring the mandatory NP port configuration on the interface.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
If the WWPN were in use, the switch would show a FLOGI attempt with an error, not just absence.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In NPV mode, the switch acts as a transparent proxy, requiring each uplink interface to be configured as an NP port (using the 'switchport mode np' command) to forward FLOGI requests to the core. The flogi database on an NPV switch only contains entries for devices that have successfully logged in through an NP port; if the interface is in default F port mode or another mode, the switch will not forward the FLOGI, and the host remains invisible. This behavior is defined in the FC-NPV standard (FC-FS-3) and is critical for proper operation in large-scale data center SAN designs.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: The interface is configured as an NP port. — In NPV mode, a switch does not perform FLOGI processing locally; instead, it forwards FLOGI requests upstream to the core switch. For an interface to participate in NPV, it must be configured as an NP port (N_Port proxy). If interface fc1/3 is not explicitly configured as an NP port, it will not accept or forward FLOGI frames from the host, so the host never appears in the flogi database.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
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