When configuring UCS SAN Connectivity to a 3rd Party FibreChannel Storage Array that is connecting directly to the UCS Fabric Interconnects, which option is Cisco recommended'?

Question

Options

• AConnect the Storage Array to a RC Storage Port and Enable NPV Mode on the UCS Fabric
• BConnect the Storage Array to an Appliance Port and Enable NPV Mode on the UCS Fabric
• CDirect connectivity between UCS Fabric Interconnects and FibreChannel Storage Arrays is not
• DConnect the Storage Array to a FC Storage Port and Enable Switching Mode on the UCS Fabric
• EConnect the Storage Array to an Appliance Port and Enable Switching Mode on the UCS Fabric

• B
  6% (2)
• C
  6% (2)
• D
  84% (27)
• E
  3% (1)

Explanation

Cisco recommends FC Storage Ports because they are specifically designed for direct Fibre Channel storage array connections to the Fabric Interconnect (FI), and Switching Mode because it enables the FI to operate as a full FC switch with its own fabric domain - providing complete FC fabric services directly to the attached storage without requiring an upstream FC switch.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A - "RC Storage Port" is not a valid UCS port type, and NPV mode is designed for connecting upstream to an existing FC switch, not for terminating direct storage connections.
• B - Appliance Ports are used for direct-attach Ethernet/FCoE storage scenarios, not native FC arrays; NPV mode also fails here for the same reason as A.
• C - Direct connectivity is fully supported and is a common deployment model.
• E - Appliance Ports are the wrong port type for a native FC storage array even with the correct mode (Switching); FC Storage Ports are required.

Memory tip: Think of it as a role match - the FI must be the switch (Switching Mode) and the port must match the device type (FC Storage Port for FC storage). NPV = "I need a parent switch upstream," Switching = "I am the switch."

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