A new FCoE solution is experiencing random connectivity issues between many servers and their storage. Which of the following should the SAN administrator check FIRST?

Implementing a router to bridge FCoE and FC devices is a design decision for interoperability, not a first troubleshooting step for random connectivity issues within an FCoE solution itself.

Replacing a forwarder with a director and FCoE line module is a significant hardware change or upgrade, which is premature and unlikely to be the first step for random connectivity issues when basic physical checks are pending.

Random connectivity issues often point to physical layer problems, and inspecting cables for damage, improper seating, or incorrect type is the initial and most basic troubleshooting step for any network or storage connectivity problem.

Configuring the forwarder to NPIV (N-Port ID Virtualization) mode relates to virtualization and device identification within the SAN, which is a logical configuration step and less likely to be the first check for random physical connectivity problems.