Infoblox Qualified NIOS DDI Expert - INE NIOS-DDI-Expert Exam Practice Test

Answer : C

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth

In an HA pair, the passive node stays synchronized with the active node to ensure seamless failover. This synchronization uses bloxSync, a proprietary Infoblox protocol that securely transfers database updates (e.g., DNS records, DHCP leases) between the HA pair members over an SSL-encrypted connection. The active node, being the operational member, directly provides these updates to the passive node. The Grid Master handles Grid-wide sync, but within an HA pair, the active node is the source. Options A and B misrepresent the mechanism (it's not a traditional VPN), and Option D incorrectly attributes the sync to the Grid Master. This is a critical HA troubleshooting topic in the INE course.

Answer : C

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth

Debugging database issues (e.g., sync failures, corruption) requires detailed logs specific to NIOS operations. Here's the breakdown:

A (messages file in support bundle): The 'messages' file contains general system logs (e.g., kernel events), not NIOS-specific database activity. It's less relevant here. Incorrect.

B (infoblox.log via GUI): The GUI allows downloading logs (Grid > Logs > Download), but these are often filtered or summarized, not the raw, comprehensive database logs needed for deep debugging. Incorrect.

C (infoblox.log in support bundle): The 'infoblox.log' in a support bundle (generated via CLI or GUI: Grid > Support Bundle) is the primary NIOS application log, capturing detailed database events (e.g., bloxSync errors, transaction failures). This is the go-to file for database troubleshooting, as emphasized in INE labs. Correct.

D (messages via GUI): Similar to A, this is a general system log, not NIOS-specific, and lacks database granularity. Incorrect.

Practical Example: In an INE troubleshooting scenario, you'd download a support bundle after a Grid sync failure, extract 'infoblox.log,' and search for database error codes to diagnose the issue.

Answer : C

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth

DHCP lease states in NIOS:

Scenario: Client gets IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10, 1-hour lease), doesn't renew, and timer expires.

C (Expired): Lease times out, marked ''Expired'' in NIOS (Data Management > DHCP > Leases), available for reassignment. Correct.

A: Active is for current, unexpired leases. Incorrect.

B: Released requires client action (DHCPRELEASE). Incorrect.

D: Abandoned is for declined or conflicting leases, not timeouts. Incorrect.

Practical Example: In an INE lab, set a 5-minute lease, wait for expiry, check ''Expired'' status, and troubleshoot lease reuse.

Answer : A

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth

In an Infoblox High Availability (HA) pair, the active node maintains the live database and services (DNS, DHCP, etc.), while the passive node remains on standby, ready to take over if needed. Database synchronization between the active and passive nodes is handled directly by the active node using the bloxSync mechanism over a secure connection (typically SSL). The Grid Master oversees Grid-wide synchronization, but within an HA pair, the active node is responsible for keeping the passive node's database up-to-date. The Grid Master Candidate (GMC) and DNS Primary are unrelated to this specific HA pair sync process. This is a key troubleshooting point in the INE course.

Answer : B

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth

Connecting to an Infoblox appliance's serial port for CLI access requires specific hardware compatibility, not just any serial cable. Here's why:

Serial Port Specs: Infoblox appliances use a standard DB9 serial port with a default baud rate of 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (8N1). The cable must match this configuration and the appliance's pinout (typically RS-232 standard).

Cable Types:

A straight-through serial cable won't work---it's for connecting dissimilar devices (e.g., DTE to DCE).

A null modem cable (with crossed transmit/receive pins) is required to connect a computer (DTE) to the appliance (DTE), ensuring proper signal flow.

Practical Issue: Using an incompatible cable (e.g., lacking null modem crossover or incorrect connectors like RJ45) results in no communication, a common troubleshooting pitfall.

INE Context: The course's troubleshooting labs emphasize correct serial access for diagnosing network-down scenarios, highlighting this specificity.

Why False: Not all serial cables are null modem cables, and connector compatibility (e.g., DB9 vs. USB adapters) matters. Thus, 'any serial cable' is incorrect.

Example: In an INE lab, you'd use a DB9 null modem cable with a terminal emulator (e.g., PuTTY) set to 9600 bps to access CLI logs after a Grid member failure.

Answer : B

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth

DNS Views in NIOS allow multiple DNS perspectives (e.g., internal vs. external):

Architecture: NIOS supports multiple views per member---common for consolidating services (e.g., one appliance handles ''Internal'' and ''External'' views). ''One member, one view'' isn't a standard or recommended limit.

Why False: Best practice is flexible---views depend on use case, not a strict 1:1 ratio. Multiple views per member is typical and efficient.

Practical Example: In an INE lab, configure two views on one member, test split DNS, and troubleshoot view conflicts.

Answer : D

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth

In NIOS, the upgrade process for a Grid can be customized using Upgrade Groups, which allow administrators to define the order and timing of upgrades for Grid members based on criteria like location or role. By default, the Grid Master (active node) upgrades last to ensure continuity, and passive nodes in HA pairs often upgrade before active nodes. However, when custom Upgrade Groups are defined (as in this scenario, based on physical location), the upgrade sequence follows the administrator's configuration rather than a fixed rule. Thus, the first node to upgrade depends entirely on how the Upgrade Groups are prioritized in the upgrade schedule. This flexibility is a focus of the INE course's Grid deployment section.