350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
Which THREE factors should be considered when sizing buffer credits for a long-haul FC link?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that the number of targets or initiators influences buffer credit requirements, when in fact only distance, speed, and frame size matter for the per-link calculation.
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
✓
Link speed
Link speed (A) is a critical factor because higher speeds require more buffer credits to maintain full throughput over a given distance. The buffer credit requirement scales linearly with link speed, as each credit represents the ability to send one frame before receiving an acknowledgment. For example, a 16 Gbps link needs twice as many buffer credits as an 8 Gbps link for the same distance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Link speed
Why this is correct
Higher speed requires more credits to keep the link busy.
- ✗
Number of targets
Why it's wrong here
Target count affects zoning, not credit requirements on a single link.
- ✓
Frame size
Why this is correct
Larger frames reduce overhead but increase credit delay; used to calculate credits.
- ✓
Distance
Why this is correct
Longer distance requires more credits to avoid stalls.
- ✗
Buffer-to-buffer credit pool size
Why it's wrong here
This is what you configure, not a factor to consider.
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JA
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.