350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
What is the purpose of NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) in a Fibre Channel SAN?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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.
- ✗
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.