Configuring Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches (DCSAN) Practice Exam
The Configuring Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches (DCSAN) exam is designed for IT professionals responsible for deploying, configuring, and managing storage area networks in enterprise environments. This exam preparation resource delivers targeted practice that reflects real-world tasks associated with the Cisco MDS 9000 family of switches.
Focusing on key topics such as Fibre Channel protocol, zoning, VSANs, device aliasing, port security, and NX-OS features, this practice test helps candidates gain the technical expertise required to manage high-performance storage networks. It also includes advanced features such as Slow Drain analysis, traffic monitoring, and troubleshooting tools used in storage-centric environments.
Engineered for storage engineers, data center administrators, and network professionals, this resource promotes a strong understanding of how to build secure, scalable, and efficient SAN infrastructures using Cisco technology.
By working through realistic scenarios and problem-solving exercises, learners will be well-equipped to configure and optimize Cisco MDS switches, ensuring robust and reliable data center performance.
Sample Questions and Answers
1. Which protocol is used by Cisco MDS 9000 to discover and manage SAN devices?
A. SNMP
B. FLOGI
C. SCSI
D. FCNS
Answer: D. FCNS
Explanation:
The Fibre Channel Name Server (FCNS) protocol registers and discovers devices in a SAN fabric. Cisco MDS 9000 switches use FCNS to manage SAN nodes, allowing end devices to communicate through name server queries, ensuring correct routing and visibility across the Fibre Channel network.
2. What is the main function of the VSAN feature on Cisco MDS 9000 switches?
A. Enhances switch CPU performance
B. Provides traffic encryption
C. Segments SAN traffic
D. Allows Fibre Channel over Ethernet
Answer: C. Segments SAN traffic
Explanation:
Virtual Storage Area Networks (VSANs) logically segment SAN traffic on the same physical fabric. Cisco MDS switches use VSANs to isolate devices, enhance security, improve stability, and allow different administrative domains, similar to VLANs in Ethernet networks.
3. Which command checks the status of FCIP links on Cisco MDS switches?
A. show interface brief
B. show fcip link
C. show fc link
D. show interface fcip
Answer: B. show fcip link
Explanation:
The show fcip link command displays the operational status of FCIP tunnels. It is essential for diagnosing issues in IP-based SAN extension configurations, offering insights into tunnel uptime, status, and associated errors.
4. What license is required to enable FCIP on Cisco MDS 9000 switches?
A. SAN Analytics
B. Storage Services
C. Enterprise
D. Base
Answer: C. Enterprise
Explanation:
The Enterprise license is necessary to enable FCIP (Fibre Channel over IP) on Cisco MDS 9000 Series switches. It unlocks advanced features such as SAN extension capabilities, enabling SAN traffic transport over IP networks.
5. What is a core benefit of zoning in Cisco MDS fabrics?
A. VLAN routing
B. Redundant power supply
C. Device isolation
D. Uplink optimization
Answer: C. Device isolation
Explanation:
Zoning controls access between initiators and targets within a SAN fabric. Cisco MDS switches use zoning to isolate devices, enhance security, and prevent unwanted access. It ensures that only specified devices can communicate, similar to access control lists in IP networks.
6. Which command enables a user to verify active VSANs on a Cisco MDS switch?
A. show zoneset
B. show vsan
C. show vlan
D. show interface vsan
Answer: B. show vsan
Explanation:
The show vsan command lists all configured VSANs, their status, and associated interfaces. It’s essential for verifying operational VSANs in a Cisco MDS environment, helping administrators manage SAN segmentation and ensure fabric stability.
7. What is the default timeout value for the FLOGI process in Cisco MDS switches?
A. 30 seconds
B. 60 seconds
C. 20 seconds
D. 45 seconds
Answer: B. 60 seconds
Explanation:
The Fabric Login (FLOGI) timeout in Cisco MDS switches is typically 60 seconds. During this period, a node must complete its login to the fabric. This value ensures adequate time for device discovery while preventing prolonged inactive sessions.
8. What technology allows traffic encryption over Fibre Channel links in MDS 9000 switches?
A. IPsec
B. SSL
C. FC-SP
D. SSH
Answer: C. FC-SP
Explanation:
Fibre Channel Security Protocol (FC-SP) is used in Cisco MDS switches to secure SAN traffic. It supports features like authentication and encryption over Fibre Channel links, enhancing SAN security by preventing unauthorized access and data interception.
9. Which command displays the WWN of a connected host on a Cisco MDS switch port?
A. show interface
B. show wwn
C. show flogi database
D. show port-channel
Answer: C. show flogi database
Explanation:
The show flogi database command displays the World Wide Names (WWNs) and interface mappings of devices logged into the fabric. It’s critical for identifying hosts and their corresponding switch ports for troubleshooting and configuration verification.
10. What happens when a port is placed into the “isolated” zone type?
A. Can communicate with all members
B. Cannot communicate at all
C. Can only initiate broadcasts
D. Can communicate with the zone’s primary member only
Answer: D. Can communicate with the zone’s primary member only
Explanation:
In an “isolated” zone, the isolated member can only talk to the zone’s primary member, not to other isolated members. This zoning type is used to control access tightly while still allowing specific target-initiator communication.
11. Which protocol helps merge two SAN fabrics on Cisco MDS switches?
A. iSCSI
B. OSPF
C. Fabric Shortest Path First (FSPF)
D. Fibre Channel Routing
Answer: C. Fabric Shortest Path First (FSPF)
Explanation:
FSPF is the default routing protocol for Fibre Channel networks. Cisco MDS switches use it to calculate shortest paths and manage inter-switch links across merged fabrics, ensuring efficient and loop-free data delivery in a multi-fabric environment.
12. What is the maximum number of VSANs supported per switch in Cisco MDS 9000 series?
A. 64
B. 128
C. 256
D. 512
Answer: C. 256
Explanation:
Cisco MDS 9000 Series switches support up to 256 VSANs per switch. This allows extensive logical segmentation of the SAN fabric, supporting different departments, applications, or security zones within the same physical infrastructure.
13. What type of zoning is enforced at the switch hardware level?
A. Hard zoning
B. Soft zoning
C. Alias zoning
D. Broadcast zoning
Answer: A. Hard zoning
Explanation:
Hard zoning restricts traffic at the hardware (ASIC) level, ensuring devices cannot exchange frames unless explicitly permitted. Cisco MDS switches prioritize hard zoning for performance and security, enforcing access at the port level regardless of address spoofing.
14. Which Cisco MDS tool allows centralized SAN management?
A. Fabric Manager
B. UCS Manager
C. Prime Infrastructure
D. CiscoWorks
Answer: A. Fabric Manager
Explanation:
Cisco Fabric Manager is the graphical tool for configuring and monitoring SANs based on MDS switches. It offers centralized visibility into VSANs, zoning, performance, and health, streamlining complex SAN management operations.
15. What is the purpose of the PortChannel feature in Cisco MDS switches?
A. Zoning
B. Multipathing
C. Aggregating bandwidth
D. Firewalling
Answer: C. Aggregating bandwidth
Explanation:
PortChannel combines multiple physical links into one logical link, increasing throughput and providing redundancy. Cisco MDS switches use it to enhance SAN performance and resilience, distributing traffic across member ports for load balancing.
16. Which feature allows Cisco MDS switches to support multiple virtual switches?
A. vPC
B. VRF
C. VDC
D. IVR
Answer: C. VDC
Explanation:
Virtual Device Contexts (VDCs) enable a single physical Cisco MDS switch to function as multiple logical switches. This supports multi-tenant environments, allowing separate configurations, management, and control planes within the same hardware.
17. What is the default load balancing policy for PortChannels in MDS switches?
A. Source MAC
B. Destination IP
C. Source-Destination FCID
D. Random
Answer: C. Source-Destination FCID
Explanation:
Cisco MDS PortChannels balance traffic using source and destination FCID (Fibre Channel ID). This method ensures consistent traffic paths and optimal use of channel members, improving performance and minimizing link congestion.
18. Which feature on Cisco MDS supports device authentication?
A. AAA
B. SNMPv2
C. Port Tracking
D. FSPF
Answer: A. AAA
Explanation:
Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) provides robust access control. Cisco MDS switches use AAA to authenticate users and devices, ensure only authorized entities access SAN resources, and keep logs for compliance and auditing.
19. Which command helps validate zoning configurations on Cisco MDS switches?
A. show zone active
B. show fcns
C. show vlan
D. show ip zone
Answer: A. show zone active
Explanation:
The show zone active command displays the active zoneset, including zone members and types. It is crucial for troubleshooting SAN communication issues and ensuring zoning aligns with access policies between hosts and storage devices.
20. What tool in Cisco MDS performs SAN performance analysis?
A. SAN Monitor
B. SAN Insights
C. SAN Analytics
D. SAN Profiler
Answer: C. SAN Analytics
Explanation:
SAN Analytics on Cisco MDS 9000 switches enables performance monitoring and traffic flow analysis. It provides deep visibility into I/O metrics, latency, and throughput across Fibre Channel fabrics, helping identify bottlenecks and optimize resources.
21. What’s the primary use of NPIV on MDS switches?
A. Assign VSANs
B. Allow multiple WWNs per port
C. Encrypt Fibre Channel
D. Split a port into VLANs
Answer: B. Allow multiple WWNs per port
Explanation:
N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV) allows multiple WWNs to log in through a single physical port. Cisco MDS switches support NPIV for better virtualization and resource sharing, especially in environments with many virtual machines.
22. What mechanism is used by MDS switches to detect duplicate WWNs?
A. VSAN Membership
B. Zone Checking
C. Name Server Conflict Detection
D. Port Binding
Answer: C. Name Server Conflict Detection
Explanation:
Cisco MDS switches use Name Server Conflict Detection to identify and report duplicate WWNs in the SAN. Duplicate WWNs can disrupt communication and zoning, making this feature critical for SAN integrity and troubleshooting.
23. What command backs up the current configuration on Cisco MDS switches?
A. write memory
B. copy running-config startup-config
C. save config
D. backup config
Answer: B. copy running-config startup-config
Explanation:
To save current configuration changes permanently on Cisco MDS switches, use copy running-config startup-config. This ensures that settings persist after a reboot, preserving zoning, VSAN, and security configurations.
24. What is a persistent binding in SAN?
A. Zoning method
B. IP routing technique
C. Host-to-LUN static mapping
D. FCID switching
Answer: C. Host-to-LUN static mapping
Explanation:
Persistent binding ensures that a host’s initiator always connects to the same LUN using the same device identifier. This consistency is vital for applications requiring stable disk mapping and is often used in conjunction with zoning.
25. What is the purpose of IVR (Inter-VSAN Routing)?
A. Route IP packets
B. Allow communication between VSANs
C. Encrypt traffic
D. Enable VLAN tagging
Answer: B. Allow communication between VSANs
Explanation:
Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) enables devices in different VSANs to communicate without merging fabrics. Cisco MDS switches use IVR to facilitate controlled cross-VSAN communication, maintaining isolation while supporting multi-zone applications.
26. What is the function of a fabric login (FLOGI)?
A. Assign VLAN to interface
B. Allow host registration with the fabric
C. Perform port mirroring
D. Enable OSPF in SAN
Answer: B. Allow host registration with the fabric
Explanation:
FLOGI is the initial step for a device to join the SAN. It registers the node with the fabric’s name server, providing WWN and other attributes. Cisco MDS switches manage FLOGI processes to authenticate and assign FCIDs.
27. Which command shows the interface status on Cisco MDS switches?
A. show interface brief
B. show status
C. display interface all
D. check port summary
Answer: A. show interface brief
Explanation:show interface brief gives a concise overview of port status, including link state, VSAN assignment, and speed. This is a go-to command for administrators to quickly check connectivity and health of interfaces in the SAN fabric.
28. What protocol is used to handle traffic isolation between VSANs?
A. VLAN
B. FSPF
C. IVR
D. Zoning
Answer: C. IVR
Explanation:
Inter-VSAN Routing (IVR) allows communication between VSANs while preserving logical isolation. Unlike zoning, which controls device access, IVR enables data movement between separate VSANs securely and selectively on Cisco MDS switches.
29. What feature allows continuous traffic monitoring in real time on MDS switches?
A. NetFlow
B. SPAN
C. EEM
D. SAN Analytics
Answer: D. SAN Analytics
Explanation:
SAN Analytics provides real-time visibility into SAN traffic, including IOPS, latency, and throughput. Integrated in Cisco MDS switches, it enables continuous performance monitoring, essential for capacity planning and troubleshooting storage bottlenecks.
30. Which protocol does Cisco MDS use for secure management access?
A. Telnet
B. FTP
C. SSH
D. SNMP
Answer: C. SSH
Explanation:
SSH provides encrypted, secure access to the MDS switch CLI. It is preferred over Telnet for management tasks to protect credentials and configuration data from being intercepted on unsecured networks.
31. What does the zoneset activate command do?
A. Deletes inactive zones
B. Saves the config
C. Makes the zoneset operational
D. Restarts the switch
Answer: C. Makes the zoneset operational
Explanation:
Activating a zoneset applies the selected zone configuration to the VSAN. This controls device communication in the SAN fabric. Only one active zoneset can exist per VSAN, and activation replaces the previous configuration.
32. Which MDS feature supports Fibre Channel over IP (FCIP)?
A. SAN Extension
B. iSCSI
C. VSAN Gateway
D. IP over Fibre
Answer: A. SAN Extension
Explanation:
SAN Extension using FCIP allows remote SANs to be connected over IP networks. Cisco MDS switches use this to transmit Fibre Channel frames securely and efficiently across geographically separated data centers.
33. What is a feature of enhanced zoning in Cisco MDS switches?
A. Reduced zoning complexity
B. GUI-only management
C. Read-only zoning
D. VSAN merging
Answer: A. Reduced zoning complexity
Explanation:
Enhanced zoning simplifies administration by allowing zone edits without affecting the active zoneset. It reduces service disruptions and enforces better change control by requiring explicit commit steps before changes take effect.
34. Which command displays the firmware version on a Cisco MDS switch?
A. show version
B. display firmware
C. show module
D. check release
Answer: A. show version
Explanation:show version provides the current NX-OS version, uptime, and hardware model information. It is essential for software compliance, troubleshooting, and validating whether a feature is supported on the installed firmware.
35. What defines zoning in Fibre Channel SANs?
A. Link aggregation policy
B. VLAN segmentation
C. Device communication rules
D. Fabric topology
Answer: C. Device communication rules
Explanation:
Zoning determines which devices can interact over the SAN. Cisco MDS switches enforce zoning at the hardware level to limit unauthorized access, enhance security, and reduce disruptions caused by misconfigured devices.
36. Which role does the principal switch perform in a Fibre Channel fabric?
A. Authorize initiators
B. Assign Domain IDs
C. Manage VLANs
D. Route iSCSI packets
Answer: B. Assign Domain IDs
Explanation:
The principal switch coordinates domain ID distribution across the fabric. This avoids conflicts, which are critical in multi-switch topologies. Cisco MDS switches use this mechanism during fabric initialization and expansion.
37. What is the function of Fabric Binding in Cisco MDS switches?
A. Load balancing
B. Redundancy
C. Authentication
D. Topology validation
Answer: C. Authentication
Explanation:
Fabric Binding enhances security by ensuring only authorized switches join the fabric. It uses WWN-based access control lists, preventing rogue or misconfigured devices from compromising the SAN fabric’s integrity.
38. What causes an “E-port isolated” state in MDS switches?
A. Cable unplugged
B. Mismatched VSANs
C. Unauthorized zone
D. Duplicate WWNs
Answer: B. Mismatched VSANs
Explanation:
An E-port enters the isolated state when it tries to connect to another switch with a different VSAN configuration. This prevents incompatible fabric merges and protects the SAN from topology errors.
39. Which CLI command rolls back configuration to a previous checkpoint?
A. copy config rollback
B. rollback running-config
C. rollback configuration checkpoint
D. config checkpoint revert
Answer: C. rollback configuration checkpoint
Explanation:
Cisco MDS supports configuration rollback to predefined checkpoints. This helps recover from configuration errors quickly, ensuring fabric stability. It’s often used before major changes to allow quick reversal if issues arise.
40. What is the default VSAN ID in Cisco MDS switches?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 10
D. 100
Answer: B. 1
Explanation:
VSAN 1 is the default configuration on Cisco MDS switches. It contains all unassigned ports and is typically used during initial setup. Best practices suggest moving production to other VSANs for better segmentation and control.
41. What feature prevents unauthorized devices from accessing the SAN?
A. PortChannel
B. Device Alias
C. Port Security
D. IVR
Answer: C. Port Security
Explanation:
Port Security on Cisco MDS restricts device access based on WWN or FCID. It prevents unauthorized logins and traffic on SAN ports, increasing fabric security and operational control in sensitive environments.
42. Which interface connects a switch to another switch in a Fibre Channel fabric?
A. F-port
B. E-port
C. NP-port
D. TE-port
Answer: B. E-port
Explanation:
An E-port (Expansion port) connects Fibre Channel switches to each other. This link forms the Inter-Switch Link (ISL), carrying fabric configuration and data traffic across the switches for seamless SAN expansion.
43. What’s the use of Device Aliases in MDS configurations?
A. Shorten CLI commands
B. Replace zoning
C. Identify ports
D. Map human-readable names to WWNs
Answer: D. Map human-readable names to WWNs
Explanation:
Device Aliases offer friendly names for WWNs, simplifying configuration and management. They replace cryptic WWNs with readable labels, improving clarity in zoning, logging, and troubleshooting tasks.
44. Which command verifies traffic flow on a specific MDS interface?
A. show fc traffic
B. show counters interface
C. monitor port
D. check fc-port traffic
Answer: B. show counters interface
Explanation:show counters interface shows detailed traffic statistics for a specific port, including frame counts, errors, and throughput. It’s a key command for troubleshooting link issues and validating interface utilization.
45. What is the main benefit of VSANs in Cisco MDS switches?
A. Increase bandwidth
B. Reduce latency
C. Logical fabric separation
D. Enable iSCSI
Answer: C. Logical fabric separation
Explanation:
VSANs segment a physical Fibre Channel fabric into isolated logical fabrics, enhancing security, scalability, and manageability. Each VSAN operates independently, allowing different teams or applications to share the same infrastructure securely.
46. What is the behavior of a TE-port?
A. Hosts access point
B. Switch-to-switch trunk for multiple VSANs
C. Management-only interface
D. Aggregates Ethernet ports
Answer: B. Switch-to-switch trunk for multiple VSANs
Explanation:
A Trunking E-port (TE-port) enables a single ISL to carry traffic from multiple VSANs. It simplifies cabling and configuration in complex SAN environments, reducing the need for one ISL per VSAN.
47. Which command shows the zoning database?
A. show zoneset active
B. show zoning database
C. display zones
D. check zone config
Answer: A. show zoneset active
Explanation:
This command reveals the current active zoneset on the switch. It includes information on zones and members, allowing administrators to verify SAN access configurations and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
48. What is the benefit of the slow-drain detection feature in Cisco MDS?
A. Prevent link flapping
B. Optimize routing
C. Identify performance issues
D. Compress SAN traffic
Answer: C. Identify performance issues
Explanation:
Slow-drain detection identifies ports that cannot handle traffic rates, leading to congestion. Cisco MDS switches monitor and isolate such ports to prevent broader fabric performance degradation.
49. Which Cisco MDS feature ensures high availability during path failures?
A. Zoning
B. Load Balancing
C. Multipathing
D. Device Alias
Answer: C. Multipathing
Explanation:
Multipathing enables multiple paths between initiators and targets, providing redundancy and failover capabilities. It’s critical for high availability in storage networks and supported through host-side multipath software and fabric design.
50. Which NX-OS feature allows scheduling tasks on MDS switches?
A. EEM
B. Cron CLI
C. SNMP Trap
D. Fabric Timer
Answer: A. EEM
Explanation:
Embedded Event Manager (EEM) on Cisco MDS allows task automation based on events or schedules. It can automate backups, reboots, or alerts, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual tasks.
