The answer is that NPV reduces the number of domain IDs required in a Cisco MDS fabric. This is because an NPV switch acts as a transparent multiplexer, forwarding Fibre Channel frames from multiple hosts over a single physical uplink to a core NPIV-enabled switch without participating in fabric services like principal switch selection or domain ID distribution. The core switch sees each host as a separate virtual N_Port, but the NPV switch itself consumes no domain ID, thereby conserving the limited domain ID space. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how NPV scales large fabrics by offloading fabric management to the core, and a common trap is confusing NPV with NPIV—remember that NPIV enables multiple N_Port IDs on a single physical port, while NPV is the switch mode that leverages NPIV to reduce domain IDs. Memory tip: NPV = No domain ID, just a Pass-through Virtualizer.
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 characteristics of NPV (N-Port Virtualization) in a Cisco MDS fabric?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It enables multiple hosts to share the same physical uplink.
NPV (N-Port Virtualization) allows multiple hosts to share a single physical uplink from an NPV switch to a core NPIV-enabled switch. This is achieved by multiplexing multiple Fibre Channel N-Port IDs over the same physical link, reducing the number of domain IDs required in the fabric because the NPV switch does not participate in principal switch selection or domain ID distribution. The core switch sees each host as a separate virtual N_Port, but the NPV switch itself does not consume a domain ID.
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.
✓
It enables multiple hosts to share the same physical uplink.
Why this is correct
NPIV allows multiple FLOGIs over a single NP port.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
It reduces the number of domain IDs required.
Why this is correct
Edge switches do not have their own domain ID; they use the core's domain.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It allows the edge switch to appear as a virtual host to the core switch.
Why it's wrong here
The edge switch's NP port acts as a host, but the switch itself does not appear as a virtual host; it presents multiple virtual N ports.
✗
It requires FC-SP authentication.
Why it's wrong here
FC-SP is an optional security feature, not required for NPV.
✗
It is only supported on 8 Gbps or higher ports.
Why it's wrong here
NPV supports 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 Gbps and higher.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that NPV requires the edge switch to appear as a virtual host to the core, when in fact it is the hosts that appear as virtual N_Ports, not the switch itself.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NPV leverages NPIV (N_Port ID Virtualization) to allow multiple Fibre Channel initiators to share a single physical N_Port on the NPV switch. The NPV switch registers each host's WWN with the core switch using FDISC commands, and the core switch assigns a unique FCID to each virtual N_Port. In a real-world scenario, NPV is commonly used in blade server environments where each blade has its own HBA but only a limited number of uplinks are available to the SAN core.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: It enables multiple hosts to share the same physical uplink. — NPV (N-Port Virtualization) allows multiple hosts to share a single physical uplink from an NPV switch to a core NPIV-enabled switch. This is achieved by multiplexing multiple Fibre Channel N-Port IDs over the same physical link, reducing the number of domain IDs required in the fabric because the NPV switch does not participate in principal switch selection or domain ID distribution. The core switch sees each host as a separate virtual N_Port, but the NPV switch itself does not consume a domain ID.
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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Question Discussion
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