The answer is lower cost. iSCSI is chosen over Fibre Channel primarily because it operates over standard Ethernet networks, eliminating the need for specialized Fibre Channel switches, host bus adapters, and cabling, which dramatically reduces both hardware and operational expenses. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of how infrastructure choices directly impact project budgets and vendor selection decisions. A common trap is to focus on performance differences, but the exam emphasizes that iSCSI’s cost advantage—leveraging existing network gear—is the decisive factor for most organizations. Remember the memory tip: “iSCSI saves cash by using the same Ethernet stash.”
PK0-005 Practice Question: Basics of IT Infrastructure and IT Project Management
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of basics of it infrastructure and it project management. 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.
A project to implement a new storage solution. The team is evaluating iSCSI vs Fibre Channel. Which factor is most important for choosing iSCSI over Fibre Channel?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Lower cost
iSCSI is generally chosen over Fibre Channel primarily because it leverages existing Ethernet infrastructure, which significantly reduces hardware and operational costs. Fibre Channel requires specialized switches, host bus adapters (HBAs), and cabling, whereas iSCSI can run on standard network interface cards (NICs) and switches, making it a more cost-effective solution for many organizations.
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.
✗
Longer distance support
Why it's wrong here
Both can support long distances with appropriate extensions; distance is not a primary factor.
✗
Higher performance
Why it's wrong here
Fibre Channel typically offers higher throughput and lower latency than iSCSI.
✗
Better security
Why it's wrong here
Security depends on implementation; iSCSI can use IPsec, but Fibre Channel has it own security mechanisms.
✓
Lower cost
Why this is correct
iSCSI leverages standard Ethernet switches and cables, reducing hardware costs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume iSCSI is chosen for its performance or distance capabilities, but the exam emphasizes that cost reduction from using existing Ethernet infrastructure is the primary driver for selecting iSCSI over Fibre Channel.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
iSCSI encapsulates SCSI commands over TCP/IP, allowing storage traffic to traverse standard Ethernet networks, but this introduces protocol overhead from TCP segmentation and reassembly, which can impact performance under high load. In real-world scenarios, organizations with existing 10GbE or 25GbE infrastructure can achieve acceptable iSCSI performance for many workloads, while Fibre Channel remains the choice for latency-sensitive applications like high-frequency trading or large-scale virtualization where dedicated storage networks are justified.
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 PK0-005 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.
Basics of IT Infrastructure and IT Project Management — This question tests Basics of IT Infrastructure and IT Project Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Lower cost — iSCSI is generally chosen over Fibre Channel primarily because it leverages existing Ethernet infrastructure, which significantly reduces hardware and operational costs. Fibre Channel requires specialized switches, host bus adapters (HBAs), and cabling, whereas iSCSI can run on standard network interface cards (NICs) and switches, making it a more cost-effective solution for many organizations.
What should I do if I get this PK0-005 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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