Quick Answer
The answer is the Fabric Interconnect and the I/O Module (IOM). These two components form the core of Cisco UCS unified fabric architecture because the Fabric Interconnect consolidates LAN and SAN traffic into a single, lossless Ethernet fabric using Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), while the IOM extends that unified fabric into the blade chassis by aggregating server traffic and forwarding it to the Fabric Interconnects, eliminating the need for separate network and storage switches. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of how the unified fabric decouples server connectivity from traditional siloed switching; a common trap is confusing the IOM with a simple pass-through module, but remember that the IOM actively participates in the fabric by performing FCoE encapsulation and QoS. A useful memory tip is to think of the Fabric Interconnect as the brain and the IOM as the arms—together they create a single, converged data path from server to network.
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of compute. 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 TWO UCS components are part of the unified fabric architecture?
Fabric Interconnect
Central switching component
Storage Array
Why wrong: External storage, not part of UCS fabric
I/O Module (IOM)
Connects blades to fabric interconnects
Control Plane
Why wrong: Not a physical component
Blade Server
Why wrong: Blade is a compute node, not fabric component
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Fabric Interconnect
The Fabric Interconnect (A) is the core switching component in Cisco UCS, providing both network and storage connectivity over a unified fabric, typically using Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) to consolidate LAN and SAN traffic. The I/O Module (IOM) (C) connects blade servers to the Fabric Interconnects, extending the unified fabric by aggregating traffic from the chassis and forwarding it to the Fabric Interconnects, thereby eliminating the need for separate network and storage switches.
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.
Fabric Interconnect
Why this is correct
Central switching component
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Storage Array
Why it's wrong here
External storage, not part of UCS fabric
I/O Module (IOM)
Why this is correct
Connects blades to fabric interconnects
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Control Plane
Why it's wrong here
Not a physical component
Blade Server
Why it's wrong here
Blade is a compute node, not fabric component
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between components that are part of the unified fabric (Fabric Interconnect and IOM) versus components that connect to or use the fabric (storage arrays, blade servers), leading candidates to mistakenly include endpoints or external devices as fabric components.
Detailed technical explanation
In a UCS unified fabric, the Fabric Interconnects operate in end-host mode (NPV/NPIV) to present a single logical switch to the upstream network, while the IOMs act as fabric extenders (FEX) using the VNTag protocol to forward traffic without MAC learning. This architecture reduces cabling by carrying Ethernet, FCoE, and management traffic over the same 10/25/40/100 GbE links, and it enables features like stateless computing and service profiles that abstract server identity from hardware.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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Compute — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Compute — This question tests Compute — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Fabric Interconnect — The Fabric Interconnect (A) is the core switching component in Cisco UCS, providing both network and storage connectivity over a unified fabric, typically using Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) to consolidate LAN and SAN traffic. The I/O Module (IOM) (C) connects blade servers to the Fabric Interconnects, extending the unified fabric by aggregating traffic from the chassis and forwarding it to the Fabric Interconnects, thereby eliminating the need for separate network and storage switches.
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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