Dell D-MSS-DS-23 Practice Test Questions, Exam Dumps

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D-MSS-DS-23 Dell Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question 1

What is the highest number of thin clones that can be created from a single base LUN in a Dell Unity XT storage system?

A. 32
B. 16
C. 24
D. 12

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Dell Unity XT is a midrange storage platform designed for performance, efficiency, and simplicity in enterprise storage environments. Among its advanced features is the ability to use thin clones, which are a form of space-efficient, writable snapshots of base LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers). Thin clones allow organizations to quickly create multiple, independent copies of data without consuming the full space of the original LUN. This is especially useful in scenarios such as software development, testing environments, or provisioning multiple virtual machines.

The maximum number of thin clones per base LUN in a Dell Unity XT system is 32. This means that from a single base LUN, administrators can create up to 32 distinct thin clones, each of which operates independently but shares unchanged data blocks with the base. This capability allows for extensive data reuse while minimizing the storage footprint.

Let’s analyze the other options:

Option B, 16, underrepresents the system’s capabilities. While some other storage systems may support only a smaller number of clones per base, Dell Unity XT is engineered to support more flexibility and scalability, with the threshold extending beyond 16.

Option C, 24, is also incorrect. Although it might appear plausible given some storage configurations, it does not match the technical limit documented in Dell’s official specifications or administration guides.

Option D, 12, is too low for a modern midrange enterprise storage solution like Unity XT, which aims to support a large number of development and testing environments efficiently.

The reason Dell Unity XT supports as many as 32 thin clones is due to its architecture that allows metadata-based cloning. Thin clones rely heavily on redirect-on-write technology and metadata mappings rather than physically duplicating data, which allows a much higher number of clones to exist simultaneously without significantly impacting performance or storage capacity.

In practical terms, this limit helps administrators plan capacity and clone strategies effectively. While 32 clones per base LUN offer considerable flexibility, administrators must still monitor the performance and storage impact, especially in environments where clones are frequently updated or written to, which can lead to increased storage usage over time.

In conclusion, Dell Unity XT supports a maximum of 32 thin clones per base LUN, making A the correct answer.

Question 2

What kind of details are provided in the My Work Environmental Reports?

A. Switch configuration and Host configuration
B. Switch configuration and VPLEX configuration
C. Non-Dell product configurations
D. Interoperability and Migrations readiness

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
The My Work Environmental Reports are a feature typically associated with enterprise-level IT infrastructure tools offered by companies like Dell Technologies. These reports are designed to help system administrators, IT support engineers, or service teams gain a clear understanding of the current state of an organization's IT environment — specifically those components under Dell's scope of service and support.

One of the primary functions of these reports is to provide insight into the configuration of hardware and software components that are connected within the customer's data center or enterprise infrastructure. Among the most critical areas they focus on are switch configurations and host configurations.

Let’s examine the options provided and assess them based on what such a report is expected to deliver:

A. Switch configuration and Host configuration
This is the correct answer. My Work Environmental Reports typically include detailed information about the switches, which are key components in a storage area network (SAN) or Ethernet environment, and how they are configured. This can include zoning, port utilization, firmware levels, and health status. Similarly, the host configuration portion details the connected servers (hosts), including operating system versions, multipathing settings, firmware levels, and drivers. Both these elements are essential for diagnosing issues, planning upgrades, or validating readiness for migrations and interoperability. These configurations are directly relevant to Dell's infrastructure products and services, which the report is designed to support.

B. Switch configuration and VPLEX configuration
While Dell Technologies supports and provides tools for VPLEX environments (a data virtualization solution), the My Work Environmental Report is more generalized and does not specifically focus only on VPLEX configurations. While it may include some VPLEX-related details if VPLEX is part of the infrastructure, the report is broader and primarily highlights general switch and host configurations. Therefore, although partially correct, this answer is too specific and not universally applicable.

C. Non-Dell product configurations
This is incorrect because My Work Environmental Reports are geared toward Dell-supported products and environments. Although they may show how certain non-Dell products interact with Dell systems (such as third-party switches or hosts), the configuration details provided typically focus on Dell hardware and software. The report is not meant to document or diagnose all third-party equipment unless it directly affects Dell systems.

D. Interoperability and Migrations readiness
While interoperability and migration planning are important topics in enterprise IT, they are derived conclusions or use cases, not the core data provided by My Work Environmental Reports. The report supports interoperability assessments and migration readiness planning by showing hardware and software configurations, but it does not directly contain readiness checklists or automated interoperability validations. These are typically handled by separate tools or teams based on the data the report provides.

In summary, the correct answer is A because My Work Environmental Reports are designed to provide critical configuration data on switches and hosts, which are foundational components in enterprise IT environments. These insights help administrators ensure their systems are operating optimally, are secure, and are compatible with upcoming updates or migrations.

Question 3:

Which of the following tools is suitable for migrating file-level data from a legacy VNX storage array to a new Dell Unity XT array in a Windows host environment?

A. DataDobi
B. SANCopy
C. Rsync

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

When migrating data between storage systems, especially from older to newer models, the selection of the appropriate tool is crucial for ensuring data integrity, minimizing downtime, and supporting the specific file system and operating system environments involved.

Let’s examine each option in relation to the task of migrating file data for Windows hosts from a legacy EMC VNX to a Dell Unity XT array.

Option A: DataDobi
DataDobi is the correct answer. It is a commercial data migration solution that specializes in NAS-to-NAS file migrations across a wide range of storage platforms, including EMC VNX and Dell Unity systems. DataDobi supports Windows file systems, provides granular control over data transfers, and ensures high data fidelity. It also offers advanced features such as cutover planning, permission preservation, metadata handling, and file system analysis, which are essential in enterprise-grade migrations. The tool is designed to minimize the impact on production environments and provides detailed reports for auditing purposes. It is officially supported and recommended in many Dell EMC storage migration scenarios.

Option B: SANCopy
SANCopy is a block-level data migration tool developed by EMC. While it can be used to migrate LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers) from one storage array to another, it is not suitable for file-level migrations, especially in environments using CIFS/SMB or NFS protocols. Since the question specifies file data on Windows hosts, SANCopy is not an appropriate choice. Moreover, SANCopy is primarily used in SAN (Storage Area Network) environments, not for NAS (Network Attached Storage) migrations, which are more relevant in the case of file-level storage.

Option C: Rsync
Rsync is a Linux-based utility widely used for syncing and copying files between systems. Although it is a powerful and efficient tool for file-level copying, it is primarily designed for Linux/Unix environments. It does not natively support the Windows NTFS file system and its security attributes, making it an unreliable or non-optimal choice for enterprise-level Windows file migrations. Furthermore, Rsync is not vendor-optimized for EMC or Dell systems, so it lacks the integration and support required for large-scale storage transitions involving enterprise arrays like VNX or Unity XT.

To migrate file-level data from a legacy VNX to a Dell Unity XT array in a Windows host environment, you need a tool that can handle NAS migrations, preserve file permissions, and scale reliably. Among the listed options, DataDobi is the most suitable and is officially recognized as a reliable migration tool for this exact purpose.

The correct answer is: A

Question 4

Which two methods can be used to gather telemetry files while assessing the current configuration of a Dell Unity XT system? (Choose two.)

A. UEMCLI
B. unity_service_data collects
C. unity_telemetry_data collects
D. PSTCLI

Correct Answer: A and C

Explanation:

When evaluating a Dell Unity XT system, telemetry files play a crucial role in diagnosing performance issues, tracking system behavior, and assisting with configuration analysis. These files contain system statistics, logs, and configuration data that are essential for Dell support and internal audits. There are multiple tools and methods available for collecting such data, and understanding which ones are valid for telemetry gathering is key to effective system management.

Option A: UEMCLI
UEMCLI (Unisphere CLI) is a command-line interface for Dell Unity systems that enables administrators to execute management tasks through a scripting interface. Among its many capabilities is the ability to collect diagnostic data, including telemetry information, through specific commands. It allows for flexible and repeatable data collection procedures, especially useful for large environments or automated tasks. UEMCLI supports commands to trigger telemetry data collection, making it a valid tool for this purpose.

Option C: unity_telemetry_data collects
This utility is specifically designed to collect telemetry data from Unity systems. It is a script or command typically used by administrators or support engineers to extract current system performance and usage statistics. Since it is tailored for telemetry extraction rather than general service or configuration data, it is directly aligned with the goal of gathering telemetry information. This tool often gathers metrics like CPU, bandwidth, IOPS, and storage capacity trends, making it essential for evaluating system health and efficiency.

Option B: unity_service_data collects
This command is generally used for broader service-related data collection, such as logs and full configuration dumps, often needed for deep troubleshooting or when submitting data to Dell Support. While it collects useful system information, it is not focused on telemetry data specifically and may include much more than necessary for a telemetry-focused review. It is not typically the first choice when specifically targeting telemetry files.

Option D: PSTCLI
PSTCLI refers to PowerStore CLI, which is used for managing Dell PowerStore systems—not Unity XT. Therefore, using PSTCLI to collect telemetry from a Unity XT system is not possible or applicable. This tool is platform-specific and unrelated to Unity XT’s management and data collection procedures.

In summary, the tools or commands specifically capable of gathering telemetry data for Dell Unity XT are UEMCLI and unity_telemetry_data collects, making A and C the correct answers.

Question 5

What occurs during the "Create a file import session" step in a PowerStore file import process?

A. Production interfaces are disabled on the source side
B. Destination NAS server resources are created
C. Source import network interface is created
D. Options for import are specified

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
PowerStore is Dell Technologies’ unified storage solution designed to support block, file, and VMware Virtual Volumes (vVols). It includes built-in functionality for data migration, which simplifies moving file systems from a source system (like Unity or VNX) to a PowerStore system. The file import process is particularly streamlined through the use of a defined sequence of operations, one of which is "Create a file import session."

The purpose of this step is to set up and define the import session, which involves configuring specific options and parameters that will govern how the import will proceed. This configuration process is essential for customizing the import according to the environment's needs and ensuring that the transfer behaves as expected.

Let’s evaluate each of the answer choices:

A. Production interfaces are disabled on the source side
This is not done during the "Create a file import session" step. Disabling production interfaces on the source system is typically one of the final steps in the migration process, right before or during the cutover. It ensures there is no more live data being written to the source system, preventing data loss or inconsistencies. Therefore, this action occurs much later than the import session creation step.

B. Destination NAS server resources are created
While this is an important part of the overall file migration process, it is not a direct action of the "Create a file import session" step. The creation of NAS server resources on the PowerStore side typically occurs before setting up the file import session. You need to have destination resources ready in order to define how data from the source will map over. So although this activity is part of the preparation, it is not part of this particular step.

C. Source import network interface is created
This too is a preparatory action that is completed before creating the file import session. The source import interface is necessary to establish communication between the PowerStore system and the source storage system. Without it, PowerStore cannot pull data from the source. However, this setup happens earlier and is not configured during the session creation.

D. Options for import are specified
This is the correct answer. During the "Create a file import session" step, administrators specify options such as:

The source and destination file systems
The interface to use for importing
Whether the import should be manual or automatic
Cutover timing (scheduled or on-demand)
Whether to preserve timestamps and permissions
Options for validation and verification

This step is all about configuration and defining parameters for how the import will function. It does not perform actual data movement or interface manipulation but instead defines the logic and scope of the migration. Once these options are set and validated, the session becomes active and ready for execution.

In conclusion, the action performed during the "Create a file import session" step in PowerStore’s file import process is to define and configure the settings and options for the import. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

Question 6:

When using Unity Designer to plan and size a Dell Unity storage system, which two of the following options are considered input parameters? (Choose two.)

A. Enclosures
B. Drive Modules
C. Block and File resources
D. NAS Server Nodes
E. Host Access Modes

Correct Answers: A, C

Explanation:

Unity Designer is a planning and sizing tool provided by Dell Technologies for designing and validating configurations of Dell Unity and Unity XT storage systems. The purpose of the tool is to ensure the storage array being planned meets performance, capacity, and scalability requirements, based on specific workload characteristics and architectural inputs.

To achieve this, Unity Designer requires several input parameters—these are details the user must provide to accurately model and size the storage environment. Let's examine each option to determine which are valid input parameters.

Option A: Enclosures
This is a correct input parameter. In Unity Designer, enclosures (such as DAEs – Disk Array Enclosures) represent the hardware building blocks used to add additional disk capacity to the system. Specifying the number and type of enclosures helps the tool estimate total physical space, disk configuration, and available resources. Since enclosures directly influence capacity and expansion capabilities, they are a critical input in the design process.

Option B: Drive Modules
This is not typically a user-defined input parameter in Unity Designer. While the types of drives (e.g., SSDs, NL-SAS, SAS) are associated with capacity planning, Unity Designer generally allows you to select drive types or capacities, not specific drive modules in a standalone context. Drive modules are more a part of the underlying hardware setup, not a user input for performance modeling or workload sizing.

Option C: Block and File resources
This is a correct input parameter. Unity Designer asks users to define the expected workloads in terms of block (LUNs, VMware datastores, etc.) and file (NAS shares, file systems) resources. These inputs include capacity, IOPS, throughput, and latency expectations. By modeling how much of the system will be used for block versus file storage, Unity Designer can generate appropriate system configurations to meet the performance demands of both.

Option D: NAS Server Nodes
While NAS servers are used within Unity systems to provide file services, NAS Server Nodes are not a direct input parameter in Unity Designer. The tool may derive NAS server requirements based on block and file resource inputs, but you don’t typically input server node specifics during initial planning. Hence, this is not a correct answer.

Option E: Host Access Modes
Host Access Modes—such as Fibre Channel, iSCSI, or SMB/NFS protocols—are relevant when deploying a storage solution but are generally not direct input parameters in Unity Designer. While the protocol selection influences hardware configurations and host compatibility, Unity Designer focuses on performance and capacity-related inputs rather than access protocol configurations.

The two correct input parameters in Unity Designer are Enclosures, which define the hardware storage chassis used for capacity expansion, and Block and File resources, which reflect the workload requirements the system must handle.

The correct answers are: A, C

Question 7

Which items are included as components in a Dell PowerStore Base Volume Family?

A. Thin clones, snapshots, and original volume only
B. Snapshots, original volume, and replication target only
C. Thin clones, snapshots, original volume, and replication target
D. Thin clones and snapshots only

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

In Dell PowerStore, a Base Volume Family is a conceptual grouping that includes the original volume and all dependent components derived from it. These components are interconnected through the data services and lifecycle features that Dell PowerStore provides, such as cloning, replication, and snapshotting. The system tracks these relationships to manage data integrity, space efficiency, and operations like restore, replication, or clone deletion effectively.

A Base Volume is the original storage volume from which other objects can be created. These objects can include thin clones, snapshots, and replication targets, all of which maintain a dependency on the base volume in one way or another.

Let’s break down each component included in a Base Volume Family:

Original Volume: This is the foundational element. All related objects stem from this base volume. The system uses this as the primary reference point for managing relationships and dependencies.
Snapshots: These are point-in-time representations of the volume's data. Snapshots in PowerStore are read-only by default, but they can be used to create thin clones. They are a core part of the Base Volume Family since they are derived directly from the base volume and rely on shared metadata.
Thin Clones: These are writable, space-efficient copies of the original volume or its snapshots. They are tightly coupled with the base volume in terms of metadata and data block sharing, which makes them a clear member of the volume family.
Replication Target: This refers to a volume that receives replicated data from the base volume as part of a disaster recovery or backup strategy. The replication relationship is tracked as part of the base volume’s lifecycle, and hence the replication target is also considered part of the family.

Now let’s look at why the other options are incorrect:

Option A is incorrect because it omits the replication target, which is an important part of data protection and disaster recovery.

Option B leaves out thin clones, which are frequently used in DevOps and testing environments and are directly tied to the base volume's data and metadata structure.

Option D only includes thin clones and snapshots, omitting both the original volume and the replication target, which are essential to defining the family.

Therefore, only Option C correctly includes all the components that form a Dell PowerStore Base Volume Family: the original volume, snapshots, thin clones, and the replication target. This makes C the correct answer.

Question 8

Which backend port is required to expand the PowerStore x200 models to support NVMe expansions?

A. 32 Gb FC I/O Module
B. 25 GbE 4-Port Mezz Card
C. 100 GbE 2-port Mezz card

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Dell PowerStore x200 series is part of the second generation of PowerStore storage systems, designed for high performance, scalability, and next-generation protocol support, including NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF). As enterprise data needs grow, many customers seek to expand their PowerStore arrays using NVMe-based expansion enclosures, which offer ultra-low latency and higher throughput compared to traditional SAS-based expansion options.

To support these NVMe expansions, PowerStore x200 systems require specific backend connectivity that can handle the extremely high throughput and protocol demands of NVMe architecture. This backend interface is different from traditional Ethernet or Fibre Channel modules used for front-end host connectivity.

Let’s analyze the provided options to determine which port is required:

A. 32 Gb FC I/O Module
While 32 Gb Fibre Channel (FC) is a high-speed host interface and widely used for SAN connectivity, it is designed for host-side connections, not for connecting expansion enclosures. Additionally, FC is not used for backend NVMe enclosure communications within PowerStore. Therefore, this module is not suitable or required for NVMe expansion on PowerStore x200 models.

B. 25 GbE 4-Port Mezz Card
25 GbE cards are typically used for front-end Ethernet host connectivity, including iSCSI and NVMe over TCP, depending on the system configuration. However, like the FC module, these are not used for internal enclosure expansion or backend NVMe communication. The 25 GbE mezzanine card is not involved in linking the PowerStore base system to NVMe expansion shelves.

C. 100 GbE 2-port Mezz card
This is the correct choice. The PowerStore x200 series requires the 100 GbE 2-port mezzanine card to support NVMe expansion enclosures. This card provides the high-speed backend connectivity necessary to handle the bandwidth and protocol requirements of NVMe drives. These ports are used to connect the base enclosure to NVMe expansion shelves using NVMe over RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet), which leverages Ethernet infrastructure while enabling the ultra-low latency performance expected from NVMe.

The 100 GbE backend connection ensures that the NVMe communication path between the controller and the drives in the expansion enclosures is not bottlenecked, supporting high IOPS and low latency. It also aligns with the PowerStore x200 architecture, which is optimized for all-NVMe deployments and is designed to scale seamlessly with NVMe-based expansions.

In summary, while the other modules serve important roles in connecting to hosts or networks, only the 100 GbE 2-port mezzanine card provides the necessary backend connectivity for NVMe expansion on the PowerStore x200 models. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Question 9:

When designing a Dell storage system to support an Oracle OLAP workload for a new customer who does not provide specific I/O details, what are the default I/O profile input values selected in the sizing tool (sizer)?

A. Sequential Read: 80% at 8 KiB
B. Random Read: 70% at 8 KiB
C. Sequential Read: 70% at 8 KiB
D. Random Read: 50% at 32 KiB

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

When using Dell’s sizer tools—such as Unity Sizer or the broader Dell Enterprise Infrastructure Planning Tool (EIPT)—the goal is to accurately model system performance and capacity requirements. These tools use workload profiles as inputs to simulate how a storage system will respond to various data patterns. In cases where the customer cannot provide specific I/O characteristics, default workload templates are used.

For an Oracle OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) workload, which typically involves a high number of read operations across large datasets in a non-transactional, analytical pattern, the default I/O profile in the sizing tool represents expected usage patterns. In such analytical systems, the emphasis is usually on random read activity, as the system must fetch many non-sequential data blocks for processing queries and analysis.

Let’s examine each of the options based on standard workload defaults used by Dell sizers:

Option A: Sequential Read: 80% at 8 KiB / Sequential Write: 20% at 8 KiB
This pattern represents a highly sequential workload, typically seen in streaming, video processing, or backup systems. Oracle OLAP is generally not sequential in nature, since queries often access scattered data blocks rather than contiguous sequences. Hence, this does not reflect the default OLAP workload in the sizer.

Option B: Random Read: 70% at 8 KiB / Random Write: 30% at 8 KiB
This is the correct answer and matches the default Oracle OLAP workload profile in the sizer tools. Analytical processing in Oracle databases typically triggers frequent random reads, since it needs to access diverse parts of large datasets simultaneously. The 8 KiB block size also matches the typical I/O size used by Oracle databases. The write percentage is smaller, as OLAP systems are optimized for query and reporting rather than frequent updates. This is the default setting when specific workload data is not provided.

Option C: Sequential Read: 70% at 8 KiB / Sequential Write: 30% at 8 KiB
While this pattern is more balanced, it still represents sequential access, which is more appropriate for ETL jobs or media workloads. Oracle OLAP workloads are more read-intensive and random in nature. This is not the standard default used for OLAP in Dell sizing tools.

Option D: Random Read: 50% at 32 KiB / Random Write: 50% at 32 KiB
This option reflects a highly balanced random access pattern with larger I/O sizes (32 KiB). This profile might fit certain enterprise applications like Exchange or VDI, but not specifically Oracle OLAP. Moreover, 32 KiB is not the typical block size associated with Oracle, making this an unlikely default.

For an Oracle OLAP workload with no specific I/O details provided, Dell sizing tools default to a profile of 70% random read and 30% random write, both at 8 KiB block size. This pattern is consistent with how OLAP workloads function—focusing on data retrieval and analysis with minimal updates.

The correct answer is: B

Question 10

A systems administrator has deployed a Dell Unity XT 380F system using 15x 1.92 TB SSDs in a RAID 5 dynamic pool. The administrator then adds 4x 3.84 TB SSDs to expand capacity. What will be the result of adding these larger drives?

A. The mixing of drive types is not supported, and the operation will fail.
B. Only half of the capacity of the new drives will be available.
C. Three of the drives will be added with a fourth reserved as spare.
D. The full capacity of the drives will be available.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In Dell Unity XT systems, specifically when using dynamic pools, it is possible to mix drive capacities within the same pool as long as the drive types are the same—such as SSDs with other SSDs. This functionality allows administrators to scale out their storage by adding higher-capacity drives without having to rebuild or restructure existing pools.

In this scenario, the administrator originally deployed a Unity XT 380F system with 15x 1.92 TB SSDs configured in a RAID 5 dynamic pool. Shortly afterward, they want to expand the pool’s capacity and add 4x 3.84 TB SSDs. Since all the drives involved are SSDs, they are of the same type, just different capacities. Dell Unity XT systems support this configuration under the dynamic pool model.

When drives of larger capacity are added to a dynamic pool that already includes smaller drives, all of the capacity of the newly added drives will be fully utilized. The system incorporates the larger drives as full members of the pool and uses their entire capacity for data striping, redundancy, and performance optimization.

Now, let’s analyze the incorrect options:

Option A is incorrect because mixing drive capacities is supported in dynamic pools, as long as the drive types are the same (SSD with SSD, for example). If this were a traditional pool, the limitation might apply, but dynamic pools were specifically designed to overcome these kinds of restrictions.

Option B is incorrect. In older or more rigid storage architectures, systems might ignore part of the capacity of larger drives to maintain uniformity across the pool. However, Unity XT’s dynamic pool architecture is flexible and allows full utilization of the larger drives, eliminating waste and maximizing usable capacity.

Option C is also incorrect. While the system may reserve spare drives for redundancy and fault tolerance, this behavior is configurable and not automatic upon adding drives. Unless a spare is manually designated or required by a specific configuration, all four drives will be used for expansion. There's no default rule that says one of the four added drives must be reserved as a spare.

Therefore, Option D is correct because the Unity XT system with dynamic pools will incorporate the entire capacity of the 3.84 TB SSDs into the pool, ensuring that the administrator gets the full benefit of their expanded storage without manual intervention or loss of space.

In conclusion, Dell Unity XT’s dynamic pool architecture fully supports mixed-capacity SSDs and utilizes all available storage from newly added larger drives, making D the correct answer.