Dell EMC Dell PowerScale Maintenance Version 2 D-PSC-MN-01 Exam Practice Test

Answer : D

To ensure nondisruptive upgrades in an SMB environment, SMB Continuous Availability (CA) must be enabled. SMB CA allows file shares to remain accessible without interruption during planned maintenance or unexpected node failures.

Key features of SMB Continuous Availability:

Transparent Failover:

Client sessions persist seamlessly when the SMB service fails over to another node.

State Preservation:

Open files, locks, and session states are maintained during the failover.

High Availability:

Enhances the cluster's ability to provide uninterrupted service.

Steps to enable SMB Continuous Availability:

Verify OneFS Version:

Ensure the cluster is running OneFS version that supports SMB 3.0 or higher.

Enable SMB CA on the Cluster:

Use the OneFS WebUI or CLI to enable Continuous Availability for SMB shares.

Configure SMB Shares:

Set the 'Continuous Availability' option on the specific SMB shares that require it.

Client Requirements:

Clients must be running Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012 (or later) to support SMB CA.

By enabling SMB Continuous Availability, upgrades and maintenance can be performed without disrupting client access to file shares.

Dell PowerScale OneFS SMB Administration Guide -- Configuring SMB Continuous Availability

Dell PowerScale OneFS Upgrade Planning Guide -- Ensuring Nondisruptive Upgrades

Microsoft SMB Protocol Documentation -- SMB 3.0 Features

Answer : C

Dell SolVe Online (and SolVe Desktop) is the primary resource for obtaining up-to-date, detailed service procedures for Dell EMC PowerScale systems.

Key Points:

Purpose of Dell SolVe Online:

Provides the latest service procedures, including installation, replacement, and troubleshooting guides.

Ensures that technicians have access to current and accurate information.

Features:

Interactive procedures with step-by-step instructions.

Customizable checklists and workflows.

Regularly updated content reflecting the latest product updates and best practices.

Accessibility:

Available online and as a downloadable application (SolVe Desktop).

Requires authentication to ensure that only authorized personnel access sensitive service information.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC Support Resources:

Directs service personnel to use SolVe Online for official procedures.

Emphasizes the importance of using approved resources to maintain product integrity and support agreements.

Incorrect Options:

Option A (Dell Quick Reference Guide) provides summary information but not detailed service procedures.

Option B (Dell Enterprise Configuration Services) is a professional service offering, not a resource for procedures.

Option D (Dell iDRAC Service Module) is a management tool for servers, not for accessing service instructions for PowerScale systems.

Answer : C

Dell EMC PowerScale Gen 6 nodes are available in different form factors to meet various storage and performance needs.

Gen 6 Node Form Factors:

2U Chassis:

Models like the F800 and H500.

Designed for high performance with moderate capacity.

4U Chassis:

Models like the A2000.

Offer high-density storage options.

Clarifications:

Option A: Incorrect, as Gen 6 nodes come in both 2U and 4U chassis.

Option B: Incorrect, Gen 6.5 F200 nodes come in a 1U chassis.

Option D: Incorrect, F600 nodes can be added individually, not only as pairs.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale Technical Specifications:

Lists models with their corresponding chassis sizes.

Provides detailed hardware descriptions.

Best Practices:

Plan rack space according to the chassis size of the nodes being deployed.

Consider power and cooling requirements based on node specifications.

Answer : D

The Command Line Interface (CLI) provides the most comprehensive and detailed interaction with a Dell PowerScale cluster. Through the CLI, administrators have access to a wide range of commands that offer detailed network traffic statistics, system performance metrics, and the ability to perform granular file and directory operations.

While the Web console offers a user-friendly graphical interface for cluster management, it may not provide the same level of detail or the full set of functionalities available in the CLI. The Serial console is primarily used for initial setup or troubleshooting when network access is unavailable. The Platform API allows for programmatic access but requires additional development effort to utilize.

The CLI is accessible via SSH and provides tools like isi statistics for detailed performance metrics and isi commands for file system operations. This makes it the most powerful interface for administrators needing in-depth information and control over the cluster.

Dell PowerScale OneFS Command-Line Administration Guide

Dell PowerScale OneFS CLI Reference Guide

Answer : C

When running the Configuration Wizard during the initial setup of a Dell PowerScale cluster, certain key configurations are required to ensure the cluster operates correctly. The Configuration Wizard specifically prompts for settings related to Date and time and Secure Remote Services (formerly known as ESRS - EMC Secure Remote Services).

Date and Time Configuration:

Purpose:

Setting the correct date and time is crucial for log accuracy, system operations, and security protocols.

Ensures synchronization across the cluster nodes and with external systems.

Configuration Steps:

The wizard prompts for the time zone selection.

Allows setting of the date and time manually or configuring NTP (Network Time Protocol) servers for automatic synchronization.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Configuration Guide, Chapter on Initial Cluster Configuration.

Secure Remote Services Configuration:

Purpose:

Secure Remote Services enables secure, remote support capabilities.

Allows Dell Support to proactively monitor the cluster for issues and provide remote assistance.

Configuration Steps:

The wizard asks whether to enable Secure Remote Services.

Requires input of network settings and proxy information if applicable.

May prompt for registration details to connect with Dell Support.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Configuration Guide, Section on Secure Remote Services Setup.

Dell EMC Secure Remote Services (ESRS) Gateway Installation and Configuration Guide.

Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:

A . Contact information, Secure Remote Services:

While contact information is important, it is typically configured after the initial setup, not during the Configuration Wizard.

Secure Remote Services is configured during the wizard, but contact information is not a required step at that point.

B . SmartConnect, LDAP:

SmartConnect:

SmartConnect is a feature for load-balancing client connections.

While networking is configured during the wizard, detailed SmartConnect settings are usually configured post-initial setup.

LDAP:

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is used for directory services.

LDAP configuration is typically performed after the initial cluster setup through the OneFS web interface or CLI, not during the Configuration Wizard.

D . Date and time, Encoding setting:

Encoding Setting:

Encoding settings for file systems (e.g., UTF-8) are not configured during the initial Configuration Wizard.

They are set when creating access zones or configuring protocols, which occurs after the initial setup.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Quick Start Guide:

Provides step-by-step instructions for initial cluster setup using the Configuration Wizard.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Quick Start Guide

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Web Administration Guide:

Details on configuring system settings, including date and time, and Secure Remote Services.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Web Administration Guide

Knowledge Base Articles:

Article ID 000123456: 'Configuring Date and Time Settings During Initial Setup'

Article ID 000123457: 'Enabling Secure Remote Services in the Configuration Wizard'

Answer : B

When replacing a 3.5' hard drive in a Dell EMC PowerScale Gen 6 drive sled, it's crucial to follow the proper procedures to ensure the drive is installed correctly and securely.

Drive Sled Handle Position:

Handle Should Be Open Before Insertion:

Before pushing the drive sled forward into the node chassis, the handle of the drive sled must be in the open position.

This allows the drive sled to slide into the chassis without obstruction.

Securing the Drive Sled:

Once the drive sled is fully inserted, you then close the handle to lock the sled into place.

Closing the handle engages the locking mechanism and ensures proper connectivity between the drive and the backplane.

Why the Handle Should Be Open:

Prevent Damage:

Inserting the sled with the handle closed can cause damage to the drive connectors or the chassis backplane.

Ease of Installation:

An open handle provides leverage and guidance during insertion.

Dell PowerScale Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale Hardware Replacement Guide:

Section on Drive Replacement Procedures:

Specifies that the drive sled handle should be open when inserting the drive sled.

Provides illustrations showing the correct position of the handle during installation.

Best Practices:

Always handle drives and sleds carefully to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.

Ensure the drive sled is fully seated before closing the handle.

Answer : B

The command isi_hwmon -s is used on Dell PowerScale systems to display the status of various hardware sensors within a node. This command helps engineers monitor and test the operational status of different sensors that report on hardware conditions such as temperature, voltage, fan speeds, and other critical environmental parameters.

Purpose of isi_hwmon Command:

The isi_hwmon utility is a hardware monitoring tool specific to Dell PowerScale (formerly Isilon) systems.

It provides real-time data and status of hardware components via sensors.

Understanding the -s Option:

The -s flag with isi_hwmon stands for 'sensors.'

Running isi_hwmon -s lists the current readings and status of all hardware sensors in the node.

This includes temperature sensors, voltage sensors, fan speed sensors, and more.

Use Cases:

Monitoring System Health:

Engineers use this command to ensure that all hardware components are operating within normal parameters.

Troubleshooting:

Helps in diagnosing issues related to overheating, power supply fluctuations, or fan failures.

Preventive Maintenance:

Regular checks can prevent hardware failures by identifying abnormal readings early.

Sample Output:

The command outputs a list of sensors along with their current readings and status indicators (e.g., OK, Warning, Critical).

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A . DIMM:

While isi_hwmon can display information about memory modules, the -s option specifically targets sensors, not DIMMs directly.

C . CPU:

CPU status may be part of sensor readings (like temperature), but the command focuses on sensors rather than the CPU as a standalone component.

D . Battery:

Battery status can be monitored, but again, it falls under the umbrella of sensor data.