010-151 Supporting Cisco Datacenter Networking Devices Questions and Answers

The Cisco UCS 5100 Blade Server Chassis is a key component of the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), designed to provide a scalable and efficient platform for deploying blade servers and extending network connectivity within a data center environment. Understanding the compatibility and supported devices for the UCS 5100 chassis is essential for optimizing infrastructure deployment and ensuring seamless integration with other system components.

1. Blade Servers (Option B):

Definition:

Blade Servers are compact, modular servers that fit into a chassis, allowing multiple servers to operate within a single physical enclosure. This design maximizes space utilization and simplifies management.

Compatibility with UCS 5100:

The Cisco UCS 5100 Blade Server Chassis is specifically engineered to host B-Series Blade Servers. These blade servers are integrated into the chassis, sharing common resources such as power, cooling, and networking components.

Key Features:

Scalability: Easily add or remove blade servers to adjust computing capacity based on organizational needs.

Resource Sharing: Centralized management of power and cooling, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced operational costs.

Simplified Management: Unified management through Cisco UCS Manager, enabling streamlined configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of multiple blade servers.

Use Cases:

Enterprise Data Centers: Ideal for environments requiring high-density computing power with efficient resource utilization.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing: Supports workloads that benefit from scalable and flexible server deployments.

2. Fiber Extenders (Option E):

Definition:

Fiber Extenders, often referred to as Fabric Extenders (FEX) in Cisco terminology, are devices that extend the connectivity of the UCS chassis by providing additional ports for network and storage traffic. They act as remote line cards, facilitating communication between the chassis and connected devices.

Compatibility with UCS 5100:

The Cisco UCS 5100 Blade Server Chassis supports the integration of Fiber Extenders to expand the network and storage connectivity options. This allows for greater flexibility in network architecture and the ability to connect a larger number of devices without overloading the chassis itself.

Key Features:

Enhanced Connectivity: Provides additional ports for Ethernet and Fibre Channel connections, enabling robust network and storage solutions.

Simplified Cabling: Reduces the complexity of cabling by centralizing connections through the chassis and extending them via the Fiber Extenders.

Scalability: Facilitates the expansion of network and storage infrastructures without the need for additional chassis units.

Use Cases:

Large-Scale Deployments: Suitable for data centers that require extensive network and storage connectivity beyond what a single chassis can provide.

High-Performance Computing: Supports environments that demand high bandwidth and low latency connections for data-intensive applications.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. S-Series Storage Servers:

Explanation: The S-Series refers to Cisco's storage servers, which are typically standalone units designed for specific storage tasks. They are not directly supported within the UCS 5100 Blade Server Chassis, which is optimized for blade server and network extender integration.

C. Rack-mount Servers:

Explanation: Rack-mount Servers are part of Cisco's C-Series and are designed to be deployed in traditional rack environments. They are not compatible with the blade-centric UCS 5100 chassis, which is tailored for blade server form factors.

D. E-Series Servers:

Explanation: The E-Series pertains to Cisco's Ethernet and storage networking solutions, not servers. These devices include switches and other networking equipment that, while integral to the UCS ecosystem, are not directly supported as devices within the UCS 5100 chassis itself.

Summary:

The Cisco UCS 5100 Blade Server Chassis is primarily designed to support Blade Servers (Option B), providing a scalable and efficient platform for high-density computing.

Additionally, it supports Fiber Extenders (Option E), which extend the chassis's connectivity capabilities, allowing for expanded network and storage options.

Other options like S-Series Storage Servers, Rack-mount Servers, and E-Series Servers are either not compatible or serve different roles within the Cisco UCS ecosystem.

 Red X (Critical Issue):

Description: "Serious problems exist with one or more components. These issues should be researched and fixed immediately."

 Orange Triangle (Potential Issue):

Description: "Potential problems exist with one or more components that might adversely affect system performance if they are allowed to continue. These issues should be researched and fixed as soon as possible before the problem grows worse."

 Yellow Triangle (Warning Issue):

Description: "Critical problems exist with one or more components. These issues should be researched and fixed immediately."

 Green Check (Normal/OK Status):

Description: "Problems exist with one or more components that might adversely affect system performance. These issues should be researched and fixed as soon as possible before they become major or critical issues."

In a Cisco UCS (Unified Computing System) environment, the show cluster state command is used to display detailed information about the state of the cluster, particularly the high availability (HA) state between the two Fabric Interconnects. This command provides essential details regarding the roles of each Fabric Interconnect (primary or subordinate) and the overall health of the cluster.

Explanation of Incorrect Options:

A. Show cluster: This command is incomplete and does not provide the full state information of the cluster.

B. Show cluster extended-state: Although this command is used to display additional details about the cluster, it is not specifically the command that provides the basic state information.

D. Show extended cluster state: This is not a valid command in Cisco UCS CLI.

Summary:

The correct command to check the basic state of the cluster in a Cisco UCS environment is show cluster state. This command is critical for monitoring the high availability configuration and ensuring the UCS Fabric Interconnects are operating as intended.

In Cisco UCS servers, the System Health LED provides a visual indication of the server's health. A steady amber System Health LED typically indicates a major issue within the server hardware that requires attention. Here are the likely causes:

At least one DIMM is faulty (Option A):A steady amber LED may indicate a hardware fault, including memory issues such as a faulty DIMM. Memory faults are common causes of amber status LEDs in servers, as these can affect the overall stability of the system.

Major fault with the system board (Option C):A significant issue with the system board can also trigger the steady amber LED. This could include issues with onboard components or interconnects that are critical to the server's operation.

Explanation of Other Options:

B. Major fault with CPU: While a CPU fault can cause the system to fail, it generally results in a different LED behavior or a critical (red) LED rather than a steady amber.

D. CPU mismatch: A CPU mismatch typically occurs if processors of different specifications are installed, but it does not usually result in a steady amber System Health LED. It might produce a different error or status.

E. Major fault with memory DIMM: While this option seems related, the term "at least one DIMM is faulty" (Option A) is more accurate as it specifies the memory fault directly causing the amber LED.

Summary:

A steady amber System Health LED in a Cisco UCS server often indicates at least one faulty DIMM or a major fault with the system board. These issues typically require further diagnostics and possibly hardware replacement to restore the server to full operational health.