This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
What is the purpose of NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) in a Fibre Channel SAN?
Provide encryption on Fibre Channel links.
Why wrong: Not related.
Allow a single physical port to register multiple N_port IDs.
Enables virtualization.
Enable multiple paths between initiator and target.
Why wrong: That's multipathing.
Allow a switch to act as an NPV device.
Why wrong: NPV is different.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Allow a single physical port to register multiple N_port IDs.
NPIV allows a single physical Fibre Channel N_Port to register multiple unique N_Port IDs (FCIDs) with the fabric. This is essential for virtualizing Fibre Channel connectivity, enabling multiple virtual machines or logical partitions to share one physical HBA port while each appearing as a distinct initiator to the SAN.
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.
Provide encryption on Fibre Channel links.
Why it's wrong here
Not related.
Allow a single physical port to register multiple N_port IDs.
Why this is correct
Enables virtualization.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Enable multiple paths between initiator and target.
Why it's wrong here
That's multipathing.
Allow a switch to act as an NPV device.
Why it's wrong here
NPV is different.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests NPIV by confusing it with NPV (N_Port Virtualization) — the trap is that candidates mix up the port-level virtualization (NPIV) with the switch-level proxy mode (NPV), or assume NPIV is about multipathing or security.
Detailed technical explanation
NPIV works by sending a FLOGI (Fabric Login) followed by additional FDISC (Fabric Discovery) commands from the same physical port, each requesting a unique FCID. The fabric switch allocates a distinct N_Port ID for each FDISC, allowing the host to present multiple WWPNs (World Wide Port Names) through one physical link. In virtualized environments, this enables each VM to have its own dedicated SAN zoning and LUN masking without requiring dedicated HBAs.
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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FAQ
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Allow a single physical port to register multiple N_port IDs. — NPIV allows a single physical Fibre Channel N_Port to register multiple unique N_Port IDs (FCIDs) with the fabric. This is essential for virtualizing Fibre Channel connectivity, enabling multiple virtual machines or logical partitions to share one physical HBA port while each appearing as a distinct initiator to the SAN.
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 11, 2026
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