D-XTR-MN-A-24 EMC Dell XtremIO Maintenance Achievement Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

In an XtremIO X1 cluster, the system is designed to tolerate the failure of one DAE Controller SAS port without any impact on the service or data integrity. This is because the architecture of the XtremIO X1 includes redundancy and failover mechanisms that ensure continuous operation even when individual components fail.The failure of a single SAS port would trigger these mechanisms, allowing the system to maintain normal operations and prevent data loss, service degradation, or loss of service1.

In the event of a power failure, the XtremIO X2 array is designed to protect the journal data using a combination ofSupercapacitorandNVRAM. The NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) ensures that the data remains intact without power, while the supercapacitor provides the necessary energy to maintain the power to the NVRAM during the outage.This design allows the XtremIO X2 array to preserve the integrity of the journal data until normal power can be restored1.

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This performance metric is derived from the system’s ability to deliver linear scalability, meaning that two X-Bricks can deliver twice the IOPS of a single X-Brick configuration2.

The calculation for this is based on the performance of a single X-Brick, which can achieve up to 300,000 IOPS under the same workload conditions.Therefore, with two X-Bricks, the system can achieve double that amount, resulting in 600,000 IOPS1.

This information is crucial for planning and sizing purposes, ensuring that the storage array meets the performance requirements of the applications it supports2.

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In a multi X-brick cluster, each X-brick consists of multiple Disk Array Enclosures (DAEs) that work together to provide storage and data redundancy.

If both DAE controllers in a single X-Brick fail, the impact is localized to the LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers) that store data on that particular DAE.

The entire cluster does not shut down; rather, only the data on the affected DAE becomes unavailable.

This design ensures that the rest of the cluster continues to operate normally, albeit with potential performance degradation depending on the data distribution and workload.

To successfully operate Technician Advisor on an XtremIO X2, TCP ports 80 and 443 need to be open between the XMS (XtremIO Management Server) and X1-SC1 (Storage Controller). These ports are used for HTTP and HTTPS communication, respectively, allowing for secure management and operation of the storage system.

In an XtremIO X2 system, the maximum number of lifetime cycles for NVRAM is 10,000. This number represents the total count of write and erase cycles the NVRAM can endure throughout its lifespan, ensuring data integrity and reliability over time.

The highlighted port in the exhibit is a Fibre Channel (FC) port. This port type is used for high-speed data transfer between the storage controller and connected devices or networks. Fibre Channel is a technology known for its reliability and speed, making it suitable for storage area networks (SANs).The identification of the FC port is based on recognizing the physical characteristics of FC ports, such as their shape and typical placement on storage devices, as well as knowledge about Dell’s XtremIO systems’ configuration options1.

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For an XtremIO X2-S, the ports used on the InfiniBand switches for an Inter-Switch Link (ISL) connection are typically high-numbered ports, which are usually at the end of the port range on the switch.While the specific port numbers can vary depending on the switch model and configuration, ports 35 and 36 are commonly used for ISL connections in many configurations1.

The process to identify the ISL ports is as follows:

Access the InfiniBand switch via the management interface.

Use the appropriate command to list the port configuration (this command can vary based on the switch’s firmware).

Identify the ports configured for ISL, which will be indicated in the port configuration settings.

It’s important to refer to the official Dell XtremIO Maintenance Achievement document or the InfiniBand switch documentation for the exact port numbers as they can differ based on the switch model and the cluster configuration1.

XtremIO X2 clusters are designed for efficient space utilization in data center racks.

A four X-Brick XtremIO X2 cluster requires specific rack space allocation.

Each X-Brick occupies 5U of rack space. Therefore, four X-Bricks would require 20U.

Additionally, the physical XtremIO Management Server (XMS) occupies 1U of rack space.

In total, the four X-Brick XtremIO X2 cluster with a physical XMS requires 21U of rack space.

The correct sequence of steps to install a virtual XMS prior to creating the cluster on an XtremIO X2 is:

Deploy the OVF Template

Configure the XMS

Transfer the Installation Package to the XMS Server

Install only the XMS

Display the Installation Package on the Storage Controller

Deploy the OVF Template: Begin by deploying the Open Virtualization Format (OVF) template which is a pre-configured virtual machine that contains all necessary installation files.

Configure the XMS: After deployment, configure XtremIO Management Server (XMS) which involves setting up network configurations and other system settings.

Transfer the Installation Package to the XMS Server: The next step is transferring all necessary installation files for XtremIO to your newly configured XMS server.

Install only the XMS: Proceed with installing only XtremIO Management Server software on your server.

Display the Installation Package on Storage Controller: Finally, ensure that your storage controller can access and display all relevant installation packages for further processes.

These steps are outlined in the Dell XtremIO Maintenance Achievement document and provide a systematic approach to installing a virtual XMS, which is essential for managing and creating an XtremIO X2 cluster.

The XtremIO Storage Array Site Preparation Guide is the document that provides detailed information about the environmental requirements, including temperature and humidity, for XtremIO storage systems.This guide is essential for ensuring that the site where the XtremIO system will be installed meets the necessary conditions for optimal operation and longevity of the equipment1.

The guide typically includes:

The acceptable temperature range for both operating and non-operating conditions.

The recommended humidity levels to prevent condensation and other moisture-related issues.

Guidelines for airflow and cooling to maintain the specified temperature and humidity levels.

It is important to adhere to these requirements to ensure the reliable performance of the XtremIO storage array and to avoid any potential environmental-related issues1.

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The correct sequence of steps to power up an XtremIO X1 cluster after an emergency shutdown is as follows:

Determine the cause of the shutdown

Power up the Battery Backup Units

Power up the XMS

Power up the Storage Controllers

Start the cluster

Detailed Explanation with References:

Determine the cause of the shutdown: Before powering up the system, it is essential to understand why the emergency shutdown occurred to prevent reoccurrence.

Power up the Battery Backup Units: The BBUs provide the necessary power to the storage controllers during power-up.

Power up the XMS: The XtremIO Management Server must be powered up to manage and monitor the storage system.

Power up the Storage Controllers: Once the BBUs and XMS are operational, power up the storage controllers.

Start the cluster: Finally, start the cluster to bring the XtremIO system back online and resume normal operations.

In a multi X-Brick XtremIO X1 cluster, the failure of more than half of the COM (communication) cables forces the cluster into a degraded mode. This degraded mode is a protective measure to ensure that the cluster can continue operating with reduced performance and redundancy until the issues with the COM cables are resolved.

When connected to the Tech port on a Dell XtremIO Storage Controller, the login name "xinstall" should be used to test the Storage Controller cabling. This special login is designated for installation and configuration tasks, including testing and verifying cabling connections to ensure proper setup and functionality of the storage system.

When the NVRAM status LED on an XtremIO X2 is flashing red at one-second intervals, it indicates an uncorrectable error. This is a critical status that typically signifies a hardware malfunction or failure within the NVRAM module, which requires immediate attention.NVRAM, or Non-Volatile Random Access Memory, is crucial for retaining data integrity during power losses or system crashes1.

The steps to address this issue usually involve:

Investigating the system logs to identify the specific nature of the error.

Contacting Dell EMC support for guidance on diagnosing and resolving the issue.

Following the recommended procedures for troubleshooting or replacing the affected NVRAM module, as per the support team’s instructions.

It is important to resolve such errors promptly to prevent potential data loss and to maintain the overall health and performance of the storage system1.

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