The correct answer is that increasing the BB_Credit value is one valid method, while reducing the link speed is the other. Reducing the link speed recovers from buffer credit loss by lowering the frame transmission rate, which gives the receiver’s buffer credits time to replenish and prevents overrun, effectively stabilizing the link during credit starvation caused by long distances or congestion. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Fibre Channel flow control and buffer-to-buffer credits, often appearing in a “choose two” format where a common trap is selecting “increase the link speed” instead of decreasing it. Remember that slowing down the link is a temporary workaround that sacrifices bandwidth for stability. A helpful memory tip: “Slow the flow to let credits grow.”
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 valid methods to recover from buffer credit loss on a Fibre Channel link?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Reduce the link speed.
Reducing the link speed is a valid method to recover from buffer credit loss because it decreases the number of frames transmitted per unit time, allowing the receiver's buffer credits to replenish and preventing further overrun. This is a temporary workaround that reduces the effective bandwidth but can stabilize the link when buffer credit starvation occurs due to distance or congestion.
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.
✓
Reduce the link speed.
Why this is correct
Lower speed reduces the number of credits needed to maintain the link.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Increase the BB_Credit value.
Why this is correct
Configuring more buffer credits compensates for credit loss.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable WRED on the switch.
Why it's wrong here
WRED is for congestion avoidance in IP networks, not Fibre Channel.
✗
Use port channel to aggregate links.
Why it's wrong here
Port channels increase bandwidth but do not address buffer credit depletion.
✗
Credit recovery using RDMA.
Why it's wrong here
RDMA is used in Ethernet networks, not for Fibre Channel buffer credits.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that increasing link speed or aggregating links (port channels) can solve buffer credit issues, but the correct approach is to either reduce speed or increase BB_Credits, as credit loss is a flow-control problem, not a bandwidth problem.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Buffer credit loss occurs when a Fibre Channel receiver runs out of credits (BB_Credits) to accept frames, often due to long-distance links or insufficient buffer allocation. Increasing the BB_Credit value (Option B) is the proper long-term fix, as it allocates more credits to the port, accommodating the round-trip time. Reducing link speed (Option A) is a stopgap that lowers the frame rate, giving the receiver time to process and release credits, but it sacrifices performance.
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: Reduce the link speed. — Reducing the link speed is a valid method to recover from buffer credit loss because it decreases the number of frames transmitted per unit time, allowing the receiver's buffer credits to replenish and preventing further overrun. This is a temporary workaround that reduces the effective bandwidth but can stabilize the link when buffer credit starvation occurs due to distance or congestion.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A storage network engineer notices high buffer credit starvation counters on an inter-switch link. What is the most effective solution to reduce this issue?
medium
A.Change the ISL port mode from E to F.
B.Reduce the ISL speed to 1 Gbps.
✓ C.Increase the number of buffer credits on the ISL.
D.Enable QoS to prioritize buffer credit recovery.
Why C: Buffer credit starvation indicates insufficient credits for the distance. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because ISL ports should be E ports, not F. Option C is wrong because reducing speed may not help. Option D is wrong because QoS can prioritize but not increase credits.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
Question Discussion
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This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.
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