350-601 Storage Network Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are best practices when interconnecting two Cisco MDS 9700 directors via Fibre Channel ISLs?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between E_ports (for ISLs) and F_ports (for end devices), and the trap here is that candidates may confuse NPIV (a host-side feature) with trunking, or assume that port channels are a mandatory best practice rather than an optional enhancement.
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
✓
Configure the ISL ports as trunking E_ports
Trunking E_ports (TE_ports) are the standard configuration for inter-switch links (ISLs) in Cisco MDS fabrics. TE_ports enable the exchange of fabric services, VSAN trunking, and support for multiple VSANs over a single ISL, which is essential for scalable and efficient Fibre Channel SAN designs.
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.
- ✗
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.
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