Dell PowerStore Maintenance Achievement Questions and Answers
What is the default log collection schedule?
Options:
As scheduled during install
Hourly
Weekly
Daily
Answer:
CExplanation:
The default log collection schedule for Dell PowerStore is set to a weekly basis. This schedule is designed to balance the need for regular monitoring with the storage and processing considerations of collecting logs. Collecting logs on a weekly basis provides a sufficient overview of the system’s performance and any potential issues that may arise, without overwhelming the system administrators with too much data.
The log collection process includes gathering various logs that may be required for troubleshooting PowerStore issues, such as Support Materials, Performance Metrics Archives, Dump Files, and others.The process can be initiated through the PowerStore Manager user interface or using the CLI in an SSH session1.
For more detailed information on log collection schedules and procedures, administrators should refer to the official Dell PowerStore documentation, which provides comprehensive instructions on how to generate, collect, and manage logs for effective system maintenance and troubleshooting1.
What describes Dell EMC PowerStore X front-end cabling?
Options:
Uses internal VMware virtual switching and does not require a management network
Management and discovery use the same cables and connections as storage
Storage and management use the same LACP bonded cable connection
Uses VLTi data switch interconnectivity to support vMotion networks
Answer:
BExplanation:
The Dell EMC PowerStore X series supports Ethernet connectivity through ports on the embedded module, and on optional I/O modules1. This design allows for management and discovery to use the same cables and connections as storage.The PowerStore X models support front-end NVMe connectivity with NVMe over Fibre Channel and NVMe over TCP, providing a complete end-to-end NVMe solution2.
For the PowerStore X, the management network is integrated with the storage network, which simplifies the cabling requirements and reduces the number of separate networks that need to be maintained.This integration is particularly beneficial in VMware environments where the PowerStore X can leverage internal VMware virtual switching, which further streamlines the network infrastructure1.
In summary, the front-end cabling of the Dell EMC PowerStore X is designed to consolidate management and storage networking, which simplifies the overall network design and reduces the complexity of cable management.This approach is aligned with best practices for storage connectivity and ensures efficient use of network resources3.
Which reference source provides service information and FRU procedures for Dell EMC PowerStore?
Options:
PowerStore Manager help
DELL EMC PowerStore Product Page
DELL EMC Online Support
SolVe Tool
Answer:
DExplanation:
The SolVe Tool is the reference source that provides service information and Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) procedures for Dell EMC PowerStore.The SolVe Tool is an online resource that offers step-by-step guidance for various procedures, including servicing and replacing hardware components, also known as FRUs1.
The tool is designed to help users and service technicians perform maintenance tasks accurately and efficiently. It includes detailed instructions, diagrams, and other helpful information that can assist in troubleshooting and resolving issues with Dell EMC PowerStore systems.
For accessing the SolVe Tool and finding the service information and FRU procedures for PowerStore, users can visit the Dell Support website and navigate to the SolVe Online section.Additionally, the PowerStore Info Hub provides a collection of product documentation and videos that can be useful for understanding the system’s operation and maintenance2.
It is important to use the SolVe Tool and follow the provided instructions carefully to ensure that any service actions are performed correctly and safely, maintaining the integrity and performance of the PowerStore system.
Order the NDU operational steps.
Options:
Answer:
Explanation:
A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated
While on-site installing a Dell EMC PowerStore T system, the node A embedded module management Ethernet port link LED is off. What does this indicate?
Options:
Port speed is 10 GB/s
Network connection is established
Port speed is 1 GB/S
No network connection is established
Answer:
DExplanation:
When the link LED of the node A embedded module management Ethernet port is off, it indicates that there is no network connection established. The link LED is typically used to indicate the presence of a network connection and its status.If the LED is off, it means that the Ethernet port is not currently connected to a network or there is an issue preventing the connection from being established1.
In the case of the Dell EMC PowerStore T system, the embedded module management Ethernet ports are used for network management traffic. It is essential that these ports have an activenetwork connection for the system to be managed remotely. If the link LED is off, the following steps should be taken:
Check the physical connection of the Ethernet cable to ensure it is securely plugged into both the node’s port and the corresponding switch or router port.
Verify that the switch or router is powered on and functioning correctly.
Ensure that the correct port on the switch or router is being used and that it is configured correctly for the PowerStore system.
If the issue persists after checking the physical connections and switch/router configuration, consult the Dell EMC PowerStore T Installation and Service Manual for further troubleshooting steps2.
It is important to resolve any network connection issues promptly to maintain the manageability and accessibility of the PowerStore system. Following the official Dell documentation and support resources will help ensure that the system is installed and configured correctly for optimal performance and reliability.
Refer to the exhibit.
Which column indicates the primary appliance?
Options:
Mode
Model
IP Address
Answer:
BExplanation:
In the Dell EMC PowerStore system, the primary appliance is typically indicated by the ‘Mode’ column within the system’s user interface. The ‘Mode’ column shows the operational mode of the appliance, which can include states such as ‘Primary’, ‘Secondary’, or ‘Standby’.The primary appliance is the one that is actively servicing workloads and managing operations within the PowerStore cluster1.
The ‘Service Tag’ column represents the unique identifier for each physical appliance, the ‘Model’ column indicates the specific model of the appliance, and the ‘IP Address’ column shows the network address assigned to the appliance. While these columns provide important information, they do not indicate the role of the appliance within the cluster.
For more detailed information on identifying the primary appliance and understanding the role of each appliance in a PowerStore cluster, users can refer to the Dell PowerStore Clustering and High Availability documentation1. This documentation provides insights into the clustering architecture of PowerStore and how the primary appliance is determined during the initial configuration process.
Which number in the code-naming schema represents a beta distribution?
Options:
4
6
8
Answer:
BExplanation:
In the Dell PowerStore code-naming schema, the number that represents a beta distribution is4. This is based on the PowerStoreOS release matrix, where the versioning and distribution types are indicated by specific digits in the version number.The third digit in the version number typically represents the target code, which is a highly trusted and recommended release1.
For beta distributions, which are pre-release versions provided for testing purposes, Dell uses specific numbering conventions to distinguish them from general availability releases. These beta versions are important for testing new features and fixes in a controlled environment before they are released to all customers.
For detailed information on the code-naming schema and understanding the different types of software distributions for Dell PowerStore, including beta distributions, administrators should refer to the official Dell PowerStoreOS Matrix documentation.This document provides a comprehensive overview of the versioning system and the criteria used to determine the target code and other distribution types1.
A Storage Administrator needs to add drives to a base enclosure of a Dell EMC PowerStore 3000X system. The system currently contains 10 750-GB NVMe SCM drives.Which
drive configuration maximizes the base enclosure capacity?
Options:
13 750-GB NVMe SCM drives in slots 10-22
11 750-GB NVMe SCM drives in slots 10-20
13 15360-GB NVMe SSD drives in slots 10-22
11 15360-GB NVMe SSD drives in slots 10-20
Answer:
CExplanation:
To maximize the base enclosure capacity of a Dell EMC PowerStore 3000X system, the best configuration would be to add the largest available NVMe SSD drives.According to the Dell PowerStore Technical Primer, before attaching an NVMe expansion enclosure, all drive slots 0 to 21 in the base enclosure must be populated1. Therefore, adding 13 15360-GB NVMe SSD drives in slots 10-22 would maximize the base enclosure capacity.
Here are the steps for this configuration:
Verify that the PowerStore 3000X system supports 15360-GB NVMe SSD drives.
Ensure that there are no existing drive compatibility issues with mixing different types and sizes of drives.
Populate slots 10 through 22 with 15360-GB NVMe SSD drives.
Follow the Dell PowerStore documentation for proper drive installation procedures to ensure system compatibility and performance1.
This configuration leverages the maximum capacity drives available for the remaining slots in the base enclosure, thus providing the greatest amount of storage space within the existing hardware constraints. It is important to consult the latest Dell PowerStore documentation to confirm compatibility and any potential firmware or software requirements for this configuration.
A Storage Administrator ran a PSTCLI command on a Linux host. The error " -bash: pstcli: command not found" appears. How is the problem resolved?
Options:
Add /opt/dellemc/pstcli/bin/ in PSTCLI.sh
Run rpm -ihv pstcli to reinstall the PSTCLI software on the Linux host
Install in default directory /opt/dellemc/pstcli-version/bin/
Add the installation directory to the PATH variable on shell initialization file
Answer:
DExplanation:
When the error “-bash: pstcli: command not found” appears after running a PSTCLI command on a Linux host, it typically means that the shell cannot locate the pstcli executable in the directories listed in the PATH environment variable. To resolve this issue, the installation directory of pstcli needs to be added to the PATH variable. This can be done by editing the shell initialization file (such as .bashrc or .bash_profile for Bash shell) and appending the installation directory to the PATH variable.
Here are the steps to resolve the problem:
Locate the installation directory of PSTCLI. If you followed the default installation, it should be in /opt/dellemc/pstcli-version/bin/.
Open the shell initialization file in a text editor. For example, if using Bash, you might edit ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile.
Add the following line to the file: export PATH=$PATH:/opt/dellemc/pstcli-version/bin/. Replace /opt/dellemc/pstcli-version/bin/ with the actual installation directory if it is different.
Save the file and reload the shell configuration by running source ~/.bashrc or source ~/.bash_profile, or simply close and reopen the terminal.
Verify that pstcli can be found by running echo $PATH and ensuring the directory is listed.
Try running the pstcli command again to confirm that the issue is resolved.
By adding the PSTCLI installation directory to the PATH variable, the shell will be able to locate the pstcli executable when the command is run1. It is important to ensure that the PATH variable is correctly set to include all necessary directories for command-line tools to function properly.If the issue persists, it may be necessary to check the installation of PSTCLI or consult the Dell EMC PowerStore documentation for further troubleshooting steps1.
Which component can be replaced while the Dell EMC PowerStore is up and running?
Options:
LCC
SFP
4-Port Mezz card
M.2 Device
Answer:
BExplanation:
The component that can be replaced while the Dell EMC PowerStore is up and running isSFP(Small Form-factor Pluggable).
SFP modules are hot-swappable, meaning they can be replaced without powering down the system.
These modules are used for network connections and can be found in the network ports of the PowerStore appliance.
When replacing an SFP, it is important to ensure that the replacement is of the same type and speed as the one being replaced.
The process typically involves:
Removing the network cable from the SFP.
Unlocking the SFP from its socket.
Pulling the SFP out of the socket.
Inserting the new SFP into the socket until it clicks into place.
Reconnecting the network cable1.
For more detailed procedures on replacing SFP modules or other components, refer to the Dell PowerStore Installation and Service Guide or contact Dell Support for assistance.
What is the result of setting a VLAN ID of 0 on a network when running ICW for Dell EMC PowerStore?
Options:
Default route is set
Network will pass tagged traffic
Network will pass untagged traffic
Static route is set
Answer:
CExplanation:
Setting a VLAN ID of 0 on a network when running the Initial Configuration Wizard (ICW) for Dell EMC PowerStore indicates that the network will pass untagged traffic.In the context of VLANs, an ID of 0 is typically reserved to identify priority frames and is often used to indicate that a frame is not associated with a specific VLAN; hence, it is untagged1.
In practice, this means that when VLAN ID 0 is set during the ICW, the PowerStore system will treat the traffic as belonging to the native VLAN, which carries untagged traffic. This is important for network configurations where certain ports are expected to handle traffic that is not tagged for any specific VLAN.
For more detailed information on VLAN configurations and the implications of setting different VLAN IDs during the ICW, administrators should refer to the official Dell PowerStore Network Administration documentation. This documentation provides guidelines on network settings, including VLAN configurations, to ensure proper communication and operation within the storage network infrastructure.
Under which condition does the Dell EMC PowerStore equipment in the rack require additional stability?
Options:
Unstable humidity
When shipping the system
Low temperatures
High temperatures
Answer:
BExplanation:
When shipping the system, additional stability is necessary to ensure that the equipment remains secure and undamaged during transportation. Proper stabilization prevents any potential movement or impact that could harm the delicate components of the system.
Which network traffic is encrypted using IPsec?
Options:
Management network
Service network
Internal network
Storage network
Answer:
AExplanation:
In Dell PowerStore systems, IPsec is used to encrypt traffic for the management network. IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a suite of protocols designed to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and authentication of data communications over an IP network.Encrypting the management network traffic with IPsec is a best practice to secure communication between the management console and the storage system, protecting against potential eavesdropping and unauthorized access1.
The management network is responsible for the overall administration and operation of the storage system, including configuration management, performance monitoring, and system updates. By encrypting this traffic, Dell PowerStore ensures that sensitive management operations are secured.
For detailed information on configuring IPsec for the management network and other best practices for network security within Dell PowerStore environments, users should refer to the official Dell PowerStore documentation, such as the Deployment KB: PowerStore: User Network Firewall Rules Tool and the Dell PowerStore Best Practices Guide12. These documents provide comprehensive guidelines on network configurations, including firewall rules and encryption settings, to maintain the highest levels of security and system integrity.
A Storage Administrator needs root access. What command needs to be run?
Options:
svc_inject generate-key -- root
svc_inject -- root
sudo service
su – root
Answer:
BExplanation:
This command is used to inject a temporary root access key into the Dell EMC Data Domain system, allowing the storage administrator to have root access to perform the necessary tasks.
Based on the documentation and available commands for storage administrators, this is the appropriate command for the described scenario.
What does the command "svc_journalctl -f -g "st_io_monitor""do?
Options:
Deletes all logs before the specified error
Rotates the log based on the specified error
Ignores log messages from the specified error and re-occurring errors
Retrieves log messages from the specified error and watches for re-occurrence
Answer:
DExplanation:
The command svc_journalctl -f -g "st_io_monitor" is used within the Dell PowerStore environment to retrieve log messages that are associated with the specified error, in this case, “st_io_monitor”, and to monitor for their re-occurrence. The -f flag is typically used to follow thelog, meaning it will continue to output new log messages as they are appended to the journal.The -g flag is used to filter the log output based on a specific pattern1.
This command is part of the suite of service scripts provided by Dell for system maintenance and troubleshooting.It enables service technicians and system administrators to view log messages from the system journal in a consistent and easy-to-read format, which is crucial for diagnosing and resolving issues1.
For more detailed information on using this command and understanding the system journal logs, users should refer to the Dell PowerStore Service Scripts Guide or contact Dell Support for technical assistance1. It’s important to use these commands as per the guidelines provided in the official documentation to ensure proper system maintenance and to avoid any unintended consequences.
While on-site installing a Dell EMC PowerStore system, the node A and B embedded module fault LEDs are alternating blue and amber (blue for 3 seconds). What does this
indicate?
Options:
Nodes are in service mode
Nodes are in degraded mode
The system is not initialized
The system is booting
Answer:
CExplanation:
When the node A and B embedded module fault LEDs on a Dell EMC PowerStore system are alternating between blue and amber, with the blue LED illuminated for 3 seconds, it indicates that the system is not initialized1. This LED behavior is part of the system’s design to communicate its current state to the user or technician on-site.
The initialization process is a critical step during the installation of a PowerStore system. It involves setting up the system’s configuration, including network settings, storage pools, and other essential parameters. Until this process is completed, the system cannot perform storage operations or host any virtual machines.
To resolve this and initialize the system, the following steps should be taken:
Connect to the system through the PowerStore Manager using a supported web browser.
Complete the Initial Configuration Wizard (ICW), which guides you through the necessary steps to initialize the system.
Once the ICW is completed, the system will finalize its configuration and the LEDs should reflect a normal operational state.
For more detailed guidance on the initialization process and understanding the LED indicators, refer to the Dell PowerStore Installation and Service Guide2. This document provides comprehensive instructions on installing and configuring the PowerStore system, ensuring it is ready for use.
Which network is used for intra-cluster management?
Options:
Service network
Storage network
NAS network
Internal network
Answer:
DExplanation:
For intra-cluster management within Dell EMC PowerStore systems, theinternal networkis used. This network is specifically named the Intra-Cluster Management (ICM) and Intra-Cluster Data (ICD) networks.Each node in a PowerStore cluster communicates with other nodes through bonded ports that are part of this internal network12.
The ICM and ICD networks are crucial for the cluster’s operation as they allow for the management and coordination of data across the cluster. In multi-appliance PowerStore clusters, these networks communicate through the top-of-rack switch network with untagged VLAN network packets that have auto-generated IPv6 addresses.For single-appliance clusters, starting in PowerStoreOS 1.0.2, the ICM network communicates through the backplane within the appliance instead of through the top-of-rack switch2.
In summary, the internal network is essential for the functioning of a PowerStore cluster as it facilitates the necessary communication between nodes for management and data operations. This design ensures high availability and efficient management of the storage system.
What does the output of the command "svc_diag list -- basic" show?
Options:
Failover status
Service tag
Boot mode
License status
Answer:
BExplanation:
The output of the command “svc_diag list – basic” on a Dell PowerStore system typically showsservice taginformation.
The “svc_diag” command is part of the service scripts provided by Dell for diagnostic purposes on PowerStore systems.
The “list” option with the “–basic” flag is used to display a list of basic system information, which usually includes the service tag, among other details.
The service tag is a unique identifier for Dell products that is used for various purposes, including support and maintenance.
While the exact output of the command can vary based on the software version and specific system configuration, the service tag is a common piece of information displayed by such diagnostic commands1.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the “svc_diag list – basic” command and its output, it is recommended to consult the Dell PowerStore Service Scripts Guide or contact Dell Support directly.