Vce FlashArray-Implementation-Specialist Questions Latest

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 3is 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 intoPCIe slot 3and cable the second shelf to the ports on that specific card to ensure a supported and functional configuration.

When installing rails for a FlashArray in a rack requiring cage nuts (square hole racks that are not using the tool-less mechanism, or specific threaded adaptations), the correct placement for the cage nut is thetop square of the lowest Rack Unit (RU)that the rail will occupy.

Pure Storage rail kits typically secure at the bottom of the targeted rack unit.

The "3-Hole" Rule:A standard Rack Unit (1U) consists of three vertical holes (often referred to as the bottom, middle, and top hole).

Alignment:The rail flange is designed to align such that the retaining screw or positioning stud engages specific holes to support the weight. For the standard securement point, the documentation specifies installing the cage nut in thetop holeof the specific RU where the rail base sits (often the "lowest" RU if the device spans multiple U's, though the rail itself is 1U high).

Precision:Placing it in the "Lowest square of the lowest RU" (Option A) would interfere with the rail's shelf lip or the device below it. Correct alignment ensures the rail is level and the chassis slides in without binding.

When adding a second DirectFlash Shelf to aFlashArray//XL, the connectivity utilizesPCIe Slot 6(in conjunction with Slot 0).

FlashArray//XL Architecture:The //XL chassis distributes its backend NVMe-oF (100GbE RoCE) connectivity across two dedicated PCIe slots to ensure redundancy and maximum bandwidth. As established in hardware diagrams,Slot 0(lower riser) andSlot 6(upper riser) are the designated slots for the 2-port 100GbE backend cards.

Expansion Logic:

First Shelf:Typically connects to Port 0 of the card in Slot 0 and Port 0 of the card in Slot 6 (providing HA).

Second Shelf:Connects to the remaining ports (Port 1) on thesame cardsin Slot 0 and Slot 6.

Exam Context:In the context of "which slot must be used" for the expansion or specifically highlighting the secondary backend slot distinct from the primary host slots,Slot 6is the correct identifier for the backend expansion capability on the //XL. Options A (Slot 0) is the primary, but C (Slot 6) is often the specific answer required to demonstrate knowledge of the //XL's unique split-riser backend layout compared to legacy arrays.

To successfully initialize the FlashArray, the Implementation Engineer shouldremove the port numberfrom the SMTP relay host field.

During the initial setup (via the Purity GUI wizard or CLI), the system requests a "Relay Host" for email alerts. The input field typically expects a validFully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)or IP address (e.g., outlook.office365.com or smtp.example.com).

Syntax Error:Appending the port number (e.g., :587) to the hostname often causes a DNS resolution failure or a syntax error because the array's initialization parser treats the entire string (including the colon and numbers) as the hostname.

Port Configuration:While modern Purity versions support custom SMTP ports (like 587 for TLS), this is often configuredafterthe initial network setup or requires a specific command syntax that separates the host and port. For the purpose of passing the initial "New Array" setup wizard, providing the clean hostname is the standard correction. The engineer can then refine the SMTP settings (adding authentication and specific ports) in the Purity GUI once the array is initialized and accessible.