NPV Configuration — Enabling NP Ports on Cisco MDS
Which TWO statements about NPV configuration on a Cisco MDS switch are true? (Choose two.)
Quick Answer
The answer is that interfaces connecting to the core switch must be configured as NP ports. This is correct because in N-Port Virtualization (NPV) mode, a Cisco MDS switch acts as a proxy for end-device logins, forwarding fabric login requests upstream to a core switch. The NP port is the uplink port on the NPV switch that connects to an F port on the core switch, effectively behaving like a host N port but with the added responsibility of multiplexing multiple virtual N ports over a single physical link. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how NPV reduces domain IDs in a Fibre Channel fabric by eliminating the need for the edge switch to participate in fabric services. A common trap is confusing NP ports with the F ports on the core switch—remember, the NP port is always on the NPV (edge) side. Memory tip: NP stands for "N-Port proxy," so think of it as the proxy port that speaks for all the hosts behind it.
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse NPV with NPIV, mistakenly thinking the core switch needs NPV enabled, or they assume NPV can be configured per VSAN rather than globally.
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
✓
NPV mode is enabled globally with the 'npv enable' command.
NPV (N-Port Virtualization) mode is enabled globally on a Cisco MDS switch using the 'npv enable' command. This command places the entire switch into NPV mode, allowing it to function as an NPV proxy that forwards FLOGI requests from downstream F ports to the core Fibre Channel switch. NPV mode is not a per-VSAN configuration; it is a global switch-level setting.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The core switch must have NPV enabled as well.
Why it's wrong here
Core switch should not be NPV; it should be standard switch.
- ✓
NPV mode is enabled globally with the 'npv enable' command.
Why this is correct
Yes, 'npv enable' in global config.
- ✗
All downstream interfaces must be F ports.
Why it's wrong here
Downstream can be F or FL for loop.
- ✓
Interfaces connecting to the core switch must be configured as NP ports.
Why this is correct
They must be NP ports (upstream).
- ✗
NPV mode is configured per VSAN.
Why it's wrong here
NPV is global, not per VSAN.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 984 original 350-601 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 350-601
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. Which TWO statements about NPV (N_Port Virtualization) are correct? (Choose two.)
easy- ✓ A.NPV allows a NPV switch to forward traffic from multiple host ports to the core switch via a few uplinks.
- ✓ B.NPV helps scale the fabric by reducing the number of FC domain IDs required.
- C.NPV uses Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) to forward traffic between VSANs.
- D.NPV requires FCoE encapsulation.
- E.NPV allows a single physical port to have multiple N-port IDs.
Why A: NPV (N_Port Virtualization) allows a NPV switch to aggregate traffic from multiple host ports (NP ports) and forward it to the core switch via a few uplinks (NP uplinks). This reduces the number of physical connections required between edge and core switches, simplifying cabling and management.
Variation 2. Which TWO statements about NPV (N_Port Virtualization) mode in FC networks are correct?
hard- ✓ A.NPV is commonly used in top-of-rack (ToR) deployments to simplify SAN cabling.
- B.An NPV switch connects to the core switch using E-ports.
- C.NPV switches can be used to connect FC and FCoE devices without a separate FCoE VLAN.
- ✓ D.NPV reduces the number of FC domain IDs required in the fabric.
- E.NPV switches perform fabric login (FLOGI) on behalf of attached devices.
Why A: NPV is specifically designed for top-of-rack (ToR) deployments to reduce the number of physical cables and simplify SAN cabling. In NPV mode, the ToR switch acts as a transparent proxy, forwarding FLOGI requests from end devices to the core NPV-enabled switch, which handles all fabric services. This eliminates the need for each ToR switch to have its own domain ID, reducing management complexity.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.