Cisco MDS ISL VSAN Trunking and FC Trace Parameters
Short answer
A Switchport mode TE is required to forward multiple VSANs across an ISL and support Fibre Channel trace.
Question
Key Takeaways
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.
Common mistake: 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.
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
This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.
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?
Does Fibre Channel trace work on all port types?
Community Votes
100% 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
-
b44c199 👍 1https://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/storage/san_switches/mds9000/sw/rel_1_x/1_0_2/san-os/configuration/guide/Trunking.html#wp1056518
-
lurker8000 👍 1I think this should be A.
-
lurker8000 👍 1 Answered Avsan syntax requred
Reader comments & corrections
No reader corrections yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.