Refer to the exhibit. A user who is logged in as an operator cannot update the zoneset. What is the cause of this issue?

Question

Exhibit

Options

• AThe fabric is locked by admin on switch-2.
• BHard zoning is enabled.
• CMerge control is disabled.
• DThe switch has a conflicting domain ID.
• EThe fabric is locked by admin on another switch.

• A
  73% (29)
• B
  3% (1)
• C
  3% (1)
• D
  15% (6)
• E
  8% (3)

Explanation

In Cisco MDS SAN fabrics, entering zone configuration mode acquires a CFS (Cisco Fabric Services) fabric-wide lock tied to the specific switch where the admin initiated it. Since the exhibit shows admin holds the lock on switch-2, no other user - including operators on any other switch - can modify the zoneset until that lock is released.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B (Hard zoning): Hard zoning restricts data traffic at the hardware level, not administrative access to zone configuration.
• C (Merge control): Merge control governs how zone databases reconcile when switches join a fabric; it doesn't block update permissions.
• D (Conflicting domain ID): A domain ID conflict causes fabric segmentation, not a zone edit restriction.
• E (Fabric locked on another switch): This is the close distractor - the lock is fabric-wide and would block updates regardless of which switch holds it, but the exhibit specifically identifies switch-2, making A the precise, exhibit-supported answer. E is too vague and doesn't match what the exhibit shows.

Memory tip: Think of the fabric zone lock like a single bathroom key in an office - whoever takes it (switch-2's admin) holds it fabric-wide, and everyone else waits, no matter which door they try.

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