The answer is to use E_port configuration and trunk mode for inter-switch links. E_ports are the standard port type for Fibre Channel ISLs, enabling proper switch-to-switch communication, while trunk mode allows multiple VSANs to traverse a single ISL through E_port trunking, maximizing link efficiency. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this question tests your understanding of Fibre Channel fabric design, specifically the distinction between port types and their roles; a common trap is confusing F_ports (used for hosts or targets) or NPIV (for host virtualization) with ISL requirements, or mistakenly thinking FC port channels apply here when E_port trunking is the correct method for aggregating ISLs. Remember the memory tip: “ISLs need E’s, not F’s or P’s” — E_ports and trunk mode are the best practices for interconnecting MDS directors.
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 of the following are best practices when interconnecting two Cisco MDS 9700 directors via Fibre Channel ISLs?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the ISL ports as trunking E_ports
Options A and C are correct. Using trunk mode allows multiple VSANs over a single ISL (E_port trunking). E_ports are the standard port type for ISLs. Option B is incorrect because FC port channels are not used for ISLs (E_port trunking is used). Option D is incorrect: NPIV is used for host virtualization, not ISLs. Option E is incorrect: F_ports are for connecting hosts or targets.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enable NPIV on the ISL ports to allow multiple FCIDs
Why it's wrong here
NPIV is for host connections, not ISLs.
✗
Use Fibre Channel port channels to bundle multiple ISLs
Why it's wrong here
Cisco MDS uses ISL trunking, not port channels like Ethernet.
✓
Configure the ISL ports as trunking E_ports
Why this is correct
Trunking E_ports allow multiple VSANs on a single link.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
Configure the ISL ports as F_ports to increase scalability
Why it's wrong here
F_ports connect end devices, not switches.
✓
Use E_port configuration (not F_port) for inter-switch links
Why this is correct
E_ports are designed for ISLs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-601 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Storage Network — This question tests Storage Network — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the ISL ports as trunking E_ports — Options A and C are correct. Using trunk mode allows multiple VSANs over a single ISL (E_port trunking). E_ports are the standard port type for ISLs. Option B is incorrect because FC port channels are not used for ISLs (E_port trunking is used). Option D is incorrect: NPIV is used for host virtualization, not ISLs. Option E is incorrect: F_ports are for connecting hosts or targets.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-601 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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