Cisco MDS ISL VSAN Trunking and FC Trace Parameters
A SAN fabric is built between a pair of Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches. The requirement is for the ISL to use the VSAN ID to forward traffic from multiple VSANs across the same physical link. Additionally, the Fibre Channel trace feature must be supported. Which ISL interface parameters are required to meet these requirements?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
Tests the distinction between Edge (E) ports, which terminate traffic, and Trunking (TE) ports, which forward multiple VSANs across a single physical link while supporting advanced features like FC trace.
Determines the correct Cisco MDS 9000 Series switchport mode for an Inter-Switch Link (ISL) that supports multiple VSANs and Fibre Channel trace features. The page establishes why trunking is required over edge modes.
Candidates often select 'switchport mode E' because it is a common port type in Cisco Fabric, but failing to recognize that 'E' ports do not support VSAN trunking or the specific requirement to forward traffic from multiple VSANs.
Community Discussion (3 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The requirement to forward traffic from multiple VSANs across the same physical link necessitates a trunking interface. In Cisco MDS NX-OS, configuringswitchport mode TE enables the port as a Trunking End Port. This mode allows the ISL to carry multiple VSANs simultaneously, satisfying the first requirement. Additionally, the Fibre Channel trace feature (used for diagnostics) is supported on trunking links where VSANs are aggregated, making option A the only valid choice among the distinct types.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option C (switchport mode E) configures the port as an Edge port. Edge ports are used to connect end devices (like servers or storage arrays) and do not participate in fabric trunking; they typically belong to a single VSAN or require manual VSAN assignment without multi-VSAN forwarding capabilities. Since options B and D are identical duplicates of A and C respectively in the provided text, they represent the same logical errors if selected incorrectly. The key differentiator is the functional capability: Edge ports stop at the boundary, while Trunking ports extend the fabric.Community Comment Notes
Community consensus strongly favors Option A. One user noted 'vsan syntax requred', highlighting that the configuration context implies the need for VSAN handling which TE provides. Another comment explicitly stated 'I think this should be A', confirming the alignment with official documentation regarding ISL trunking parameters. The reference to Cisco SAN OS configuration guides supports the use of TE for multi-VSAN ISLs.Official Reference
Exam Strategy
Always distinguish between Edge (E) and Trunking (TE) ports when the question mentions 'multiple VSANs' or 'trunking'. If you see 'forward traffic from multiple VSANs', immediately eliminate Edge ports and look for Trunking configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I use switchport mode E for this ISL?
Switchport mode E creates an Edge port, which terminates traffic and does not support trunking multiple VSANs across a single physical link.
Does Fibre Channel trace work on all port types?
FC trace is typically utilized on trunking links (TE) where multiple VSANs are active, allowing for better visibility into the fabric traffic flow.