The answer is to verify that the zone set is activated and that the zones are in the active zone set. This is correct because in Fibre Channel SAN zoning, configuring WWPNs into a zone only creates a pending configuration; the zone set must be explicitly activated for the fabric to enforce the access controls. Without activation, the zoning remains in the offline or pending zone set, so the server’s HBA cannot reach the storage LUN even though the WWPNs are correctly paired. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the difference between the full zone set and the active zone set, a common trap where candidates assume configuration equals enforcement. A reliable memory tip is “Configure, then Activate” — think of the zone set as a light switch: wiring the circuit (zoning) does nothing until you flip the switch (activate the zone set).
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 server administrator reports that a newly provisioned application server cannot access its LUN on the storage array. The SAN zoning uses WWPNs. The administrator verifies that the server's HBA WWPN is correctly zoned with the storage port's WWPN. Which additional check should the engineer perform to isolate the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Verify that the zone set is activated and that the zones are in the active zone set
Even if the WWPNs are correctly configured in the zone, the zone set must be activated for the zoning to take effect. Without activation, the zone configuration remains in the pending or offline zone set, and the Fibre Channel fabric will not enforce the access controls. The engineer should verify that the zone set is activated and that the zones appear in the active zone set using commands like 'show zoneset active' on the MDS switch.
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.
✗
Confirm that VSAN interop is enabled on the MDS switch
Why it's wrong here
VSAN interop is not needed for a single-vendor fabric.
✓
Verify that the zone set is activated and that the zones are in the active zone set
Why this is correct
Zone set must be active for zoning to take effect.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Ensure that the switch port is configured in F mode and local switching is enabled
Why it's wrong here
Local switching is default; not the issue.
✗
Check whether FCIP is configured on the storage array
Why it's wrong here
FCIP is for long-distance connectivity, not local SAN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between configuring a zone and activating the zone set, because candidates assume that creating a zone automatically applies it to the fabric.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Fibre Channel SANs, zoning is a soft or hard access control mechanism that operates at the fabric level. The zone set is a collection of zones that can be activated or deactivated; only the active zone set is enforced by the fabric. A common oversight is that administrators create zones but forget to activate the zone set, leaving the configuration in the 'full zone set' but not in the 'active zone set'. The 'show zoneset active' command on Cisco MDS switches reveals whether the intended zones are currently enforced.
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 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
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.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Verify that the zone set is activated and that the zones are in the active zone set — Even if the WWPNs are correctly configured in the zone, the zone set must be activated for the zoning to take effect. Without activation, the zone configuration remains in the pending or offline zone set, and the Fibre Channel fabric will not enforce the access controls. The engineer should verify that the zone set is activated and that the zones appear in the active zone set using commands like 'show zoneset active' on the MDS switch.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A storage administrator reports that a new host cannot log into the SAN. The host is connected to a Cisco MDS switch. The switch interface shows up/up but the host is not in the active zone. What is the most likely cause?
easy
✓ A.The zone set is not activated.
B.The switch port is in an isolated state.
C.The FC cable is faulty.
D.The host's WWPN is not in the zone configuration.
E.The host's driver is not installed.
Why A: The host cannot log into the SAN despite the interface showing up/up because the zone set is not activated. In Cisco MDS Fibre Channel SANs, zone configurations are stored in the zone database but only take effect when the zone set is activated (using the 'zone activate' command). Without an active zone set, no zoning is enforced, and the host's WWPN is effectively invisible to other devices, preventing login even though the physical link is operational.
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Question Discussion
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