To verify that the hosts can communicate with XtremIO in a VxBlock 1000, you can power off a ToR

(Top of Rack) switch. This test helps ensure that network redundancy and failover mechanisms are

working correctly, confirming that communication is maintained through alternative paths.

Reference:

Dell EMC VxBlock 1000 test plan guidelines.

Network redundancy testing procedures.

The label on the cable indicates two parts: “M91A-01:01” and “U61A-01:09”. The first part of the

label “M91A” refers to a specific type of equipment as per the exhibit. According to the exhibit, “M9”

corresponds to “MDS 9xxx”, which is a Cisco Multilayer Director Switch. The second part of the label,

“U61A”, does not directly match any category in the provided list; however, it seems to be an internal

reference that could be related to user-specific configurations or locations.

Since we are looking for the target equipment type and not where it was mistakenly connected, we

focus on the first part of the cable label. The numbers following “M91A” indicate slot and port

information. Therefore, based on this labeling system and referring to the exhibit provided, which

lists various EMC and Cisco equipment types along with their corresponding codes (like AP for APIC

Appliance or CN for Cust. Network), we can deduce that “M91A” stands for “MDS 9xxx”. The

subsequent numbers “-01:01” suggest Slot 1, Port 1.

Review the VxBlock and Nexus Documentation: The VxBlock 1000 system documentation and the

Nexus 93180YC switch documentation should be reviewed to understand the supported routing

protocols1.

Consider the Juniper Switch Capabilities: Since the customer is using a Juniper switch as the core

switch, it’s important to consider the routing protocols supported by Juniper switches. Juniper

switches support a variety of routing protocols, including OSPF2.

Evaluate Routing Protocol Options: EIGRP is typically Cisco proprietary and not supported on Juniper

devices. IGMP is not a routing protocol but a multicast management protocol. IGRP is an older Cisco

proprietary routing protocol and is less commonly used today2.

Recommend OSPF: OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a widely supported, robust, and scalable

dynamic routing protocol that is suitable for diverse environments, including mixed vendor setups

like Cisco’s Nexus and Juniper switches2.

Validate with Best Practices: Best practices and recommendations from both Cisco and Juniper

suggest using OSPF for dynamic routing between devices from different vendors2.

Review Test Plan Guidelines: The Test Plan guidelines in the Dell VxBlock Deploy Achievement

document outline the procedures for validating the redundancy capabilities of the network1.

Understand Redundancy Validation: Redundancy validation involves testing the network’s ability to

continue operating in the event of a component failure1.

Identify Redundancy Components: Top of Rack (ToR) switches are critical components that often have

redundancy built-in to ensure network resilience1.

Execute Redundancy Test: To validate redundancy, the primary ToR switch is powered off to simulate

a system failure. This tests the failover mechanisms and ensures that the secondary systems take

over without service disruption1.

Document and Analyze Results: After the test, the results are documented and analyzed to confirm

that redundancy measures are functioning as intended and that there is no loss of connectivity or

service1.

During the Executing and Controlling phase of the RCM (Release Certification Matrix) Upgrade

process, the customer is required to maintain configuration lock. This ensures that no changes are

made to the system configuration during the critical upgrade process, maintaining system stability

and integrity.

Reference:

Dell EMC RCM upgrade process documentation.

Project management best practices.

Understand ACI Fabric: Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) fabric is designed to be

dynamic and flexible, allowing for seamless movement of servers and changes within the fabric1.

Recognize EPG Membership: When a server that is part of an Endpoint Group (EPG) is moved to a

different leaf switch and its IP address is changed, the EPG membership remains consistent as long as

the server’s identity is recognized within the ACI fabric1.

Identify Port Configuration: The correct port configuration is pushed from the Application Policy

Infrastructure Controller (APIC), which updates the fabric about the server’s new location and IP

address1.

Confirm No Further Changes Needed: Once the APIC has the updated information, no additional

configuration changes are required on the ACI fabric.The fabric automatically adjusts to the server’s

new location and IP address within the same EPG1.

Review the Core Differences: Both Cisco ACI and VMware NSX have similar qualities and features.

The main difference is that VMware NSX focuses on virtualized networks, while Cisco ACI can

connect to both physical and virtual networks1.

Identify Incorrect Statement: The statement that NSX supports both x86 and non-x86 servers; ACI

does not is not correct. Cisco ACI is not limited to x86 servers and can work with a variety of

hardware platforms1.

Understand ACI’s Capabilities: Cisco ACI is an integrated solution that addresses both the physical

and virtual networks, providing a policy-driven framework that is not limited by server architecture1.

Validate with Documentation: The Official Dell VxBlock Deploy Achievement document would align

with this understanding, as it would detail the capabilities of Cisco ACI in working with different

network and server environments1.

Understand Isilon Storage: Isilon storage systems are designed to provide a scalable solution for file-

based data applications and workflows1.

Identify the File System Architecture: The Isilon storage uses a single volume, single namespace,

single file system architecture known as OneFS. This architecture is inherently distributed, allowing

for easy scaling from tens of terabytes to tens of petabytes1.

Recognize the Benefits of a Distributed Architecture: The distributed nature of the OneFS file system

architecture allows Isilon storage systems to deliver increased performance and scalability, which is

essential for handling large volumes of file-based data1.

Map to VxBlock 1000: In the context of the VxBlock 1000, the Isilon storage with its distributed file

system architecture integrates with the converged infrastructure to support high-performance

workloads and efficient data management2.

The order of steps taken when using an NSX edge service gateway with proxy mode load balancing is as follows: Client sends traffic to virtual IP address exposed by the load balancer. Load balancer performs address translation and sends traffic to server IP. Server replies by sending the traffic to the load balancer. Load balancer performs address translation and sends the traffic to client IP. The process begins with a client initiating communication by sending traffic to a virtual IP address, which is managed by the NSX edge service gateway functioning as a load balancer. Upon receiving the traffic, the load balancer translates this virtual IP address into one of the actual server IPs that it manages, effectively directing the client’s request to an appropriate server in its pool. The selected server processes this request and responds back, sending its reply to the load balancer rather than directly back to the client. Finally, once receiving this response from the server, the load balancer translates it from its own internal server IP back into what appears as a response from the original virtual IP address and forwards this response on to complete communication loop back at the client’s end. .

Match each team member with their RACI role as follows: Project Manager: Primary point of contact; manages overall project and communications Assessment Team Lead: Ensures proper assessment execution and validates upgrade sequence plan Assessment Team: Communicates upgrade progress and issues to the PM Delivery Manager: Transitions requirements and upgrade plan to the upgrade team Upgrade Team: Point of contact for internal escalations Project Manager: Primary point of contact; manages overall project and communications The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire project, coordinating all activities, and serving as the main point of contact for stakeholders. Assessment Team Lead: Ensures proper assessment execution and validates upgrade sequence plan The Assessment Team Lead oversees the assessment phase, ensuring that the evaluation is thorough and that the upgrade sequence is properly planned and validated. Assessment Team: Communicates upgrade progress and issues to the PM The Assessment Team members are responsible for executing the assessment tasks and reporting progress and any issues encountered to the Project Manager. Delivery Manager: Transitions requirements and upgrade plan to the upgrade team The Delivery Manager is responsible for ensuring that all requirements and the upgrade plan are effectively communicated and handed over to the upgrade team for execution. Upgrade Team: Point of contact for internal escalations The Upgrade Team handles the actual upgrade process and serves as the primary point of contact for any internal escalations that may arise during the upgrade. Reference: Dell EMC project management and RACI documentation. Industry best practices for defining roles and responsibilities in a RACI matrix.