350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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.
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
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