350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
Which TWO conditions require the use of NPIV in a Fibre Channel SAN? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: 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.
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
✓
Connecting a tape library that uses multiple LUNs to a single host.
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
Why this is correct
NPIV allows each VM to have its own identity.
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