The answer is that the storage array's other two ports are not physically connected or are disabled on the array end. This is the most likely cause because a Cisco MDS 9148S switch, by default, does not administratively shut down its ports, so the absence of light indicates a physical-layer issue on the device side rather than a switch configuration problem. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that Fibre Channel link state is determined by physical connectivity and transceiver status, not by logical constructs like VSANs or zoning, which operate above the physical layer. A common trap is assuming that default switch settings or zoning could cause a port to show no light, but remember that zoning only controls which devices can communicate after a link is established. Memory tip: "No light means no physical path—check the cable and the array side first."
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. 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.
A small business SAN consists of a single Cisco MDS 9148S switch with 16 Gb Fibre Channel ports. The storage array has four active paths to the switch, and four servers each have two HBAs. The administrator wants to ensure that all paths are utilized and that no single point of failure exists. Currently, all devices are in a single VSAN and zoning is permissive (default deny). After powering on all devices, the administrator notices that the storage array only logs in on two of its four ports. The other two ports show 'no light'. The switch has not been configured with any port settings. 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 storage array's other two ports are not physically connected or are disabled on the array end.
Default switch configuration does not disable ports; likely the other two ports on the storage array are not cabled or are administratively down. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because port speed auto-negotiation usually works. Option C is wrong because VSAN cannot disable ports. Option D is wrong because zoning does not affect link state.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 switch ports need to have their speed manually configured to match the array.
Why it's wrong here
Even with auto-negotiation failure, there would be link failures, not no light.
✗
The unused ports are in a different VSAN.
Why it's wrong here
VSAN does not affect physical link state.
✗
The zoning configuration prevents the array from logging in on those ports.
Why it's wrong here
Zoning affects FC login after link is up, not link state.
✓
The storage array's other two ports are not physically connected or are disabled on the array end.
Why this is correct
No light indicates the link is down; likely the cables are missing or ports disabled.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-601 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The storage array's other two ports are not physically connected or are disabled on the array end. — Default switch configuration does not disable ports; likely the other two ports on the storage array are not cabled or are administratively down. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because port speed auto-negotiation usually works. Option C is wrong because VSAN cannot disable ports. Option D is wrong because zoning does not affect link state.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-601 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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