The answer is that the load-balancing algorithm is based on source-dest-id, which may not evenly distribute traffic. This is because Fibre Channel port channels use the source and destination Fibre Channel IDs (SID and DID) as the default hash input; when traffic flows originate from or terminate at a small number of endpoints, the hash results will map most frames to the same physical link, causing an uneven load distribution even when all four links are operational. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Fibre Channel port channel load balancing differs from Ethernet port channels, which often use MAC or IP addresses—a common trap is assuming all port channels distribute traffic equally regardless of the hash algorithm. Remember the memory tip: “SID-DID sticks to one link if the pair is few,” meaning a limited number of source-destination pairs will pin traffic to a single link.
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.
Exhibit
switch# show port-channel database
port-channel 1
membership(8fc): fc1/1-4
protocol: LACP
loadbalancing: source-dest-id
minimum links: 2
status: up
Refer to the exhibit. An engineer notices that traffic is not load-balanced across all four links. What is the most likely cause?
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 load-balancing algorithm is based on source-dest-id, which may not evenly distribute traffic.
Option C is correct because the load-balancing algorithm for Fibre Channel port channels uses source-dest-id (SID and DID) by default. If the traffic flows are between a small number of source-destination pairs, the hash results will map most flows to the same link, preventing even distribution across all four links. This is a common cause of perceived load imbalance even when all links are operational.
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 minimum links set to 2 prevents load balancing.
Why it's wrong here
Minimum links only affect the port channel coming up; once up, all member links are used.
✗
LACP is not supported on Fibre Channel.
Why it's wrong here
LACP is supported on Fibre Channel interfaces for port channels.
✓
The load-balancing algorithm is based on source-dest-id, which may not evenly distribute traffic.
Why this is correct
Source-dest-id can lead to polarization if many flows share the same pair; other algorithms like source-dest-ox-id provide better distribution.
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 port channel is in admin down state.
Why it's wrong here
The status is 'up', so it is operational.
✗
The links are not in the same VSAN.
Why it's wrong here
All member links must be in the same VSAN; if they weren't, the port channel would not be up.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that load imbalance is always due to a configuration error or link failure, when in fact the default hash algorithm's behavior with limited source-destination pairs is the root cause.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The default load-balancing algorithm for Fibre Channel port channels is based on a hash of the source and destination Fibre Channel IDs (SID and DID). This hash is computed per frame, not per flow, so even with multiple flows, if the SID-DID pairs are few, the hash may map all frames to the same link. Administrators can change the algorithm using the 'port-channel load-balance' command to use other fields like OXID or source-destination-wwpn for better distribution in such scenarios.
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 load-balancing algorithm is based on source-dest-id, which may not evenly distribute traffic. — Option C is correct because the load-balancing algorithm for Fibre Channel port channels uses source-dest-id (SID and DID) by default. If the traffic flows are between a small number of source-destination pairs, the hash results will map most flows to the same link, preventing even distribution across all four links. This is a common cause of perceived load imbalance even when all links are operational.
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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Question Discussion
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