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Pure Storage FlashArray-Implementation-Specialist Exam Syllabus Topics:
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NEW QUESTION # 99
When should a FlashArray support case be opened?
- A. Once an issue arises
- B. Once install is completed
- C. Before starting install
Answer: C
Explanation:
Opening a support case before starting the installation ensures timely assistance and coordination with support throughout the deployment process.
NEW QUESTION # 100
An Implementation Engineer is installing a second DirectFlash Shelf (DFS) on a FlashArray//XR4 controller. How should the Implementation Engineer complete the installation?
- A. Install a DFS card in PCIe Slot 0 and use these ports for Shelf connectivity.
- B. Install a DFS card in PCIe slot 3 and use it to connect the second DirectFlash Shelf.
- C. Install a DFS card in PCIe slot 4 and use it to connect the second DirectFlash Shelf.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The FlashArray//XR4 introduces a new chassis layout and PCIe slot numbering scheme compared to previous generations. For expansion connectivity, specific slots are designated for the backend SAS or Ethernet/RoCE fabric cards that connect to DirectFlash Shelves.
According to the //XR4 hardware guide and expansion best practices, PCIe slot 3 is the designated location for the additional expansion interface card required when adding a second DirectFlash Shelf (or for specific shelf configurations). Slots 0 and 1 are often reserved for host I/O or other functions, and slot numbering/priority is strict to ensure the BIOS and Purity software correctly recognize the card function.
Installing the card in the wrong slot (like slot 0 or 4, if those are reserved for other uses or primary I/O) could result in the shelf not being detected, the array failing to boot, or suboptimal performance due to PCIe lane allocation. Therefore, the engineer must install the DFS expansion card into PCIe slot 3 and cable the second shelf to the ports on that specific card to ensure a supported and functional configuration.
NEW QUESTION # 101
After completing planned maintenance, what command should the Implementation Engineer run to verify connectivity to pure services?
- A. purearray --connect
- B. purearray test
- C. puresupport test
Answer: C
Explanation:
Verifying external connectivity is a critical final step in any maintenance window to ensure the array remains supported. The command puresupport test is the specific tool designed to validate the entire support communication chain.
Running puresupport test:
Checks DNS resolution for Pure1 endpoints.
Tests outbound HTTPS connectivity through any configured proxies.
Verifies the "Phone Home" log upload capability.
Validates the "Remote Assist" tunnel functionality.
This comprehensive check confirms that the array can "call home" if an issue arises and that Support can connect remotely if needed. purearray test is generic or refers to internal tests, whereas puresupport test explicitly targets the support infrastructure.
NEW QUESTION # 102
When transforming an array from SAS to NVMe with the Evergreen XFORM upgrade, when should a swing shelf be installed?
- A. When the array is half populated with Flash Modules
- B. When the chassis is populated with two data packs
- C. When there is insufficient free space to evac capacity.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A swing shelf (temporary external capacity) is required during a SAS-to-NVMe (Evergreen) upgrade specifically when there is insufficient free space elsewhere in the array to evacuate the data residing in the legacy chassis.
The Evergreen "Stateless" or XFORM upgrade involves replacing the legacy SAS-based controller chassis (which contains SAS SSDs) with a new NVMe-based FlashArray//X chassis (which uses DirectFlash Modules).
Evacuation Requirement: Before the old chassis can be removed, the data on its internal drives must be moved to a safe location. If the customer already has external SAS expansion shelves with enough free space to hold this data, Purity will transparently migrate the data there, and no swing shelf is needed.
Swing Shelf Scenario: If the array is highly utilized (e.g., the chassis is full and external shelves are full or non-existent), the Implementation Engineer must attach a temporary "swing shelf" provided by Pure Storage. This shelf acts as the evacuation target. Once the data is moved to the swing shelf, the old chassis is replaced. The data is then migrated back from the swing shelf to the new NVMe media in the new chassis, and the swing shelf is returned.
NEW QUESTION # 103
Where can the NVRAM on a FlashArray//E be located?
- A. Distributed across DFMDs
- B. Distributed across DFMes
- C. Within the dedicated NVRAMS
Answer: A
Explanation:
The FlashArray//E (and the //XR4/R5 family) utilizes a modern architecture that moves away from the dedicated NVRAM modules found in legacy generations (like the //XR2 and //XR3). In those older systems, NVRAM was housed in specific PCIe cards plugged into the chassis.
In the FlashArray//E architecture, the Non-Volatile RAM (write buffer) functionality is Distributed directly onto the storage media itself. These specialized drives are called DFMDs (DirectFlash Modules with Distributed NVRAM).
By integrating the NVRAM into the DFMs, the array scales its write buffer cache linearly with capacity and removes the bottleneck of fixed NVRAM slots in the chassis. This allows for higher density and simplified hardware designs. During installation or inventory, engineers must distinguish between standard DFMs (which store data only) and DFMDs (which store data and act as the write cache), ensuring the correct number of DFMDs are present to form the system quorum.
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NEW QUESTION # 104
What is the speed of the Ethernet ports to connect a FlashArray //E to a DFS?
- A. 25G
- B. 40G
- C. 100G
Answer: A
Explanation:
The FlashArray//E connects to its DirectFlash Shelves (DFS) using 25Gb Ethernet (RoCE) .
The FlashArray//E is the "Capacity Optimized" member of the FlashArray family, designed to replace spinning disk repositories with all-flash efficiency. While the high-performance FlashArray//XL utilizes
100GbE for its backend NVMe-oF connectivity to maximize throughput for mission-critical databases, the //E prioritizes cost-efficiency, density, and power consumption.
* Architecture: To maintain this efficiency balance, the backend connectivity for expansion shelves on the //E platform is standardized on 25GbE . This provides ample bandwidth for the QLC-based workloads (typically unstructured data, repository, or Tier 2 block) without the higher cost and power draw of 100GbE optics and controllers.
* Comparison: Option A (40G) is a legacy QSFP standard not used in modern Pure backend designs.
Option C (100G) is reserved for the performance-tier //XL and high-end //X models.
NEW QUESTION # 105
Which command should the Implementation Engineer run to set the maintenance tag?
- A. puremaintenance tag --maintenance
- B. puremaintenance schedule array --timeout < timeout >
- C. puremessage flag set --maintenance
- D. purealert tag --schedule --maintenance
Answer: B
Explanation:
During the lifecycle of a Pure Storage FlashArray, Implementation Engineers and storage administrators frequently perform hardware non-disruptive upgrades (HWNDU), capacity expansions, controller replacements, or network reconfigurations. Because the FlashArray is inherently designed to aggressively monitor its own hardware sensors and software states, these administrative actions will naturally trigger a cascade of critical alerts. If left unchecked, the array's Call Home feature will immediately dispatch these alerts to Pure Storage Support (automatically opening support tickets) and blast emails to the customer's IT Operations teams, causing unnecessary panic.
To cleanly suppress these automated alerts during a planned event, the Implementation Engineer must utilize the puremaintenance command-line suite within the Purity operating system. By executing the specific command puremaintenance schedule array --timeout < timeout > , the engineer successfully flags the entire storage array as being in an active maintenance window. The --timeout parameter is crucial, as it dictates exactly how long the maintenance window will remain open (e.g., 2h for two hours) before the array automatically reverts to its normal, fully alerting state. This acts as a built-in safety mechanism, ensuring that if an engineer forgets to manually remove the maintenance tag after the upgrade, the array will not remain indefinitely silenced and exposed to unreported future failures. The other options presented either use incorrect command syntax or reference non-existent Purity CLI tools.
NEW QUESTION # 106
An Implementation Engineer is going on site to complete a data pack evacuation and perform a hardware NDU. At what step should the Implementation Engineer contact support for assistance?
- A. After removing the Old drives and inserting any new ones
- B. When the hardware NDU has been completed
- C. After removing the fully evacuated drives before proceeding with the hardware NDU
Answer: C
Explanation:
Complex upgrades that involve both removing old capacity (evacuation) and replacing controllers (hardware NDU) require a "checkpoint" with Pure Storage Support to ensure data safety.
The correct procedure dictates contacting support after removing the fully evacuated drives but before proceeding with the hardware NDU.
Why? Once the old drives are physically removed, the array's configuration state has changed. Support needs to verify that the evacuation was 100% successful, that no stale objects or pointers to the removed drives remain in the database, and that the system is fully healthy and redundant.
Proceeding directly into a controller reboot (NDU) without this verification could lead to issues if the array still "thinks" it needs the removed drives, potentially causing a boot failure or data unavailability during the controller failover.
NEW QUESTION # 107
During an NDU, when is the Implementation Engineer required to install additional NVRAM modules in slots 2 and 3?
- A. Upgrading a FlashArray//X50R3 to a FlashArray//X50R4
- B. Upgrading a FlashArray//X70R4 to a FlashArray//X90R4
- C. Upgrading a FlashArray//X50R3 to a FlashArray//X70R4
Answer: C
Explanation:
FlashArray models differ in their NVRAM requirements based on their performance tier and throughput capabilities. Lower and mid-range models (like the //X10, //X20, and //X50) typically operate with two NVRAM modules installed in slots 0 and 1. However, high-performance models (like the //X70 and //X90) require double the NVRAM buffer to handle the increased write I/O bandwidth, necessitating four NVRAM modules (populating slots 0, 1, 2, and 3).
When performing a Data-in-Place Upgrade (NDU) from a FlashArray//X50R3 to a FlashArray//X70R4, the chassis remains (or is upgraded in a way that preserves data), but the new controller configuration shifts from a "2-NVRAM" requirement to a "4-NVRAM" requirement. Therefore, as part of the physical upgrade procedure, the Implementation Engineer must install two additional NVRAM modules into slots 2 and 3 of the chassis to support the new //X70 controllers.
If these modules are not added, the new //X70 controllers will detect an "insufficient hardware" condition and fail to boot or initialize the Purity software properly. This step is unique to upgrades crossing the boundary between mid-range and high-end models.
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NEW QUESTION # 108
Which cards are required to connect a DirectFlash Shelf to an FlashArray//XLR5?
- A. 2-Port 50GbE
- B. 2-port 200GbE Ethernet/RoCE
- C. 2-Port 100GbE iSCSI/RoCE
Answer: C
Explanation:
The FlashArray//XL series (specifically the //XLR5 in this context) utilizes a 100 Gigabit Ethernet-based back-end fabric to communicate with DirectFlash Shelves (DFS). This connection relies on the RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet) protocol to ensure low-latency access to the external NVMe modules.
The specific PCIe interface card validated for this connectivity is often labeled in the Bill of Materials (BOM) or configuration guides as the 2-Port 100GbE iSCSI/RoCE card (or simply the 100GbE Ethernet/RoCE card depending on the specific firmware/labeling revision). Crucially, it must be a 100GbE capability card.
The //XL platform standardized on 100GbE for its shelf interconnects, moving away from the 50GbE used in some previous generations of the //X series. The 200GbE cards are typically reserved for high-speed host connectivity or clustering, not the standard shelf loop. Therefore, ensuring the BOM includes the correct 100GbE RoCE-capable cards is essential for successful shelf detection and operation during installation.
NEW QUESTION # 109
Which I/O card type is compatible across all FlashArray models?
- A. 10GBaseT
- B. FC
- C. iSCSI
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Fibre Channel (FC) I/O card type is the only option listed that is universally compatible and supported across all FlashArray models, from the entry-level //X10 and //X20 up to the high-end //X90 and //XL.
* Fibre Channel: Pure Storage architectures rely heavily on Fibre Channel as the primary enterprise storage protocol. All chassis generations and controller sizes feature PCIe risers compatible with Pure's standard 16Gb or 32Gb Fibre Channel HBAs.
* Ethernet/iSCSI: While all arrays support iSCSI, the physical card type varies.
* 10GBase-T: This refers to "copper" Ethernet (RJ45). This card type is not supported on all models. High-end FlashArrays (like the //X70, //X90, and //XL) typically utilize SFP+ or QSFP28 cages for optical connectivity (10/25GbE or 40/100GbE) and do not standardly support
10GBase-T copper cards due to power and latency characteristics.
* Therefore, while the protocol (iSCSI) is supported everywhere, the specific physical card (10GBase-T) is not. Fibre Channel cards remain the consistent hardware constant across the entire product line.
NEW QUESTION # 110
An Implementation Engineer needs to run the puresetup replace procedure on the FlashArray//X during a controller upgrade.
Which command should the Implementation Engineer run on the new controller to determine its model?
- A. hwconfig --model
- B. hwconfig --all
- C. purearray list --controller
Answer: A
Explanation:
The command hwconfig --model returns the model information of the controller, which is essential before running the puresetup replace procedure.
NEW QUESTION # 111
What slot does a PCIe SAS card need to be installed in a FlashArray//XR2/3?
- A. 0
- B. 1
- C. 2
Answer: C
Explanation:
On a FlashArray//XR2 or //XR3 , if a dedicated PCIe SAS HBA (Host Bus Adapter) is required for external shelf connectivity (expanding beyond the onboard SAS ports), it must be installed in Slot 1 .
The PCIe slot prioritization on the FlashArray//X R2/R3 controllers is strictly defined to ensure optimal performance and lane distribution:
* Slot 0: Reserved primarily for frontend Host I/O cards (Fibre Channel or iSCSI/Ethernet). This slot usually connects to CPU 0 and offers high bandwidth for host traffic.
* Slot 1: Designated as the primary expansion slot for backend connectivity (SAS cards for expansion shelves) or secondary Host I/O if no SAS expansion is needed.
* Slot 2: On smaller models (X10/X20), this is often the only host I/O slot, but on the larger X50/X70
/X90 chassis, it is used for additional Host I/O.
If an Implementation Engineer installs a SAS card in Slot 0, the system may fail to recognize the shelves correctly or may flag a configuration error, as the Purity software expects backend expansion traffic to route through the bus associated with Slot 1. Therefore, for SAS expansion cards, Slot 1 is the mandatory location.
NEW QUESTION # 112
What is the minimum AC voltage required to operate a FlashArray//X20R4 array?
- A. 0
- B. 1
- C. 2
Answer: B
Explanation:
The FlashArray//X20 R4 operates with a minimum AC voltage input of approximately 90 VAC .
The FlashArray//X series (specifically the entry-to-mid-range models like the X10, X20, and X50) utilizes high-efficiency Power Supply Units (PSUs) designed with auto-ranging capabilities. These PSUs conform to standard global power infrastructure requirements, supporting a nominal input range of 100V to 240V AC (50
/60 Hz).
* Low-Line Support: Because the X20 is an entry-level enterprise array often deployed in diverse environments (including edge locations or standard office server rooms), it fully supports "low-line" power (100-120V nominal). The technical minimum tolerance for these power supplies typically extends down to 90 VAC to account for voltage sags or fluctuations.
* Contrast with High-End: Larger, higher-density systems like the FlashArray//XL or fully loaded high- performance chassis configurations often require "high-line" power (200V-240V) to deliver sufficient wattage efficiently. However, the X20 R4 does not have this restriction. Therefore, Option A (90V) represents the correct minimum floor, whereas Options B and C represent high-line voltages that are supported but not required for minimum operation.
NEW QUESTION # 113
An Implementation Engineer performs a controller upgrade. What is the command to check I/O health?
- A. pureport list --initiator
- B. purehost monitor --balance
- C. purehost list --all
Answer: B
Explanation:
The command to check I/O health and validate connectivity after a controller upgrade is purehost monitor -- balance .
Following an upgrade (especially after a controller reboot or failover/giveback), it is essential to verify that the host Multipath I/O (MPIO) drivers have re-established connectivity to all paths.
* purehost monitor : Displays real-time performance statistics (IOPS, Bandwidth, Latency) for connected hosts.
* --balance : This specific flag breaks down the metrics per initiator (HBA port) for each host.
* Why it's used: An Implementation Engineer uses this to look for "imbalanced" flow. If one initiator shows high IOPS and another shows zero, it indicates a dead path, a zoning issue, or an MPIO driver that failed to recover the path to the upgraded controller. Options A and B provide static configuration lists (mappings and WWNs) but do not show live I/O flow, making them insufficient for health monitoring.
NEW QUESTION # 114
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