Dell EMC Dell PowerScale Maintenance Version 2 Exam Practice Test

Answer : C

SolVe Desktop is a tool provided by Dell EMC that offers a centralized platform for accessing detailed, step-by-step procedures for servicing and maintaining Dell EMC equipment, including PowerScale systems.

Key Points:

Purpose of SolVe Desktop:

Acts as a comprehensive resource for service personnel.

Provides guided procedures for installation, maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting.

Features:

Interactive and customizable workflows.

Up-to-date documentation and best practices.

Access to knowledge base articles and technical advisories.

Benefits:

Ensures that engineers follow the correct procedures.

Reduces the risk of errors during service activities.

Enhances efficiency and effectiveness of maintenance tasks.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

SolVe Desktop User Guide:

Outlines the functionalities and how to use the tool effectively.

Emphasizes its role in providing access to step-by-step procedures.

Dell EMC Support Resources:

Encourages service personnel to utilize SolVe Desktop for accurate and approved methods.

Incorrect Options:

Option A (Gather logs from the cluster for analysis) is not the primary function of SolVe Desktop.

Option B (Perform pre-upgrade checks on the cluster) is a function of other tools like OneFS Upgrade Advisor.

Option D (Provide access to the latest OneFS codes and firmware upgrades) is handled through Dell EMC support portals.

Answer : D

When replacing a system board (motherboard) on a Dell EMC PowerScale F200 node, critical system information such as the node's identity, network configuration, and cluster membership must be preserved.

Key Points:

EasyRestore Utility:

EasyRestore is a utility provided by Dell EMC to restore critical node information after hardware replacements like system boards.

It automates the process of restoring the node's identity and configuration without manual intervention.

Retention of Critical Information:

Running EasyRestore ensures that the node re-integrates into the cluster with the correct settings.

It restores the node's serial number, GUID, and other essential identifiers.

Procedure After System Board Replacement:

After physically replacing the system board, the platform engineer should boot the node and run EasyRestore.

This process retrieves the necessary information from the node's backup flash storage.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Administration Guide:

Chapter on Hardware Replacement Procedures:

Describes the steps to replace a system board and the importance of running EasyRestore afterward.

Details how EasyRestore works and what information it restores.

Technical Advisories:

Emphasize that failure to run EasyRestore may result in the node not functioning correctly within the cluster.

Incorrect Options:

Option A (isi_node_restore -force) is not the correct utility for this task.

Option B (Flash the BIOS) is unnecessary as the BIOS is part of the system board.

Option C (Reinstall the PowerScale license) is not required because licensing is managed at the cluster level, not per node.

Answer : D

In Dell EMC PowerScale Gen 6 nodes, such as the ones in the F-series, nodes are deployed in pairs within a chassis, sharing power supplies for redundancy.

Key Points:

LED Indicator Inside Compute Module:

When a power supply is removed from one node, an LED inside the compute module may illuminate.

This LED indicates that the node is still receiving power from its pair node's power supply, ensuring continuous operation.

Redundant Power Supply:

PowerScale Gen 6 nodes are designed with redundant power configurations.

If one power supply fails or is removed, the paired node's power supply provides power to both nodes.

Safe Removal and Replacement:

The LED serves as a visual indicator that the node is still powered, and caution should be exercised when handling components.

There is no immediate shutdown or time limit for replacing the power supply due to the redundancy.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale Hardware Installation Guide:

Chapter on Power Supply Replacement:

Explains the redundant power features and the role of the pairing between nodes.

Provides instructions on safely removing and replacing power supplies.

Visual Indicators:

Details the meaning of LEDs within the compute module.

Confirms that an illuminated LED in this context indicates redundant power from the pair node.

Best Practices:

Always verify the node's power status before performing maintenance.

Use the proper procedures to remove and replace hardware components to prevent damage.

Answer : A

When expanding a Dell EMC PowerScale Gen 5 cluster with Gen 6 nodes, such as the H500, certain requirements and considerations must be taken into account.

Key Points:

Minimum Node Requirement:

A minimum of three Gen 6 nodes is required to add to an existing Gen 5 cluster.

This is necessary to form a separate node pool within the cluster that maintains compatibility and optimal performance.

Compatibility Considerations:

Gen 6 nodes can be added to a Gen 5 cluster, but they must be added in groups of at least three nodes.

This ensures that the new nodes can participate fully in the cluster's operations and data protection schemes.

Node Pools:

The cluster will have separate node pools for Gen 5 and Gen 6 nodes.

Data can be moved or balanced between node pools according to policies and performance requirements.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Administration Guide:

Chapter on Cluster Expansion:

Discusses adding new nodes to an existing cluster and the requirements for different generations.

States the minimum number of nodes required when adding Gen 6 nodes to a Gen 5 cluster.

Dell EMC PowerScale Best Practices Guide:

Node Compatibility and Mixing:

Provides guidelines on mixing node generations within a cluster.

Recommends adding at least three nodes of the new generation.

Considerations:

Option B is incorrect because back-end support is available.

Option C is incorrect because Gen 6 nodes can be added to a Gen 5 cluster.

Option D is incorrect because the minimum required is three, not four.

Answer : C

When working with Dell EMC PowerScale equipment, safety precautions are essential to prevent equipment damage and personal injury. One critical precaution is ensuring that the equipment racks are stable to prevent tipping hazards.

Key Points:

Use of Side Stabilizers:

If the rack is not securely bolted to the floor, side stabilizers must be used.

Side stabilizers provide additional support and prevent the rack from tipping over during installation or maintenance activities.

This is especially important when equipment is being added or removed from the rack, which can shift the center of gravity.

Rack Stability:

Proper rack installation involves securely bolting the rack to the floor or using stabilizing devices.

Unstable racks pose a significant risk to personnel and equipment.

Safety Compliance:

Following the manufacturer's guidelines ensures compliance with safety regulations and standards.

Prevents accidents that could result in injury or damage.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale Hardware Installation Guide:

Chapter on Rack Installation:

Recommends that if racks are not bolted to the floor, side stabilizers should be installed.

Provides detailed instructions on installing side stabilizers.

Safety Precautions:

Emphasizes the importance of rack stability during equipment installation and maintenance.

Best Practices:

Always verify that racks are secure before performing any work.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with heavy equipment.

Follow all safety warnings and cautions provided by Dell EMC.

Answer : C

Reimaging a node in a Dell EMC PowerScale cluster is a significant operation that requires careful preparation to prevent data loss and maintain cluster integrity.

Pre-Reimage Checklist:

SmartFail the Node:

Initiate a SmartFail process to evacuate data from the node to other nodes in the cluster.

Ensures that no data is lost during the reimage process.

Remove Node from Cluster:

After SmartFailing, the node should be properly removed from the cluster configuration.

Prevents cluster confusion and potential conflicts.

Key Points:

Data Protection:

SmartFailing redistributes data, maintaining data protection policies.

Critical for clusters that do not have full data redundancy.

Operational Readiness:

Verify that the cluster is healthy before proceeding.

Check that there are sufficient resources to accommodate data migration.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Administration Guide:

Chapter on Node Removal and Replacement outlines the steps for SmartFailing and reimaging.

Data Protection Considerations emphasizes the importance of SmartFailing.

Best Practices:

Monitor the SmartFail process to completion before starting reimage.

Communicate with stakeholders about potential performance impacts during data evacuation.

Answer : B

For Dell EMC PowerScale F600 nodes, back-end connectivity is essential for node communication and cluster operations. The F600 uses Ethernet for back-end networking.

Cabling Instructions:

PCIe Slot 1 Usage:

PCIe slot 1 is designated for back-end Ethernet connections in F600 nodes.

This slot houses the network interface card (NIC) responsible for internal cluster communication.

Connecting to Back-End Ethernet Switch:

Cables from PCIe slot 1 should be connected to the back-end Ethernet switch.

Ensures that nodes can communicate over the internal network.

Key Points:

Avoiding InfiniBand Reference:

F600 nodes use Ethernet, not InfiniBand, for back-end networking.

Options mentioning InfiniBand switches are incorrect.

Slot Selection:

PCIe slot 3 is not used for back-end connections in F600 nodes.

Correct slot usage is critical for network functionality.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale Hardware Installation Guide:

Cabling Diagrams for F600 Nodes illustrate the correct connections from PCIe slot 1.

Back-End Network Setup section provides detailed instructions.

Networking Best Practices:

Use recommended cables and connectors for Ethernet connections.

Label cables and ports to prevent misconfiguration.