Dell EMC Dell XtremIO Deploy Achievement Exam Questions

For the integration of Oracle with XtremIO, the best practice for HBA drivers includes setting the LUN-queue depth to optimize performance. If a single host is connected to the X-Brick, the LUN-queue depth can be set to the maximum supported by the HBA, which is 256 for QLogic HBAs1. As additional hosts are added, this setting should be reduced proportionately until reaching a minimum of 32 to maintain optimal performance1.

Assess Host Connection: Determine the number of hosts connected to the X-Brick.

Set Queue Depth: For a single host, set the queue depth to 256. Adjust as necessary when more hosts are added.

Configure HBA Settings: Apply the queue depth setting in the HBA configuration.

Test Performance: Monitor the system's performance to ensure the settings are optimal.

Adjust if Necessary: If performance issues are observed, adjust the queue depth settings as needed.

For an XtremIO X2 dual X-Brick cluster configuration without a physical XMS installed, the total number of power connectors required in a customer rack is 8. This is based on the system specifications which state that a 2 Brick Cluster requires 16 x IEC C14 power sockets1. Since the physical XMS would typically require additional power sockets, and it is not included in this configuration, the total number of power connectors needed would be less than the specified 16.

Here's the breakdown:

Each X-Brick in a dual X-Brick configuration would require power for its controllers and DAEs.

The InfiniBand switches included in a multi X-Brick system would also require power.

Without the physical XMS, which would normally need its own power connectors, the total comes down to 8 connectors required for the dual X-Brick setup1.

The recommended way to check the connectivity of DAE controllers, IB switches, IPMI, and BBU on an XtremIO X1 multi X-Brick after software installation and before cluster creation is to use the XMCLI (XtremIO Management Command Line Interface). The XMCLI provides commands to test connectivity and confirm that all components are healthy and connected within the cluster. Here are the steps:

Access XMCLI: Log into the XtremIO Management Server (XMS) and access the XMCLI.

Run Connectivity Tests: Use the test-xms-storage-controller-connectivity command to check the connectivity of the storage controllers. Similar commands are available for other components1.

Review Test Results: Analyze the output of the commands to ensure that there is no packet loss and that the response times are within acceptable limits.

Troubleshoot if Necessary: If any connectivity issues are detected, use the XMCLI to troubleshoot and resolve them before proceeding with the cluster creation.

Document the Process: Keep a record of the connectivity checks and any actions taken to resolve issues as part of the installation documentation.

For an XtremIO X2-R four X-Brick cluster, the total number of rack units that should be left for the Cable Management ducts (CMD) is 4U1. This is based on the specifications provided by Dell EMC, which indicate that the Cable Management ducts are optional and, when included, require 2U of rack space for a two-brick cluster. Therefore, for a four-brick cluster, it would be logical to double the space to 4U to accommodate the additional cabling and ensure proper cable management1.

The process for allocating space for CMDs involves:

Reviewing Specifications: Check the official XtremIO X2 specifications to determine the space requirements for CMDs.

Allocating Rack Space: Based on the specifications, allocate the necessary rack units for CMDs within the customer's rack.

Installing CMDs: Install the CMDs in the allocated space to manage the cables effectively.

Organizing Cables: Arrange and secure the cables within the CMDs to ensure a neat and organized cable layout.

Verifying Installation: Confirm that the CMDs are installed correctly and that all cables are managed properly without any strain or interference.

When configuring Linux hosts to support XtremIO storage, it is recommended to set the LUN queue depth to 64. This setting helps to optimize the performance of the host when communicating with the XtremIO storage system.

Access Host Configuration: Log into the Linux host that will be connected to the XtremIO storage.

Modify HBA Parameters: Locate the HBA (Host Bus Adapter) parameters within the host's configuration files.

Set Queue Depth: Adjust the queue depth parameter for the HBA to 64. This can typically be done by editing the options.conf file or similar, depending on the HBA driver in use.

Apply Changes: Save the changes and reload the HBA driver or reboot the host to apply the new configuration.

Verify Configuration: Confirm that the new queue depth setting is active and functioning as expected.