Dell EMC D-MSS-DS-23 Dell Midrange Storage Solutions Design 2023 Exam Practice Test

Answer : C

FAST Cache Mechanism:

FAST (Fully Automated Storage Tiering) Cache in Dell Unity systems temporarily holds frequently accessed data to improve read and write performance.

The data moved to FAST Cache is managed in chunks to optimize storage efficiency and performance.

Chunk Size for FAST Cache:

Dell Unity systems use a chunk size of 128 KB for data moved to FAST Cache. This size is optimized for balancing performance and storage management overhead.

Smaller chunks, such as 32 KB or 64 KB, might increase management overhead, while larger chunks like 256 KB could reduce the granularity of data movement and efficiency.

Dell Midrange Storage Reference:

Dell Unity XT documentation provides detailed explanations on FAST Cache operations, including the specific chunk sizes used.

Additional technical resources from Dell Technologies offer insights into performance tuning and cache management.

Dell Unity XT FAST Cache Guide

Dell Community on Cache Management

Dell Storage Product Information

Answer : C

During the 'Create a file import session' in a PowerStore file import, options for import are specified. This step involves configuring various settings and parameters for the import session, such as the source and destination details, data migration policies, and any specific options that need to be applied during the import process. This ensures a smooth and controlled data migration. Reference: Dell PowerStore File Import Guide

Answer : C

Grab Tool Overview:

The Grab tool is used for collecting diagnostic information from host systems to aid in troubleshooting and performance analysis.

Supported Operating Systems:

The Grab tool can run on a variety of host operating systems, including Windows, UNIX, and ESXi.

This broad support ensures that administrators can gather necessary diagnostic data across different environments.

Other Options:

Linux, macOS, and Tru64: Not all these operating systems are supported by the Grab tool.

OS/390, Windows, and Linux: OS/390 is not commonly supported.

ESXi, ChromeOS, and OS/390: ChromeOS and OS/390 are not typically supported by the Grab tool.

Dell Midrange Storage Reference:

Dell documentation provides detailed instructions on using the Grab tool and lists the supported operating systems.

Community forums and support resources from Dell Technologies offer additional insights and user experiences.

Dell Grab Tool Documentation

Answer : B

Sizer Tool Paths:

The Dell Unity XT sizer tool offers multiple paths for configuring storage solutions, each tailored to different user needs and expertise levels.

Quick Configuration:

The Quick Configuration path uses predefined configurations based on array model, capacity points, random workloads, RAID type, and drive type.

This path simplifies the sizing process by providing users with recommended configurations that align with common use cases and performance requirements.

Other Paths:

Advanced Performance: Allows for detailed customization of performance parameters.

Simple Performance: Focuses on basic performance metrics without predefined configurations.

System Designer: Provides comprehensive design options for complex scenarios.

Dell Midrange Storage Reference:

Dell Unity XT documentation provides detailed guidelines on using the sizer tool and the different configuration paths available.

Additional resources from Dell Technologies' support and community forums offer insights into best practices for using the sizer tool.

Dell Unity XT Sizer Tool Guide

Dell Community on Storage Sizing

Answer : B

The maximum throughput per port in backend 12 Gb SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) ports in Dell Unity XT arrays is 2500 Mbps. SAS ports are used to connect storage devices and provide high-speed data transfer capabilities:

12 Gb SAS Standard: The 12 Gb SAS standard supports high data transfer rates, making it suitable for enterprise storage systems that require robust performance and reliability.

Performance Metrics: Each 12 Gb SAS port can achieve up to 2500 Mbps, which translates to approximately 2.5 Gbps of throughput, supporting high-performance storage operations.

Dell Technologies Unity XT Technical Specifications

Dell Entry-Level and Mid-Range Storage Community

Answer : A

PowerStore Clustering:

PowerStore appliances can be clustered to form a single management entity. However, adding different models within the same cluster follows specific guidelines.

Cluster Compatibility:

PowerStore 1000T and 5000X are different models with potentially different hardware configurations and capabilities.

Dell recommends creating a new cluster with the PowerStore 5000X instead of mixing models within an existing cluster to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

Adding Appliances:

Using the PowerStore CLI or PowerStore Manager to add appliances within the same model range is common, but mixing models generally requires creating a separate cluster.

Dell Midrange Storage Reference:

Dell PowerStore documentation provides guidelines on clustering and appliance management, highlighting the importance of model compatibility.

Dell PowerStore Clustering Guide

Dell Community on PowerStore Clusters

Answer : B

Before designing a storage solution, a solution architect must gather comprehensive information to ensure the system meets the customer's needs. The critical information includes:

Network Infrastructure: Understanding the existing network setup, including LAN and WAN configurations, is essential. This information helps in planning how the storage solution will integrate with the current network and support data traffic efficiently.

Storage Requirements: Detailed knowledge of the storage needs, including capacity, performance, and redundancy requirements, is crucial. This includes understanding the types of data to be stored, the expected data growth, and any specific storage technologies or features the customer may need.

Customer Workload Performance Requirements: Insight into the customer's workload characteristics, such as IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), throughput, latency requirements, and peak usage times, is vital. This information helps in designing a storage solution that can handle the expected workloads without performance bottlenecks.

By gathering this information, the solution architect can design a tailored storage solution that meets the customer's performance and capacity needs while integrating seamlessly with their existing infrastructure.

Dell Technologies PowerStore Documentation

Dell Entry-Level and Mid-Range Storage Community

Dell Storage Products Overview