Quick Answer
The correct answer is SAN port channel, as it enables a Fibre Channel switch to aggregate multiple physical links between two switches into a single logical interface, providing both load balancing and redundancy. This is achieved by bundling up to 16 physical ISLs using a proprietary hashing algorithm that distributes frames across member links while strictly maintaining in-order delivery, a critical requirement for Fibre Channel traffic. On the Cisco DCCOR and CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Fibre Channel link aggregation versus Ethernet port channels, often appearing in questions about high-availability SAN designs. A common trap is confusing SAN port channels with standard Ethernet port channels or assuming they use the same protocols like LACP—they do not, as Fibre Channel relies on a switch-to-switch proprietary negotiation. Memory tip: think of SAN port channel as “FC’s own EtherChannel,” but remember it’s for storage traffic and requires consistent speed and distance on all member links.
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.
Which feature allows a Fibre Channel switch to use multiple links between two switches as a single logical link?
NPIV
Why wrong: N-Port ID Virtualization allows multiple FCIDs on a single N port.
NPV
Why wrong: N-Port Virtualization allows a switch to act as a host to the core, not for link aggregation.
SAN port channel
SAN port channels bundle multiple ISL links into a single logical link.
SPAN
Why wrong: SPAN is used for mirroring traffic, not aggregation.
FCIP
Why wrong: Fibre Channel over IP is for connecting fabrics over IP networks.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SAN port channel
SAN port channel (C) is correct because it allows multiple physical Fibre Channel links between two switches to be aggregated into a single logical link, providing load balancing and redundancy. This is achieved by bundling up to 16 physical ISLs into one logical interface, using a proprietary hashing algorithm to distribute frames across the member links while maintaining in-order delivery.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
NPIV
Why it's wrong here
N-Port ID Virtualization allows multiple FCIDs on a single N port.
NPV
Why it's wrong here
N-Port Virtualization allows a switch to act as a host to the core, not for link aggregation.
SAN port channel
Why this is correct
SAN port channels bundle multiple ISL links into a single logical link.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SPAN
Why it's wrong here
SPAN is used for mirroring traffic, not aggregation.
FCIP
Why it's wrong here
Fibre Channel over IP is for connecting fabrics over IP networks.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between SAN port channel (link aggregation) and NPV/NPIV (virtualization features), so the trap here is confusing link aggregation with virtualization or tunneling protocols like FCIP.
Detailed technical explanation
SAN port channel uses a hash based on source/destination FC IDs and OX_IDs to select a member link, ensuring frames for the same flow stay in order. In a real-world scenario, if one link fails, traffic is redistributed across remaining links, but the hash algorithm may cause uneven utilization if flows are few or large. The feature is configured using the `interface port-channel` command followed by `channel-group` under the physical interfaces.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SAN port channel — SAN port channel (C) is correct because it allows multiple physical Fibre Channel links between two switches to be aggregated into a single logical link, providing load balancing and redundancy. This is achieved by bundling up to 16 physical ISLs into one logical interface, using a proprietary hashing algorithm to distribute frames across the member links while maintaining in-order delivery.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.
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