The answer is to boot the subordinate FI (FI-B) into recovery mode, force a re-initialization, and then reset the cluster. This is correct because in a UCS fabric interconnect split-brain recovery scenario, the subordinate FI’s configuration has become mismatched with the primary, causing all blades to show as 'Discovery' state. By entering recovery mode—typically via the Ctrl+R prompt or the 'recovery' boot option—you force FI-B to discard its local configuration and re-synchronize with the primary FI (FI-A). The subsequent cluster reset command re-establishes the primary-subordinate relationship, restoring stable operation without data loss. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of UCS cluster state management and the specific recovery workflow for split-brain conditions. A common trap is attempting a full factory reset or swapping the primary role, which would disrupt the domain. Memory tip: “Recover the subordinate, reset the cluster”—the subordinate always re-initializes to match the primary, never the reverse.
350-601 Compute Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of compute. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
You manage a UCS domain with two fabric interconnects (FI-A and FI-B) in an cluster. The domain contains 8 blade servers. After a power failure, both FIs come back online, but the cluster experiences a split-brain situation where both FIs claim to be primary. The subordinate FI (FI-B) shows all blades as 'Discovery' state. You suspect configuration mismatch. You have console access to both FIs. Which recovery procedure should be performed to restore a stable cluster?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
On the subordinate FI (FI-B), enter the recovery mode and force a re-initialization, then reset the cluster
Option D is correct because in a UCS split-brain scenario where the subordinate FI (FI-B) shows blades in 'Discovery' state due to a configuration mismatch, the proper recovery is to boot FI-B into recovery mode (using the 'recovery' boot option or pressing Ctrl+R at the appropriate prompt) and force a re-initialization, which resets its configuration to match the primary FI (FI-A). After re-initialization, resetting the cluster (via the 'cluster reset' command or equivalent) re-establishes the primary-subordinate relationship and synchronizes the configuration, restoring stable operation without affecting the primary FI's data or requiring a full factory reset.
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.
✗
Reset both FIs to factory defaults and reconfigure from backup
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessarily destructive, backup may not be available
✗
Boot the FIs into the EFI shell and clear the flash
Why it's wrong here
EFI is for firmware issues, not cluster state
✗
Perform a stateful switchover (SSO) on both FIs
Why it's wrong here
SSO is for fault tolerance, not split-brain recovery
✓
On the subordinate FI (FI-B), enter the recovery mode and force a re-initialization, then reset the cluster
Why this is correct
Standard UCS split-brain recovery procedure
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a split-brain scenario requires a full factory reset or flash clearing, when in fact the targeted recovery of the subordinate FI via recovery mode and cluster reset is the correct, less destructive procedure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a UCS Fabric Interconnect cluster, the primary FI maintains the authoritative configuration database (the 'config-db'), while the subordinate synchronizes via the cluster heartbeat and management VLAN. During a split-brain, the subordinate may boot with a stale or corrupted configuration, causing blades to remain in 'Discovery' because the FI cannot match the blade's serial numbers to its local database. The recovery mode re-initialization forces the subordinate to discard its local config-db and re-sync from the primary, using the 'cluster reset' command to re-establish the cluster UUID and management IP addresses, ensuring all blades are properly discovered and associated.
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.
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: On the subordinate FI (FI-B), enter the recovery mode and force a re-initialization, then reset the cluster — Option D is correct because in a UCS split-brain scenario where the subordinate FI (FI-B) shows blades in 'Discovery' state due to a configuration mismatch, the proper recovery is to boot FI-B into recovery mode (using the 'recovery' boot option or pressing Ctrl+R at the appropriate prompt) and force a re-initialization, which resets its configuration to match the primary FI (FI-A). After re-initialization, resetting the cluster (via the 'cluster reset' command or equivalent) re-establishes the primary-subordinate relationship and synchronizes the configuration, restoring stable operation without affecting the primary FI's data or requiring a full factory reset.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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