The answer is virtualizing a server with multiple virtual machines each needing a separate WWPN, along with connecting a tape library that requires each LUN to appear as an independent target. NPIV, or N_Port ID Virtualization, enables a single physical Fibre Channel port to register multiple unique WWPNs, allowing each virtual machine or tape LUN to have its own dedicated identity for zoning and LUN masking. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how NPIV solves the problem of sharing a physical HBA among multiple logical entities without requiring separate physical adapters. A common trap is confusing NPIV with NPV (N_Port Virtualization), but remember: NPIV is about virtualizing the N_Port ID on the host side, while NPV is used on the switch side to aggregate traffic. For the exam, think “NPIV = multiple identities on one port,” and use the mnemonic “NPIV: New Port IDs for VMs.”
350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of storage network. 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 conditions require the use of NPIV in a Fibre Channel SAN? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Connecting a tape library that uses multiple LUNs to a single host.
Option A is correct because NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) allows a single physical Fibre Channel N_Port to register multiple unique WWPNs (World Wide Port Names), enabling a tape library with multiple LUNs to present each LUN as a separate target to the host. Without NPIV, the host would see only one WWPN for the tape library, limiting LUN access and management flexibility.
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.
✓
Connecting a tape library that uses multiple LUNs to a single host.
Why this is correct
NPIV can present multiple identities for LUN masking.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Connecting an NPV switch to an upstream switch.
Why it's wrong here
NPV switches use NP ports, not NPIV on the downstream side.
✗
Enabling FCoE transit over a lossless Ethernet network.
Why it's wrong here
FCoE uses FIP, not necessarily NPIV.
✗
Connecting two switches over an ISL.
Why it's wrong here
ISLs use E ports, not NPIV.
✓
Virtualizing a server with multiple virtual machines each needing a separate WWPN.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse NPIV with NPV (N_Port Virtualization) or assume NPIV is required for any multi-LUN device, but NPIV is specifically for virtualizing N_Port identities, not for general multi-LUN access or switch-to-switch links.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NPIV is defined in the FC-LS-3 standard and enables a single HBA port to present multiple virtual N_Ports, each with a unique WWPN, to the fabric. In virtualized server environments, each VM can be assigned a dedicated WWPN via NPIV, allowing the SAN to apply per-VM zoning and LUN masking. A real-world scenario is VMware vSphere using NPIV to assign separate WWPNs to virtual machines, ensuring each VM has its own identity for storage access and QoS policies.
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: Connecting a tape library that uses multiple LUNs to a single host. — Option A is correct because NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) allows a single physical Fibre Channel N_Port to register multiple unique WWPNs (World Wide Port Names), enabling a tape library with multiple LUNs to present each LUN as a separate target to the host. Without NPIV, the host would see only one WWPN for the tape library, limiting LUN access and management flexibility.
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.
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