The answer is a missing default route from the routing table. Even when the UCS fabric interconnect management interface is up and configured with an IP address, the device requires a default route to forward traffic destined for the default gateway’s subnet if that subnet is not directly connected. Without this route, the fabric interconnect cannot ping its default gateway because the packet has no path to leave the local network, despite Layer 1 and Layer 2 connectivity being verified. On the Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the separation between interface operational status and IP routing—a common trap is assuming a “up/up” interface guarantees reachability. Remember the memory tip: “Interface up is not enough; you need a route to the gateway.”
350-601 Compute Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of compute. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
UCS-A# show running-config interface mgmt 0
Building configuration...
Current configuration: 130 bytes
!
interface mgmt 0
description Management Interface
ip address 10.1.1.100 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
end
UCS-A# ping 10.1.1.1
PING 10.1.1.1 (10.1.1.1) 56(84) bytes of data.
From 10.1.1.100 icmp_seq=1 Destination Host Unreachable
From 10.1.1.100 icmp_seq=2 Destination Host Unreachable
--- 10.1.1.1 ping statistics ---
2 packets transmitted, 0 received, +2 errors, 100% packet loss
Refer to the exhibit. The Fabric Interconnect cannot ping its default gateway. The management interface is configured and up. 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 default route is missing from the routing table.
The Fabric Interconnect cannot ping its default gateway despite the management interface being up and configured, which indicates that the device lacks a route to reach the gateway subnet. A default route is required to forward traffic destined for networks not directly connected; without it, the Fabric Interconnect will drop packets to the gateway even if the interface is operational. This is the most likely cause because the exhibit shows no default route in the routing table, and the interface status confirms Layer 1 and Layer 2 connectivity.
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 default route is missing from the routing table.
Why this is correct
Without a default route, the FI cannot reach subnets beyond its own.
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 management VLAN is not allowed on the upstream switch.
Why it's wrong here
That would cause loss of connectivity but ping would show different error.
✗
The management interface is configured as DHCP instead of static.
Why it's wrong here
Exhibit shows static IP configuration.
✗
The IP address is a duplicate on the network.
Why it's wrong here
Duplicate IP would cause intermittent connectivity, not a clear unreachable.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between interface-level connectivity (Layer 1/Layer 2) and routing (Layer 3), leading candidates to incorrectly blame VLAN pruning or IP conflicts when the real issue is a missing default route in the management VRF.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
That would cause loss of connectivity but ping would show different error.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects, the management interface operates in a separate VRF (management VRF) by default, and a default route must be explicitly configured under the 'ip route' command for the management VRF (e.g., 'ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 <gateway>'). Without this route, the device cannot forward packets beyond its directly connected subnet, even if ARP resolution succeeds for the gateway. This is a common misconfiguration when transitioning from DHCP to static IP, as DHCP automatically installs a default route, but static configuration requires manual route addition.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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.
Compute — This question tests Compute — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The default route is missing from the routing table. — The Fabric Interconnect cannot ping its default gateway despite the management interface being up and configured, which indicates that the device lacks a route to reach the gateway subnet. A default route is required to forward traffic destined for networks not directly connected; without it, the Fabric Interconnect will drop packets to the gateway even if the interface is operational. This is the most likely cause because the exhibit shows no default route in the routing table, and the interface status confirms Layer 1 and Layer 2 connectivity.
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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