300-320 Question #614: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is A: FabricPath. Cisco FabricPath is Cisco's proprietary Layer 2 fabric technology that uses IS-IS as its control plane to build a loop-free topology, eliminating the need for STP in the data center.

Question

Which Cisco technology uses the IS-IS protocol to avoid STP in the data center?

Options

AFabricPath
BTRILL
CVPC
DVSS

Explanation

Cisco FabricPath is Cisco's proprietary Layer 2 fabric technology that uses IS-IS as its control plane to build a loop-free topology, eliminating the need for STP in the data center.

Common mistakes.

B. TRILL (Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links) is the IETF standards-based equivalent that also uses IS-IS, but the question asks specifically for a Cisco proprietary technology.
C. vPC (Virtual Port Channel) allows dual-homed connections to two switches without STP blocking but does not use IS-IS and is not a fabric protocol.
D. VSS (Virtual Switching System) combines two Cisco Catalyst switches into a single logical switch but does not use IS-IS and is an access/aggregation layer technology, not a fabric solution.

Concept tested. Cisco FabricPath IS-IS based STP elimination

Reference. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/nexus-7000-series-switches/white_paper_c11-687554.html

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