Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnect Storage Port Configuration

300-610 By islever Editorial Last updated

Evaluate options for storage connectivity

Short answer

D Configure the storage facing port type as an Appliance port to utilize Ethernet-based storage protocols that do not require Fibre Channel zoning.

Question

An engineer deploys a Cisco UCS environment with the storage array directly attached to the Fabric Interconnects. The operations team mandates that the solution must not require the configuration of Fibre Channel zoning. Which configuration set meets these requirements?
  1. Storage facing port type: FCoE storage port
  2. Storage facing port type: Storage port
  3. Storage facing port type: Uplink port
  4. Storage facing port type: Appliance port Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The core trap lies in distinguishing between FCoE (which still requires FC zoning) and Appliance ports (which use Ethernet-based protocols like iSCSI/NVMe-oF that do not require FC zoning).

This question evaluates the correct storage-facing port type for Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects when direct-attached storage is used without Fibre Channel zoning. The analysis clarifies why specific port types are selected or rejected based on protocol requirements.

Common mistake: Many learners select 'FCoE storage port' because it sounds like a storage solution, but they overlook that FCoE operates within an FC domain and strictly requires zoning configuration.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

The correct answer is D, Appliance port. In Cisco UCS, an appliance port allows the Fabric Interconnect to act as a host rather than a switch for specific traffic. When configured as an appliance port for storage, it typically uses Ethernet-based storage protocols such as iSCSI or NVMe over Fabrics. These protocols operate at Layer 3 or higher and do not rely on the Fibre Channel SAN infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for Fibre Channel zoning.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A, FCoE storage port, is incorrect because FCoE encapsulates Fibre Channel frames into Ethernet. While it runs over Ethernet cables, it still participates in the Fibre Channel fabric and requires FC zoning to be configured on the Fabric Interconnects. Option B, Storage port, is also incorrect; this mode turns the FI into an FC switch, which inherently requires zoning. Option C, Uplink port, is designed for connecting to upstream networks (like the core network) and is not intended for direct storage attachment in this context.

Community Comment Notes

Community comments reveal significant confusion regarding this question. One user noted that "FCoE storage port" implies FCoE traffic but correctly pointed out that FIs must be in FC switching mode for FCoE, which necessitates zoning. Another comment highlighted that an appliance port uses Ethernet-based storage, aligning with the requirement to avoid FC zoning. The debate between options A and B in the votes reflects a misunderstanding of the zoning constraint provided in the prompt.

Exam Strategy

Always read the negative constraints carefully. If the question says 'no zoning required,' immediately eliminate any option involving Fibre Channel switching or FCoE, as both mandate zoning. Look for Ethernet-based alternatives like iSCSI or appliance modes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does FCoE still require zoning?

FCoE encapsulates native Fibre Channel frames. Since it remains part of the FC fabric, standard FC zoning rules apply to define access permissions.

Can I use a Storage port if I disable zoning?

No. A Storage port configures the FI as an FC switch. Zoning is a fundamental mechanism of FC fabrics and cannot be disabled while using this port type.

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Community Votes

A
50%
B
50%

50% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 3 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 3

  1. lurker8000 👍 1 Answered A
    FCoE storage port: FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) allows Fibre Channel traffic to be encapsulated into Ethernet frames. This is ideal for environments where the storage array is directly connected to the Fabric Interconnects, and the engineer doesn't want to deal with traditional Fibre Channel zoning. End-host mode: In this mode, the Fabric Interconnects are configured to treat all connected devices (such as storage arrays) as end-hosts rather than switches. This means the system will not require the configuration of Fibre Channel zoning, since end-host mode eliminates the need for zoning in a traditional Fibre Channel setup.
  2. missionflamingo 👍 1 Answered B
    FIs must be in FC switching mode in order to configure FCOE storage ports so the answer is not A. The best answer is B even though zoning must be configured on the FIs. An appliance port would use a ethernet based storage protocol and not require zoning but this has nothing to do with the FC switch mode. This is a poorly written question.
  3. lurker8000 👍 1
    I'll go with A on this one.

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