Nutanix Certified Professional - Unified Storage (NCP-US) v6.5 Questions and Answers
An administrator has received reports of resource issues on a file server. The administrator needs to review the following graphs, as displayed in the exhibit:
Storage Used
Open Connections
Number of Files
Top Shares by Current Capacity
Top Shares by Current ConnectionsWhere should the administrator complete this action?
Options:
Files Console Shares View
Files Console Monitoring View
Files Console Data Management View
Files Console Dashboard View
Answer:
DExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), provides a management interface called the Files Console, accessible via Prism Central. The administrator needs to review graphs related to resource usage on a file server, including Storage Used, Open Connections, Number of Files, Top Shares by Current Capacity, and Top Shares by Current Connections. These graphs provide insights into the file server’s performance and resource utilization, helping diagnose reported resource issues.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Files Console Shares View): Incorrect. The Shares View in the Files Console displays details about individual shares (e.g., capacity, permissions, quotas), but it does not provide high-level graphs like Storage Used, Open Connections, or Top Shares by Current Capacity/Connections. It focuses on share-specific settings, not overall file server metrics.
Option B (Files Console Monitoring View): Incorrect. While “Monitoring View” sounds plausible, there is no specific “Monitoring View” tab in the Files Console. Monitoring-related data (e.g., graphs, metrics) is typically presented in the Dashboard View, not a separate Monitoring View.
Option C (Files Console Data Management View): Incorrect. There is no “Data Management View” in the Files Console. Data management tasks (e.g., Smart Tiering, as in Question 58) are handled in other sections, but graphs like Storage Used and Top Shares are not part of a dedicated Data Management View.
Option D (Files Console Dashboard View): Correct. The Dashboard View in the Files Console provides an overview of the file server’s performance and resource usage through various graphs and metrics. It includes graphs such as Storage Used (total storage consumption), Open Connections (active client connections), Number of Files (total files across shares), Top Shares by Current Capacity (shares consuming the most storage), and Top Shares by Current Connections (shares with the most active connections). This view is designed to help administrators monitor and troubleshoot resource issues, making it the correct location for reviewing these graphs.
Why Option D?
The Files Console Dashboard View is the central location for monitoring file server metrics through graphs like Storage Used, Open Connections, Number of Files, and Top Shares by Capacity/Connections. These graphs provide a high-level overview of resource utilization, allowing the administrator to diagnose reported resource issues effectively.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“The Files Console Dashboard View provides an overview of file server performance and resource usage through graphs, including Storage Used, Open Connections, Number of Files, Top Shares by Current Capacity, and Top Shares by Current Connections. Use the Dashboard View to monitor and troubleshoot resource issues on the file server.”
Which two statements are true about HA for a file server? (Choose two.)
Options:
Files reassigns the IP address of the FSVM to another FSVM.
Shares availability are not impacted for several minutes.
Multiple FSVMs can share a single host.
Affinity rules affect HA.
Answer:
A, DExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), uses File Server Virtual Machines (FSVMs) to manage file services. High Availability (HA) in Nutanix Files ensures that shares remain accessible even if an FSVM or host fails. HA mechanisms include IP reassignment, FSVM distribution, and integration with hypervisor HA features.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Files reassigns the IP address of the FSVM to another FSVM): Correct. In a Nutanix Files HA scenario, if an FSVM fails (e.g., due to a host failure), the IP address of the failed FSVM is reassigned to another FSVM in the file server. This ensures that clients can continue accessing shares without disruption, as the share’s endpoint (IP address) remains the same, even though the backend FSVM handling the request has changed.
Option B (Shares availability are not impacted for several minutes): Incorrect. While Nutanix Files HA minimizes downtime, there is typically a brief disruption (seconds to a minute) during an FSVM failure as the IP address is reassigned and the new FSVM takes over. The statement “not impacted for several minutes” implies a longer acceptable downtime, which is not accurate—HA aims to restore availability quickly, typically within a minute.
Option C (Multiple FSVMs can share a single host): Incorrect. Nutanix Files HA requires that FSVMs are distributed across different hosts to ensure fault tolerance. By default, one FSVM runs per host, and Nutanix uses anti-affinity rules to prevent multiple FSVMs from residing on the same host. This ensures that a single host failure does not impact multiple FSVMs, which would defeat the purpose of HA.
Option D (Affinity rules affect HA): Correct. Nutanix Files leverages hypervisor HA features (e.g., AHV HA) and uses affinity/anti-affinity rules to manage FSVM placement. Anti-affinity rules ensure that FSVMs are placed on different hosts, which is critical for HA—if multiple FSVMs were on the same host, a host failure would impact multiple FSVMs, reducing availability. These rules directly affect how HA functions in a Files deployment.
Selected Statements:
A: IP reassignment is a core HA mechanism in Nutanix Files to maintain share accessibility during FSVM failures.
D: Affinity (specifically anti-affinity) rules ensure FSVM distribution across hosts, which is essential for effective HA.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“High Availability (HA) in Nutanix Files ensures continuous share access during failures. If an FSVM fails, its IP address is reassigned to another FSVM in the file server to maintain client connectivity. Nutanix Files uses anti-affinity rules to distribute FSVMs across different hosts, ensuring that a single host failure does not impact multiple FSVMs, which is critical for HA.”
Which tool allows a report on file sizes to be automatically generated on a weekly basis?
Options:
Data Lens
Files view in Prism Central
Files Console via Prism Element
File Analytics
Answer:
AExplanation:
Data Lens is a feature that provides insights into the data stored in Files, such as file types, sizes, owners, permissions, and access patterns. Data Lens allows administrators to create reports on various aspects of their data and schedule them to run automatically on a weekly basis. References: Nutanix Data Lens Administration Guide
An administrator is upgrading Files from version 3.7 to 4.1 in a highly secured environment. The pre-upgrade check fails with the following error:
"FileServer preupgrade check failed with cause(s) Sub task poll timed out"
What initial troubleshooting step should the administrator take?
Options:
Increase upgrades timeout from ecli.
Check there is enough disk space on FSVMs.
Examine the failed tasks on the FSVMs.
Verify connectivity between the FSVMs.
Answer:
DExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), requires pre-upgrade checks to ensure a successful upgrade (e.g., from version 3.7 to 4.1). The error “Sub task poll timed out” indicates that a subtask during the pre-upgrade check did not complete within the expected time, likely due to communication or resource issues among the File Server Virtual Machines (FSVMs).
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Increase upgrades timeout from ecli): Incorrect. The ecli (Entity CLI) is not a standard Nutanix command-line tool for managing upgrades, and “upgrades timeout” is not a configurable parameter in this context. While timeouts can sometimes be adjusted, this is not the initial troubleshooting step, and the error suggests a deeper issue (e.g., communication failure) rather than a timeout setting.
Option B (Check there is enough disk space on FSVMs): Incorrect. While insufficient disk space on FSVMs can cause upgrade issues (e.g., during the upgrade process itself), the “Sub task poll timed out” error during pre-upgrade checks is more likely related to communication or task execution issues between FSVMs, not disk space. Disk space checks are typically part of the pre-upgrade validation, and a separate error would be logged if space was the issue.
Option C (Examine the failed tasks on the FSVMs): Incorrect. Examining failed tasks on the FSVMs (e.g., by checking logs) is a valid troubleshooting step, but it is not the initial step. The “Sub task poll timed out” error suggests a communication issue, so verifying connectivity should come first. Once connectivity is confirmed, examining logs for specific task failures would be a logical next step.
Option D (Verify connectivity between the FSVMs): Correct. The “Sub task poll timed out” error indicates that the pre-upgrade check could not complete a subtask, likely because FSVMs were unable to communicate with each other or with the cluster. Nutanix Files upgrades require FSVMs to coordinate tasks, and this coordination depends on network connectivity (e.g., over the Storage and Client networks). Verifying connectivity between FSVMs (e.g., checking network status, VLAN configuration, or firewall rules in a highly secured environment) is the initial troubleshooting step to identify and resolve the root cause of the timeout.
Why Option D?
In a highly secured environment, network restrictions (e.g., firewalls, VLAN misconfigurations) are common causes of communication issues between FSVMs. The “Sub task poll timed out” error suggests that the pre-upgrade check failed because a task could not complete, likely due to FSVMs being unable to communicate. Verifying connectivity between FSVMs is the first step to diagnose and resolve this issue, ensuring that subsequent pre-upgrade checks can proceed.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“If the pre-upgrade check fails with a ‘Sub task poll timed out’ error, this typically indicates a communication issue between FSVMs. As an initial troubleshooting step, verify connectivity between the FSVMs, ensuring that the Storage and Client networks are properly configured and that there are no network restrictions (e.g., firewalls) preventing communication.”
An administrator is expanding an Objects store cluster. Which action should the administrator take to ensure the environment is configured properly prior to performing the installation?
Options:
Configure NTP on only Prism Central.
Upgrade MSP to 2.0 or later.
Upgrade Prism Element to 5.20 or later.
Configure DNS on only Prism Element.
Answer:
CExplanation:
Nutanix Objects, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), is deployed as Object Store Service VMs on a Nutanix cluster. Expanding an Objects store cluster involves adding more resources (e.g., nodes, Object Store Service VMs) to handle increased demand. Prior to expansion, the environment must meet certain prerequisites to ensure a successful installation.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Configure NTP on only Prism Central): Incorrect. Network Time Protocol (NTP) synchronization is critical for Nutanix clusters, but it must be configured on both Prism Central and Prism Element (the cluster) to ensure consistent time across all components, including Object Store Service VMs. Configuring NTP on only Prism Central is insufficient and can lead to time synchronization issues during expansion.
Option B (Upgrade MSP to 2.0 or later): Incorrect. MSP (Microservices Platform) is a Nutanix component used for certain services, but it is not directly related to Nutanix Objects expansion. Objects relies on AOS and Prism versions, not MSP, and there is no specific MSP version requirement mentioned in Objects documentation for expansion.
Option C (Upgrade Prism Element to 5.20 or later): Correct. Nutanix Objects has specific version requirements for AOS (which runs on Prism Element) to support features and ensure compatibility during expansion. According to Nutanix documentation, AOS 5.20 or later is recommended for Objects deployments and expansions, as it includes stability improvements, bug fixes, and support for newer Objects features. Upgrading Prism Element to 5.20 or later ensures the environment is properly configured for a successful Objects store cluster expansion.
Option D (Configure DNS on only Prism Element): Incorrect. DNS configuration is important for name resolution in a Nutanix environment, but it must be configured for both Prism Element and Prism Central, as well as for the Object Store Service VMs. Configuring DNS on only Prism Element is insufficient, as Objects expansion requires proper name resolution across all components, including Prism Central for management.
Why Option C?
Expanding a Nutanix Objects store cluster requires the underlying AOS version (managed via Prism Element) to meet minimum requirements for compatibility and stability. AOS 5.20 or later includes necessary updates for Objects, making this upgrade a critical prerequisite to ensure the environment is properly configured for expansion. Other options, like NTP and DNS, are also important but require broader configuration, and MSP is not relevant in this context.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Objects Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Before expanding a Nutanix Objects store cluster, ensure that the environment meets the minimum requirements. Upgrade Prism Element to AOS 5.20 or later to ensure compatibility, stability, and support for Objects expansion features.”
Which port is required between a CVM or Prism Central to insights,nutanix.com for Data Lens configuration?
Options:
80
443
8443
9440
Answer:
BExplanation:
Data Lens is a SaaS that provides file analytics and reporting, anomaly detection, audit trails, ransomware protection features, and tiering management for Nutanix Files. To configure Data Lens, one of the network requirements is to allow HTTPS (port 443) traffic between a CVM or Prism Central to insights.nutanix.com. This allows Data Lens to collect metadata and statistics from the FSVMs and display them in a graphical user interface. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide, page 93; Nutanix Data Lens User Guide
Data Lens is a cloud-based service hosted at insights.nutanix.com, and Nutanix requires secure communication over HTTPS (port 443) for configuration and operation. The CVMs or Prism Central must have outbound access to insights.nutanix.com on port 443 to enable Data Lens, authenticate with the service, and send/receive analytics data.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Data Lens Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Data Lens requires outbound connectivity from the Nutanix cluster (CVMs or Prism Central) to insights.nutanix.com over port 443 (HTTPS). Ensure that this port is open for secure communication to enable Data Lens configuration and operation.”
ionization deployed Files in multiple sites, including different geographical locations across the globe. The organization has the following requirements to improves their data management lifecycle:
• Provide a centralized management solution.
• Automate archiving tier policies for compliance purposes.
• Protect the data against ransomware.
Which solution will satisfy the organization's requirements?
Options:
Prims Central
Data Lens
Files Analytics
Answer:
BExplanation:
Data Lens can provide a centralized management solution for Files deployments in multiple sites, including different geographical locations. Data Lens can also automate archiving tier policies for compliance purposes, by allowing administrators to create policies based on file attributes, such as age, size, type, or owner, and move files to a lower-cost tier or delete them after a specified period. Data Lens can also protect the data against ransomware, by allowing administrators to block malicious file signatures from being written to the file system. References: Nutanix Data Lens Administration Guide
Workload optimization for Files is based on which entity?
Options:
Protocol
File type
FSVM quantity
Block size
Answer:
CExplanation:
Workload optimization in Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), refers to the process of tuning the Files deployment to handle specific workloads efficiently. This involves scaling resources to match the workload demands, and the primary entity for optimization is the number of File Server Virtual Machines (FSVMs).
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Protocol): Incorrect. While Nutanix Files supports multiple protocols (SMB, NFS), workload optimization is not directly based on the protocol. Protocols affect client access, but optimization focuses on resource allocation.
Option B (File type): Incorrect. File type (e.g., text, binary) is not a factor in workload optimization for Files. Optimization focuses on infrastructure resources, not the nature of the files.
Option C (FSVM quantity): Correct. Nutanix Files uses FSVMs to distribute file service workloads across the cluster. Workload optimization involves adjusting the number of FSVMs to handle the expected load, ensuring balanced performance and scalability. For example, adding more FSVMs can improve performance for high-concurrency workloads.
Option D (Block size): Incorrect. Block size is relevant for block storage (e.g., Nutanix Volumes), but Nutanix Files operates at the file level, not the block level. Workload optimization in Files does not involve block size adjustments.
Why FSVM Quantity?
FSVMs are the core entities that process file operations in Nutanix Files. Optimizing for a workload (e.g., high read/write throughput, many concurrent users) typically involves scaling the number of FSVMs to distribute the load, adding compute and memory resources as needed, or adjusting FSVM placement for better performance.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Workload optimization in Nutanix Files is achieved by adjusting the number of FSVMs in the file server. For high-performance workloads, you can scale out by adding more FSVMs to distribute the load across the cluster, ensuring optimal resource utilization and performance.”
An administrator needs to allow individual users to restore files and folders hosted in Files.
How can the administrator meet this requirement?
Options:
Configure a Protection Domain for the shares/exports.
Configure a Protection Domain on the FSVMs.
Enable Self-Service Restore on shares/exports.
Enable Self-Service Restore on the FSVMs.
Answer:
CExplanation:
Self-Service Restore (SSR) is a feature that allows individual users to restore files and folders hosted in Files without requiring administrator intervention. SSR can be enabled on a per-share or per-export basis, and users can access the snapshots of their data through a web portal or a Windows client application1. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide1
An administrator has connected 100 users to multiple Files shares to perform read and write activity. The administrator needs to view audit trails in File Analytics of these 100 users. From which two Audit Trail options can the administrator choose to satisfy this task? (Choose two.)
Options:
Share Name
Client IP
Directory
Folders
Answer:
A, BExplanation:
Nutanix File Analytics, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), provides audit trails to track user activities within Nutanix Files shares. Audit trails include details such as who accessed a file, from where, and what actions were performed. The administrator needs to view the audit trails for 100 users, which requires filtering or grouping the audit data by relevant criteria.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Share Name): Correct. Audit trails in File Analytics can be filtered by Share Name, allowing the administrator to view activities specific to a particular share. Since the 100 users are connected to multiple shares, filtering by Share Name helps narrow down the audit trails to the shares being accessed by these users, making it easier to analyze their activities.
Option B (Client IP): Correct. File Analytics audit trails include the Client IP address from which a user accesses a share (as noted in Question 14). Filtering by Client IP allows the administrator to track the activities of users based on their IP addresses, which can be useful if the 100 users are accessing shares from known IPs, helping to identify their read/write activities.
Option C (Directory): Incorrect. While audit trails track file and directory-level operations, “Directory” is not a standard filter option in File Analytics audit trails. The audit trails can show activities within directories, but the primary filtering options are more granular (e.g., by file) or higher-level (e.g., by share).
Option D (Folders): Incorrect. Similar to “Directory,” “Folders” is not a standard filter option in File Analytics audit trails. While folder-level activities are logged, the audit trails are typically filtered by Share Name, Client IP, or specific files, not by a generic “Folders” category.
Selected Options:
A: Filtering by Share Name allows the administrator to focus on the specific shares accessed by the 100 users.
B: Filtering by Client IP enables tracking user activities based on their IP addresses, which is useful for identifying the 100 users’ actions across multiple shares.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix File Analytics Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“File Analytics Audit Trails allow administrators to filter user activities by various criteria, including Share Name and Client IP. Filtering by Share Name enables viewing activities on a specific share, while filtering by Client IP helps track user actions based on their source IP address.”
Which prerequisite is required to deploy Objects on AHV or ESXi?
Options:
Prism Central version is 5.17.1 or later
Port 9440 is accessible on both PE and PC
Valid SSL Certificate
Nutanix STARTER License
Answer:
BExplanation:
Nutanix Objects, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), is an S3-compatible object storage solution that can be deployed on AHV or ESXi hypervisors. Deploying Objects has specific prerequisites to ensure successful installation and operation.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Prism Central version is 5.17.1 or later): Incorrect. While Nutanix Objects requires Prism Central for deployment and management, the minimum version for Objects deployment is typically lower (e.g., Prism Central 5.15 or later, depending on the Objects version). Version 5.17.1 is not a specific requirement for Objects deployment on AHV or ESXi.
Option B (Port 9440 is accessible on both PE and PC): Correct. Port 9440 is used for communication between Prism Element (PE) and Prism Central (PC), as well as for internal Nutanix services. When deploying Objects, Prism Central communicates with the cluster (via Prism Element) to deploy Object Store Service VMs. This communication requires port 9440 to be open between PE and PC, making it a key prerequisite.
Option C (Valid SSL Certificate): Incorrect. While a valid SSL certificate is recommended for secure communication (e.g., for S3 API access), it is not a strict prerequisite for deploying Objects. Objects can be deployed with self-signed certificates, though Nutanix recommends replacing them with valid certificates for production use.
Option D (Nutanix STARTER License): Incorrect. The Nutanix STARTER license is an entry-level license for basic cluster functionality (e.g., VMs, storage). However, Nutanix Objects requires a separate license (e.g., Objects license or a higher-tier AOS license like Pro or Ultimate). The STARTER license alone does not support Objects deployment.
Why Option B?
Port 9440 is critical for communication between Prism Element and Prism Central during the deployment of Objects. If this port is blocked, the deployment will fail, as Prism Central cannot communicate with the cluster to deploy the Object Store Service VMs.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Objects Deployment Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Before deploying Nutanix Objects on AHV or ESXi, ensure that port 9440 is accessible between Prism Element (PE) and Prism Central (PC). This port is required for communication during the deployment process, as Prism Central manages the deployment of Object Store Service VMs on the cluster.”
An administrator needs to protect a Files cluster unique policies for different shares.
How should the administrator meet this requirement?
Options:
Create a protection domain in the Data Protection view in Prism Element.
Configure data protection polices in File Server view in Prism Element
Create a protection domain in the Data Protection view in Prism Central.
Configure data protection polices in the Files view in Prism Central.
Answer:
DExplanation:
The administrator can meet this requirement by configuring data protection policies in the Files view in Prism Central. Data protection policies are policies that define how file data is protected by taking snapshots, replicating them to another site, or tiering them to cloud storage. Data protection policies can be configured for each share or export in a file server in the Files view in Prism Central. The administrator can create different data protection policies for different shares or exports based on their protection needs and requirements. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide, page 79; Nutanix Files Solution Guide, page 9
An administrator is tasked with performing an upgrade to the latest Objects version.
What should the administrator do prior to upgrade Objects Manager?
Options:
Upgrade Lifecycle Manager
Upgrade MSP
Upgrade Objects service
Upgrade AOS
Answer:
DExplanation:
Before upgrading Objects Manager, the administrator must upgrade AOS to the latest version. AOS is the core operating system that runs on each node in a Nutanix cluster and provides the foundation for Objects Manager and Objects service. Upgrading AOS will ensure compatibility and stability for Objects components. References: Nutanix Objects Administration Guide, Acropolis Operating System Upgrade Guide
What is the network requirement for a File Analytics deployment?
Options:
Must use the CVM not work
Must use the Backplane network
Must use the Storage-side network
Must use the Client-side network
Answer:
DExplanation:
Nutanix File Analytics is a feature that provides insights into the usage and activity of file data stored on Nutanix Files. File Analytics consists of a File Analytics VM (FAVM) that runs on a Nutanix cluster and communicates with the File Server VMs (FSVMs) that host the file shares. The FAVM collects metadata and statistics from the FSVMs and displays them in a graphical user interface (GUI). The FAVM must be deployed on the same network as the FSVMs, which is the Client-side network. This network is used for communication between File Analytics and FSVMs, as well as for accessing the File Analytics UI from a web browser. The Client-side network must have DHCP enabled and must be routable from the external hosts that access the file shares and File Analytics UI. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide, page 93; Nutanix File Analytics Deployment Guide
What is the minimum number of AHV nodes in a cluster required to use Objects?
Options:
1
2
3
5
Answer:
CExplanation:
Nutanix Objects, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), provides S3-compatible object storage and is deployed as a set of Object Store Service VMs on a Nutanix cluster running AHV (or ESXi). The minimum number of nodes required for an Objects deployment ensures high availability and fault tolerance.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (1): Incorrect. A single-node cluster does not meet the minimum requirements for Nutanix Objects, as it cannot provide the necessary fault tolerance and high availability. Objects requires at least three nodes to distribute Object Store Service VMs and ensure data redundancy.
Option B (2): Incorrect. A two-node cluster also does not meet the minimum requirements for Objects. Nutanix requires at least three nodes to ensure that the Object Store Service VMs can be distributed across nodes and maintain availability in case of a node failure.
Option C (3): Correct. Nutanix Objects requires a minimum of three AHV nodes in a cluster to deploy and operate. This ensures that the Object Store Service VMs (typically three or more) can be distributed across nodes, providing high availability and fault tolerance. A three-node cluster is the minimum configuration for Objects to ensure data redundancy and resilience.
Option D (5): Incorrect. While a five-node cluster can certainly support Objects, it exceeds the minimum requirement. Nutanix specifies that three nodes are sufficient for a basic Objects deployment, making five nodes unnecessary for the minimum requirement.
Why Option C?
Nutanix Objects requires at least three nodes to ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and data redundancy. This allows the Object Store Service VMs to be distributed across nodes, ensuring that the service remains available even if a node fails. Three nodes is the minimum cluster size specified by Nutanix for deploying Objects.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Objects Deployment Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Nutanix Objects requires a minimum of three AHV nodes in a cluster to ensure high availability and fault tolerance. This allows the Object Store Service VMs to be distributed across nodes, providing redundancy and ensuring service availability in case of a node failure.”
An administrator needs to enable a Nutanix feature that will ensure automatic client reconnection to shares whenever there are intermittent server-side networking issues and FSVM HA events. Which Files feature should the administrator enable?
Options:
Multi-Protocol Shares
Connected Shares
Durable File Handles
Persistent File Handles
Answer:
CExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), provides file shares (e.g., SMB, NFS) that clients access. Intermittent server-side networking issues or FSVM High Availability (HA) events (e.g., an FSVM failover, as discussed in Question 40) can disrupt client connections. The administrator needs a feature to ensure automatic reconnection to shares during such events, minimizing disruption for users.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Multi-Protocol Shares): Incorrect. Multi-Protocol Shares allow a share to be accessed via both SMB and NFS (as in Questions 8 and 60), but this feature does not address client reconnection during networking issues or FSVM HA events—it focuses on protocol support, not connection resilience.
Option B (Connected Shares): Incorrect. “Connected Shares” is not a recognized feature in Nutanix Files. It appears to be a made-up term and does not apply to automatic client reconnection.
Option C (Durable File Handles): Correct. Durable File Handles is an SMB feature in Nutanix Files (as noted in Question 19) that ensures automatic client reconnection after temporary server-side disruptions, such as networking issues or FSVM HA events (e.g., failover when an FSVM’s IP is reassigned, as in Question 40). When enabled, Durable File Handles allow SMB clients to maintain their session state and automatically reconnect without user intervention, meeting the requirement.
Option D (Persistent File Handles): Incorrect. “Persistent File Handles” is not a standard feature in Nutanix Files. It may be confused with Durable File Handles (option C), which is the correct term for this SMB capability. Persistent File Handles is not a recognized Nutanix feature.
Why Option C?
Durable File Handles is an SMB 2.1+ feature supported by Nutanix Files that ensures clients can automatically reconnect to shares after server-side disruptions, such as intermittent networking issues or FSVM HA events (e.g., failover). This feature maintains the client’s session state, allowing seamless reconnection without manual intervention, directly addressing the administrator’s requirement.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Durable File Handles is an SMB feature in Nutanix Files that ensures automatic client reconnection to shares during server-side disruptions, such as intermittent networking issues or FSVM HA events. Enable Durable File Handles to maintain client session state and allow seamless reconnection without user intervention.”
A Files administrator needs to generate a report listing the files matching those in the exhibit.
What is the most efficient way to complete this task?
Options:
Use Report Builder in File Analytics.
Create a custom report in Prism Central.
Use Report Builder in Files Console.
Create a custom report in Files Console.
Answer:
AExplanation:
The most efficient way to generate a report listing the files matching those in the exhibit is to use Report Builder in File Analytics. Report Builder is a feature that allows administrators to create custom reports based on various filters and criteria, such as file name, file type, file size, file owner, file age, file access time, file modification time, file permission change time, and so on. Report Builder can also export the reports in CSV format for further analysis or sharing. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide, page 97; Nutanix File Analytics User Guide
Which two prerequisites are needed when deploying Objects to a Nutanix cluster? (Choose two.)
Options:
Microsegmentation is enabled.
Data Services IP is configured on the PI
DNS is configured on the PE.
AHV IPAM is disabled on the VLAN used for Objects.
Answer:
BExplanation:
Nutanix Objects requires a Data Services IP to be configured on the Prism Infrastructure (PI) cluster, which is used to expose the S3 API endpoint for accessing buckets and objects. Nutanix Objects also requires AHV IP Address Management (IPAM) to be disabled on the VLAN used for Objects, as Objects uses its own DHCP service to assign IP addresses to the Objects VMs1. References: Nutanix Objects Administration Guide1
Life Cycle Manager must have compatible versions of which two components before installing or upgrading Files? (Choose two.)
Options:
Nutanix Cluster Check
Active Directory Services
File Server Module
Acropolis Operating System
Answer:
A, DExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), can be installed or upgraded using Life Cycle Manager (LCM), a tool in Prism Central or Prism Element for managing software updates. Before installing or upgrading Files, LCM must ensure that the underlying components are compatible to avoid issues during the process.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Nutanix Cluster Check): Correct. Nutanix Cluster Check (NCC) is a health and compatibility checking tool integrated with LCM. LCM requires a compatible version of NCC to perform pre-upgrade checks and validate the cluster’s readiness for a Files installation or upgrade. NCC ensures that the cluster environment (e.g., hardware, firmware, software) is compatible with the Files version being installed or upgraded.
Option B (Active Directory Services): Incorrect. Active Directory (AD) Services are used by Nutanix Files for user authentication (e.g., for SMB shares or multiprotocol access, as in Question 60), but AD is not a component managed by LCM, nor is it a prerequisite for LCM compatibility. AD configuration is a separate requirement for Files functionality, not LCM operations.
Option C (File Server Module): Incorrect. There is no “File Server Module” component in Nutanix terminology. Nutanix Files itself consists of File Server Virtual Machines (FSVMs), but this is the component being upgraded, not a prerequisite for LCM. LCM manages the Files upgrade directly and does not require a separate “module” compatibility.
Option D (Acropolis Operating System): Correct. The Acropolis Operating System (AOS) is the core operating system of the Nutanix cluster, managing storage, compute, and virtualization. LCM requires a compatible AOS version to install or upgrade Files, as Files relies on AOS features (e.g., storage, networking) and APIs. LCM checks the AOS version to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for the target Files version.
Selected Components:
A: NCC ensures cluster compatibility and readiness, which LCM relies on for Files installation or upgrades.
D: AOS provides the underlying platform for Files, and LCM must ensure its version is compatible with the Files version being deployed.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Before installing or upgrading Nutanix Files using Life Cycle Manager (LCM), ensure that LCM has compatible versions of Nutanix Cluster Check (NCC) and Acropolis Operating System (AOS). NCC performs pre-upgrade checks to validate cluster readiness, while AOS must meet the minimum version requirements for the target Files version.”
An administrator has been asked to confirm the ability of a physical windows Server 2019 host to boot from storage on a Nutanix AOS cluster.
Which statement is true regarding this confirmation by the administrator?
Options:
Physical servers may boot from an object bucket from the data services IP and MPIO is required.
Physical servers may boot from a volume group from the data services IP and MPIO is not required.
Physical servers may boot from a volume group from the data services IP and MPIO is
Physical servers may boot from an object bucket from the data services IP address and MPIO is not required.
Answer:
CExplanation:
Nutanix Volumes allows physical servers to boot from a volume group that is exposed as an iSCSI target from the data services IP. To ensure high availability and load balancing, multipath I/O (MPIO) is required on the physical server. Object buckets cannot be used for booting physical servers1. References: Nutanix Volumes Administration Guide1
What is the network requirement for a File Analytics deployment?
Options:
Must use the CVM network
Must use the Client-side network
Must use the Backplane network
Must use the Storage-side network
Answer:
BExplanation:
Nutanix File Analytics, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), is a tool for monitoring and analyzing file data within Nutanix Files deployments. It is deployed as a virtual machine (VM) on the Nutanix cluster and requires network connectivity to communicate with the File Server Virtual Machines (FSVMs) and other components.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Must use the CVM network): Incorrect. The CVM (Controller VM) network is typically an internal network used for communication between CVMs and storage components (e.g., the Distributed Storage Fabric). File Analytics does not specifically require the CVM network; it needs to communicate with FSVMs over a network accessible to clients and management.
Option B (Must use the Client-side network): Correct. File Analytics requires connectivity to the FSVMs to collect and analyze file data. The Client-side network (also called the external network) is the network used by FSVMs for client communication (e.g., SMB, NFS) and management traffic. File Analytics must be deployed on this network to access the FSVMs, as well as to allow administrators to access its UI.
Option C (Must use the Backplane network): Incorrect. The Backplane network is an internal network used for high-speed communication between nodes in a Nutanix cluster (e.g., for data replication, cluster services). File Analytics does not use the Backplane network, as it needs to communicate externally with FSVMs and users.
Option D (Must use the Storage-side network): Incorrect. The Storage-side network is used for internal communication between FSVMs and the Nutanix cluster’s storage pool. File Analytics does not directly interact with the storage pool; it communicates with FSVMs over the Client-side network to collect analytics data.
Why Option B?
File Analytics needs to communicate with FSVMs to collect file metadata and user activity data, and it also needs to be accessible by administrators for monitoring. The Client-side network (used by FSVMs for client access and management) is the appropriate network for File Analytics deployment, as it ensures connectivity to the FSVMs and allows external access to the File Analytics UI.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix File Analytics Deployment Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“File Analytics must be deployed on the Client-side network, which is the external network used by FSVMs for client communication (e.g., SMB, NFS) and management traffic. This ensures that File Analytics can communicate with the FSVMs to collect analytics data and that administrators can access the File Analytics UI.”
What is the primary criteria that should be considered for performance-sensitive application shares with sequential.1/O?
Options:
IOPS
Connections
Block Size
Throughput
Answer:
DExplanation:
The primary criteria that should be considered for performance-sensitive application shares with sequential I/O is throughput. Throughput is a measure of how much data can be transferred or processed in a given time period. Throughput is usually expressed in megabytes per second (MB/s) or gigabytes per second (GB/s). Sequential I/O is a type of I/O pattern where data is read or written in a sequential order, such as streaming media, backup, or archive applications. Sequential I/O typically requires high throughput to transfer large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide, page 25; Nutanix Files Solution Guide, page 10
Sequential I/O workloads are characterized by large, continuous data transfers, making throughput (data transfer rate) the primary performance criterion. For performance-sensitive application shares in Nutanix Files, ensuring high throughput (e.g., by optimizing network bandwidth, FSVM resources, or storage performance) is critical to meet the application’s requirements, such as fast streaming or efficient file transfers.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Performance Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“For performance-sensitive application shares with sequential I/O, the primary criterion to consider is throughput (MB/s or GB/s). Sequential I/O workloads, such as media streaming or large file transfers, prioritize the rate of data transfer. Optimize throughput by ensuring sufficient network bandwidth, FSVM resources, and storage performance.”
An administrator has discovered that File server services are down on a cluster.
Which service should the administrator investigation for this issue?
Options:
Minerva-nvm
Sys_stats_server
Cassandra
Insights_collector
Answer:
AExplanation:
The service that the administrator should investigate for this issue is Minerva-nvm. Minerva-nvm is a service that runs on each CVM and provides communication between Prism Central and Files services. Minerva-nvm also monitors the health of Files services and reports any failures or alerts to Prism Central. If Minerva-nvm is down on any CVM, it can affect the availability and functionality of Files services on that cluster. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide, page 23; Nutanix Files Troubleshooting Guide
The minerva_nvm service is the core service on FSVMs that manages Nutanix Files operations. If File server services are down, this service is the most likely culprit, as it handles all file system activities (e.g., share access, data I/O). Investigating minerva_nvm (e.g., checking its status, logs, or restarting it) is the first step to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“The minerva_nvm service is a critical component of Nutanix Files, running on each FSVM. It manages file system operations, including share access and data management. If File server services are down on a cluster, investigate the minerva_nvm service on the FSVMs, as its failure will cause shares to become inaccessible.”
Which action is required to allow the deletion of file server audit data in Data Lens?
Options:
Enable the File Server.
Disable the File Server.
Update the data retention period.
Configure the audit trail target.
Answer:
CExplanation:
The action that is required to allow the deletion of file server audit data in Data Lens is to update the data retention period. Data retention period is a setting that defines how long Data Lens keeps the file server audit data in its database. Data Lens collects and stores various metadata and statistics from file servers, such as file name, file type, file size, file owner, file operation, file access time, etc. Data Lens uses this data to generate reports and dashboards for file analytics and anomaly detection. The administrator can update the data retention period for each file server in Data Lens to control how long the audit data is kept before being deleted. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide, page 98; Nutanix Data Lens User Guide
Audit data in Data Lens is managed by a retention period, after which the data is automatically deleted. To allow deletion of audit data (e.g., to free up space or comply with policies), the administrator must update the retention period to a shorter duration, triggering the deletion of data that exceeds the new period. This is the standard method for managing audit data lifecycle in Data Lens.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Data Lens Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Audit data in Data Lens is retained for a configurable retention period. To allow the deletion of file server audit data, update the data retention period in the Data Lens console or Prism Central settings. Reducing the retention period will cause older audit data to be deleted once it exceeds the new period.”
An administrator needs to ensure maximum performance, throughput, and redundancy for the company’s Oracle RAC on Linux implementation, while using the native method for securing workloads.
Which configuration meets these requirements?
Options:
Flies with a distributed share and ABE
Files with a general purpose share and File Blocking
Volumes with MPIO and a single vDisk
Volumes with CHAP and multiple vDisks
Answer:
CExplanation:
Volumes is a feature that allows users to create and manage block storage devices (volume groups) on a Nutanix cluster. Volume groups can be accessed by external hosts using the iSCSI protocol. To ensure maximum performance, throughput, and redundancy for Oracle RAC on Linux implementation, while using the native method for securing workloads, the recommended configuration is to use Volumes with MPIO (Multipath I/O) and a single vDisk (virtual disk). MPIO is a technique that allows multiple paths between an iSCSI initiator and an iSCSI target, which improves performance and availability. A single vDisk is a logical unit number (LUN) that can be assigned to multiple hosts in a volume group, which simplifies management and reduces overhead. References: Nutanix Volumes Administration Guide, page 13; Nutanix Volumes Best Practices Guide
An administrator needs to add a signature to the ransomware block list. How should the administrator complete this task?
Options:
Open a support ticket to have the new signature added. Nutanix support will provide an updated Block List file.
Add the file signature to the Blocked Files Type in the Files Console.
Search the Block List for the file signature to be added, click Add to Block List when the signature is not found in File Analytics.
Download the Block List CSV file, add the new signature, then upload the CSV.
Answer:
AExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), can protect against ransomware using integrated tools like File Analytics and Data Lens, or through integration with third-party solutions. In Question 56, we established that a third-party solution is best for signature-based ransomware prevention with a large list of malicious file signatures (300+). The administrator now needs to add a new signature to the ransomware block list, which refers to the list of malicious file signatures used for blocking.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Open a support ticket to have the new signature added. Nutanix support will provide an updated Block List file): Correct. Nutanix Files does not natively manage a signature-based ransomware block list within its own tools (e.g., File Analytics, Data Lens), as these focus on behavioral detection (as noted in Question 56). For signature-based blocking, Nutanix integrates with third-party solutions, and the block list (signature database) is typically managed by Nutanix or the third-party provider. To add a new signature, the administrator must open a support ticket with Nutanix, who will coordinate with the third-party provider (if applicable) to update the Block List file and provide it to the customer.
Option B (Add the file signature to the Blocked Files Type in the Files Console): Incorrect. The “Blocked Files Type” in the Files Console allows administrators to blacklist specific file extensions (e.g., .exe, .bat) to prevent them from being stored on shares. This is not a ransomware block list based on signatures—it’s a simple extension-based blacklist, and file signatures (e.g., hashes or patterns used for ransomware detection) cannot be added this way.
Option C (Search the Block List for the file signature to be added, click Add to Block List when the signature is not found in File Analytics): Incorrect. File Analytics provides ransomware detection through behavioral analysis (e.g., anomaly detection, as in Question 7), not signature-based blocking. There is no “Block List” in File Analytics for managing ransomware signatures, and it does not have an “Add to Block List” option for signatures.
Option D (Download the Block List CSV file, add the new signature, then upload the CSV): Incorrect. Nutanix Files does not provide a user-editable Block List CSV file for ransomware signatures. The block list for signature-based blocking is managed by Nutanix or a third-party integration, and updates are handled through support (option A), not by manually editing a CSV file.
Why Option A?
Signature-based ransomware prevention in Nutanix Files relies on third-party integrations, as established in Question 56. The block list of malicious file signatures is not user-editable within Nutanix tools like the Files Console or File Analytics. To add a new signature, the administrator must open a support ticket with Nutanix, who will provide an updated Block List file, ensuring the new signature is properly integrated with the third-party solution.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“For signature-based ransomware prevention, Nutanix Files integrates with third-party solutions that maintain a block list of malicious file signatures. To add a new signature to the block list, open a support ticket with Nutanix. Support will coordinate with the third-party provider (if applicable) and provide an updated Block List file to include the new signature.”
How many configure snapshots are supported for SSR in a file server?
Options:
25
50
100
200
Answer:
DExplanation:
The number of configurable snapshots that are supported for SSR in a file server is 200. SSR (Snapshot-based Replication) is a feature that allows administrators to replicate snapshots of shares or exports from one file server to another file server on a different cluster or site for disaster recovery purposes. SSR can be configured with various parameters, such as replication frequency, replication status, replication mode, etc. SSR supports up to 200 configurable snapshots per share or export in a file server. References: Nutanix Files Administration Guide, page 81; Nutanix Files Solution Guide, page 9
An administrator needs to improve the performance for Volume Group storage connected to a group of VMs with intensive I/O. Which vg.update vg_name command parameter should be used to distribute the I/O across multiple CVMs?
Options:
flash_mode=enable
load_balance_vm_attachments=true
load_balance_vm_attachments=enable
flash_mode=true
Answer:
BExplanation:
Nutanix Volumes, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), provides block storage via iSCSI to VMs and external hosts. A Volume Group (VG) in Nutanix Volumes is a collection of volumes that can be attached to VMs. For VMs with intensive I/O, performance can be improved by distributing the I/O load across multiple Controller VMs (CVMs) in the Nutanix cluster. The vg.update command in the Nutanix CLI (e.g., ncli) is used to modify Volume Group settings, including parameters that affect I/O distribution.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (flash_mode=enable): Incorrect. The flash_mode parameter enables flash mode for a Volume Group, which prioritizes SSDs for I/O operations to improve performance. While this can help with intensive I/O, it does not distribute I/O across multiple CVMs—it focuses on storage tiering, not load balancing.
Option B (load_balance_vm_attachments=true): Correct. The load_balance_vm_attachments=true parameter enables load balancing of VM attachments for a Volume Group. When enabled, this setting distributes the iSCSI connections from VMs to multiple CVMs in the cluster, balancing the I/O load across CVMs. This improves performance for VMs with intensive I/O by ensuring that no single CVM becomes a bottleneck.
Option C (load_balance_vm_attachments=enable): Incorrect. While this option is close to the correct parameter, the syntax is incorrect. The load_balance_vm_attachments parameter uses true or false as its value, not enable. The correct syntax is load_balance_vm_attachments=true (option B).
Option D (flash_mode=true): Incorrect. Similar to option A, flash_mode=true enables flash mode for the Volume Group, prioritizing SSDs for I/O. This does not distribute I/O across multiple CVMs, as it addresses storage tiering rather than load balancing.
Why Option B?
The load_balance_vm_attachments=true parameter in the vg.update command enables load balancing for VM attachments to a Volume Group, distributing iSCSI connections across multiple CVMs. This ensures that the I/O load from VMs with intensive I/O is balanced across the cluster’s CVMs, improving performance by preventing any single CVM from becoming a bottleneck. This directly addresses the requirement to distribute I/O for better performance.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Volumes Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“To improve performance for Volume Groups with intensive I/O, use the vg.update command to enable load balancing with the parameter load_balance_vm_attachments=true. This setting distributes iSCSI connections from VMs across multiple CVMs in the cluster, balancing the I/O load and preventing bottlenecks.”
What process is initiated when a share is protected for the first time?
Options:
Share data movement is started to the recovery site.
A remote snapshot is created for the share.
The share is created on the recovery site with a similar configuration.
A local snapshot is created for the share.
Answer:
DExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), supports data protection for shares through mechanisms like replication and snapshots. When a share is “protected for the first time,” this typically refers to enabling a protection mechanism, such as a replication policy (e.g., NearSync, as seen in Question 24) or a snapshot schedule, to ensure the share’s data can be recovered in case of failure.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Share data movement is started to the recovery site): Incorrect. While data movement to a recovery site occurs during replication (e.g., with NearSync), this is not the first step when a share is protected. Before data can be replicated, a baseline snapshot is typically created to capture the share’s initial state. Data movement follows the snapshot creation, not as the first step.
Option B (A remote snapshot is created for the share): Incorrect. A remote snapshot implies that a snapshot is created directly on the recovery site, which is not how Nutanix Files protection works initially. The first step is to create a local snapshot on the primary site, which is then replicated to the remote site as part of the protection process (e.g., via NearSync).
Option C (The share is created on the recovery site with a similar configuration): Incorrect. While this step may occur during replication setup (e.g., the remote site’s file server is configured to host a read-only copy of the share, as seen in the exhibit for Question 24), it is not the first process initiated. The share on the recovery site is created as part of the replication process, which begins after a local snapshot is taken.
Option D (A local snapshot is created for the share): Correct. When a share is protected for the first time (e.g., by enabling a snapshot schedule or replication policy), the initial step is to create a local snapshot of the share on the primary site. This snapshot captures the share’s current state and serves as the baseline for protection mechanisms like replication or recovery. For example, in a NearSync setup, a local snapshot is taken, and then the snapshot data is replicated to the remote site.
Why Option D?
Protecting a share in Nutanix Files typically involves snapshots as the foundation for data protection. The first step is to create a local snapshot of the share on the primary site, which captures the share’s data and metadata. This snapshot can then be used for local recovery (e.g., via Self-Service Restore) or replicated to a remote site for DR (e.g., via NearSync). The question focuses on the initial process, making the creation of a local snapshot the correct answer.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“When a share is protected for the first time, whether through a snapshot schedule or a replication policy, the initial step is to create a local snapshot of the share on the primary site. This snapshot captures the share’s current state and serves as the baseline for subsequent protection operations, such as replication to a remote site or local recovery.”
An administrator needs to configure Files to forward logs to a syslog server. How could the administrator complete this task?
Options:
Configure the syslog in Prism Element.
Configure the syslog in Files Console.
Use the CLI in an FSVM.
Use the CLI in a CVM.
Answer:
CExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), generates logs for file service operations, which can be forwarded to a syslog server for centralized logging and monitoring. The process to configure syslog forwarding for Nutanix Files involves interacting with the File Server Virtual Machines (FSVMs), as they handle the file services and generate the relevant logs.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Configure the syslog in Prism Element): Incorrect. Prism Element manages cluster-level settings, such as storage and VM configurations, but it does not provide a direct interface to configure syslog forwarding for Nutanix Files. Syslog configuration for Files is specific to the FSVMs.
Option B (Configure the syslog in Files Console): Incorrect. The Files Console (accessible via Prism Central) is used for managing Files shares, FSVMs, and policies, but it does not have a built-in option to configure syslog forwarding. Syslog configuration requires direct interaction with the FSVMs.
Option C (Use the CLI in an FSVM): Correct. Nutanix Files logs are managed at the FSVM level, and syslog forwarding can be configured by logging into an FSVM and using the command-line interface (CLI) to set up the syslog server details. This is the standard method documented by Nutanix for enabling syslog forwarding for Files.
Option D (Use the CLI in a CVM): Incorrect. The Controller VM (CVM) manages the Nutanix cluster’s storage and services, but it does not handle Files-specific logging. Syslog configuration for Files must be done on the FSVMs, not the CVMs.
Configuration Process:
To configure syslog forwarding, the administrator would:
SSH into one of the FSVMs in the Files deployment.
Use the nutanix user account to access the FSVM CLI.
Run commands to configure the syslog server (e.g., modify the /etc/syslog.conf file or use Nutanix-specific commands to set the syslog server IP and port).
Restart the syslog service on the FSVM to apply the changes.This process ensures that Files logs are forwarded to the specified syslog server.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“To forward Nutanix Files logs to a syslog server, you must configure syslog settings on each FSVM. Log in to an FSVM using SSH and the ‘nutanix’ user account. Use the CLI to update the syslog configuration by specifying the syslog server’s IP address and port. After configuration, restart the syslog service to apply the changes.”
An administrator is tasked with creating an Objects store with the following settings:
• Medium Performance (around 10,000 requests per second)
• 10 TiB capacity
• Versioning disabled
• Hosted on an AHV cluster
immediately after creation, the administrator is asked to change the name of Objects store
Who will the administrator achieve this request?
Options:
Enable versioning and then rename the Object store, disable versioning
The Objects store can only be renamed if hosted on ESXI.
Delete and recreate a new Objects store with the updated name
Answer:
CExplanation:
The administrator can achieve this request by deleting and recreating a new Objects store with the updated name. Objects is a feature that allows users to create and manage object storage clusters on a Nutanix cluster. Objects clusters can provide S3-compatible access to buckets and objects for various applications and users. Objects clusters can be created and configured in Prism Central. However, once an Objects cluster is created, its name cannot be changed or edited. Therefore, the only way to change the name of an Objects cluster is to delete the existing cluster and create a new cluster with the updated name. References: Nutanix Objects User Guide, page 9; Nutanix Objects Solution Guide, page 8
After configuring Smart DR, an administrator is unable to see the policy in the Policies tab. The administrator has confirmed that all FSVMs are able to connect to Prism Central via port 9440 bidirectionally. What is the possible reason for this issue?
Options:
The primary and recovery file servers do not have the same version.
Port 7515 should be open for all External/Client IPs of FSVMs on the Source and Target cluster.
The primary and recovery file servers do not have the same protocols.
Port 7515 should be open for all Internal/Storage IPs of FSVMs on the Source and Target cluster.
Answer:
AExplanation:
Smart DR in Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), is a disaster recovery (DR) solution that simplifies the setup of replication policies between file servers (e.g., using NearSync, as seen in Question 24). After configuring a Smart DR policy, the administrator expects to see it in the Policies tab in Prism Central, but it is not visible despite confirmed connectivity between FSVMs and Prism Central via port 9440 (used for Prism communication, as noted in Question 21). This indicates a potential mismatch or configuration issue.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (The primary and recovery file servers do not have the same version): Correct. Smart DR requires that the primary and recovery file servers (source and target) run the same version of Nutanix Files to ensure compatibility. If the versions differ (e.g., primary on Files 4.0, recovery on Files 3.8), the Smart DR policy may fail to register properly in Prism Central, resulting in it not appearing in the Policies tab. This is a common issue in mixed-version environments, as Smart DR relies on consistent features and APIs across both file servers.
Option B (Port 7515 should be open for all External/Client IPs of FSVMs on the Source and Target cluster): Incorrect. Port 7515 is not a standard port for Nutanix Files or Smart DR communication. The External/Client network of FSVMs (used for SMB/NFS traffic) communicates with clients, not between FSVMs or with Prism Central for policy management. Smart DR communication between FSVMs and Prism Central uses port 9440 (already confirmed open), and replication traffic between FSVMs typically uses other ports (e.g., 2009, 2020), but not 7515.
Option C (The primary and recovery file servers do not have the same protocols): Incorrect. Nutanix Files shares can support multiple protocols (e.g., SMB, NFS), but Smart DR operates at the file server level, not the protocol level. The replication policy in Smart DR replicates share data regardless of the protocol, and a protocol mismatch would not prevent the policy from appearing in the Policies tab—it might affect client access, but not policy visibility.
Option D (Port 7515 should be open for all Internal/Storage IPs of FSVMs on the Source and Target cluster): Incorrect. Similar to option B, port 7515 is not relevant for Smart DR or Nutanix Files communication. The Internal/Storage network of FSVMs is used for communication with the Nutanix cluster’s storage pool, but Smart DR policy management and replication traffic do not rely on port 7515. The key ports for replication (e.g., 2009, 2020) are typically already open, and the issue here is policy visibility, not replication traffic.
Why Option A?
Smart DR requires compatibility between the primary and recovery file servers, including running the same version of Nutanix Files. A version mismatch can cause the Smart DR policy to fail registration in Prism Central, preventing it from appearing in the Policies tab. Since port 9440 connectivity is already confirmed, the most likely issue is a version mismatch, which is a common cause of such problems in Nutanix Files DR setups.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“Smart DR requires that the primary and recovery file servers run the same version of Nutanix Files to ensure compatibility. A version mismatch between the source and target file servers can prevent the Smart DR policy from registering properly in Prism Central, resulting in the policy not appearing in the Policies tab.”
After migrating to Files for a company's user home directories, the administrator started receiving complaints that accessing certain files results in long wait times before the file is even opened or an access denied error message after four minutes. Upon further investigation, the administrator has determined that the files in question are very large audio and video files. Which two actions should the administrator take to mitigate this issue? (Choose two.)
Options:
Add the extensions of the affected file types to the ICAP's Exclude File Types field in the ICAP settings for the Files cluster.
Uncheck the "Block access to files if scan cannot be completed (recommended)" option in the ICAP settings for the Files cluster.
Enable the "Scan on Write" option and increase resources for the ICAP server.
Enable the "Scan on Read" option and decrease resources for the ICAP server.
Answer:
A, BExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), is being used for user home directories, and users are experiencing delays or access denied errors when accessing large audio and video files. The issue is related to the integration with an ICAP (Internet Content Adaptation Protocol) server, which Nutanix Files uses to scan files for security (e.g., antivirus, malware detection). The delays and errors suggest that the ICAP server is struggling to scan these large files, causing timeouts or access issues.
Understanding the Issue:
ICAP Integration: Nutanix Files can integrate with an ICAP server to scan files for threats. By default, files are scanned on read and write operations, and if a scan cannot be completed (e.g., due to timeouts), access may be blocked.
Large Audio/Video Files: These files are typically very large (e.g., GBs in size), and scanning them can take significant time, especially if the ICAP server is under-resourced or the network latency is high.
Four-Minute Timeout: The “access denied” error after four minutes suggests a timeout in the ICAP scan process, likely because the ICAP server cannot complete the scan within the default timeout period (often 240 seconds or 4 minutes).
Long Wait Times: The wait times before opening files indicate that the ICAP server is scanning the files on read, causing delays for users.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Add the extensions of the affected file types to the ICAP's Exclude File Types field in the ICAP settings for the Files cluster): Correct. Nutanix Files allows administrators to exclude certain file types from ICAP scanning by adding their extensions (e.g., .mp4, .wav) to the “Exclude File Types” field in the ICAP settings. Large audio and video files are often safe and do not need to be scanned (e.g., they are less likely to contain malware), and excluding them prevents the ICAP server from attempting to scan them, eliminating delays and timeout errors.
Option B (Uncheck the "Block access to files if scan cannot be completed (recommended)" option in the ICAP settings for the Files cluster): Correct. By default, Nutanix Files blocks access to files if the ICAP scan cannot be completed within the timeout period (e.g., 4 minutes), resulting in the “access denied” error. Unchecking this option allows access to files even if the scan fails or times out, mitigating the access denied issue for large files while still attempting to scan them. This is a recommended mitigation when scans are causing access issues, though it slightly reduces security by allowing access to un-scanned files.
Option C (Enable the "Scan on Write" option and increase resources for the ICAP server): Incorrect. The “Scan on Write” option is already enabled by default in Nutanix Files ICAP settings, as it ensures files are scanned when written to the share. Increasing resources for the ICAP server might help with scanning performance, but it does not directly address the issue of large files causing timeouts on read operations, and it requires additional infrastructure changes that may not be feasible. The issue is primarily with read access delays, not write operations.
Option D (Enable the "Scan on Read" option and decrease resources for the ICAP server): Incorrect. The “Scan on Read” option is also enabled by default in Nutanix Files ICAP settings, and it is the root cause of the delays—scanning large files on read causes long wait times. Decreasing resources for the ICAP server would exacerbate the issue by further slowing down scans, leading to more timeouts and errors.
Selected Actions:
A: Excluding audio and video file extensions from ICAP scanning prevents the server from attempting to scan large files, eliminating delays and timeouts for these file types.
B: Disabling the “Block access” option ensures that users can access files even if the ICAP scan times out, mitigating the “access denied” error after four minutes.
Why These Actions?
Excluding File Types (A): Large audio and video files are often safe and do not need scanning, and excluding them avoids the performance bottleneck caused by the ICAP server, directly addressing the long wait times.
Disabling Block Access (B): The four-minute timeout leading to “access denied” errors is due to the ICAP scan failing to complete. Allowing access despite scan failures ensures users can still open files, though it requires careful consideration of security risks (e.g., ensuring excluded file types are safe).
Combining these actions provides a comprehensive solution: excluding file types prevents unnecessary scans, and disabling the block ensures access during edge cases where scans might still occur.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“To mitigate performance issues with ICAP scanning for large files (e.g., audio, video), add the extensions of affected file types to the ‘Exclude File Types’ field in the ICAP settings for the Files cluster. Additionally, to prevent ‘access denied’ errors due to scan timeouts, uncheck the ‘Block access to files if scan cannot be completed (recommended)’ option, allowing access to files even if the scan fails.”
An administrator has been requested to increase the maximum capacity of a share on a Files instance. How should the administrator perform this action in Files Console?
Options:
Select the Settings tab, Click Change.
Select the Shares tab, Click Modify.
Select the Settings tab, Click Rename.
Select the Shares tab, Click Update.
Answer:
BExplanation:
Nutanix Files, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), allows administrators to manage file shares through the Files Console, which is accessible via Prism Central. A share in Nutanix Files can have a maximum capacity (quota) defined to limit its storage usage. To increase this capacity, the administrator must modify the share’s settings.
Analysis of Options:
Option A (Select the Settings tab, Click Change): Incorrect. The Settings tab in the Files Console is used for general file server settings (e.g., AD integration, global configurations), not for modifying individual share properties like capacity.
Option B (Select the Shares tab, Click Modify): Correct. To increase the maximum capacity of a share, the administrator should navigate to the Shares tab in the Files Console, select the share, and click Modify (or Edit, depending on the version). This opens a dialog where the share’s quota (maximum capacity) can be adjusted.
Option C (Select the Settings tab, Click Rename): Incorrect. Renaming a share under the Settings tab does not affect its capacity. The Settings tab is not the correct location for share-specific changes like capacity adjustments.
Option D (Select the Shares tab, Click Update): Incorrect. While the Shares tab is the correct location, “Update” is not a standard action in the Files Console for modifying share properties. The correct action is “Modify” or “Edit,” as in option B.
Why Option B?
The Shares tab in the Files Console is where administrators manage individual shares, including their properties like maximum capacity (quota). The Modify (or Edit) action allows the administrator to adjust the share’s quota, increasing its maximum capacity as requested.
Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:
From the Nutanix Files Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):
“To modify the maximum capacity (quota) of a share, navigate to the Shares tab in the Files Console. Select the share you want to modify, and click Modify. In the dialog, adjust the quota settings to increase the maximum capacity as needed, then save the changes.”