FabricPath: Two True Statements | CCIE Data Center Exam - 400-151

FabricPath: True Statements

Question

Which two statements about FabricPath are true? (Choose two.)

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D. E.

Explanation.

FabricPath is a Cisco proprietary technology that provides a Layer 2 multi-pathing architecture for data center environments. It enables the creation of a loop-free Layer 2 network fabric by utilizing a variant of the Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links (TRILL) protocol.

The correct statements about FabricPath are:

A. FabricPath does not require an Enhanced Layer 2 Package license: This statement is true. FabricPath is a feature that is supported on most of the Cisco Nexus switches, including Nexus 9000, 7000, 5000, and 3000 series. It does not require an Enhanced Layer 2 Package license, as it is included in the base NX-OS software image.

B. The F-Series modules do not support multiple SPAN destination ports or virtual SPAN: This statement is also true. The F-Series modules are part of the Nexus 7000 series switches and do not support multiple SPAN destination ports or virtual SPAN. These features are only available on the M-Series modules.

C. FabricPath interfaces carry only FabricPath-encapsulated traffic: This statement is false. FabricPath interfaces can carry both FabricPath-encapsulated and non-FabricPath-encapsulated traffic. However, if non-FabricPath-encapsulated traffic is received on a FabricPath interface, it will be dropped by the switch.

D. Traffic can only be forwarded from the root switch in First-Hop Redundancy Protocols: This statement is false. FabricPath supports multiple equal-cost paths and allows for load balancing of traffic across all available paths. This is achieved by using a variant of the shortest-path-first (SPF) algorithm to calculate the best path for each flow.

E. STP does run inside a FabricPath network: This statement is false. FabricPath is designed to eliminate the need for Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) by providing a loop-free Layer 2 network fabric. It uses a distributed control plane to provide loop avoidance and enables the use of all available paths between switches.

In summary, FabricPath is a Cisco proprietary technology that provides a loop-free Layer 2 multi-pathing architecture for data center environments. It does not require an Enhanced Layer 2 Package license and supports load balancing of traffic across multiple equal-cost paths. FabricPath interfaces can carry both FabricPath-encapsulated and non-FabricPath-encapsulated traffic, but if non-FabricPath-encapsulated traffic is received on a FabricPath interface, it will be dropped by the switch. FabricPath eliminates the need for STP and uses a distributed control plane to provide loop avoidance.