Hitachi HQT-4180 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

Which two roles does the LAN Blade fulfill in the VSP Midrange family? (Select two.)

A. It establishes the LAN connection to the file module.
B. It serves as the maintenance port linked to the MPC.
C. It delivers the iSCSI connection to servers.
D. It provides the management port connected to the customer’s LAN.

Correct Answer: A, D

Explanation:

The LAN Blade in the VSP Midrange family is a crucial component responsible for network connectivity and management within the storage system. First, option A is correct because the LAN Blade provides the LAN connection to the file module. File modules rely on this connection to communicate over the network, enabling file-level access and data transmission between the storage system and client servers. This LAN link is vital for integrating file-based storage operations into the overall VSP environment.

Option D is also accurate because the LAN Blade hosts the management port that interfaces with the customer’s local area network (LAN). This management port is used for administrative purposes, such as system monitoring, configuration, and remote management through various tools. It ensures that administrators can effectively oversee and maintain the VSP system remotely.

Option B is incorrect because the maintenance port connecting to the Management Processing Controller (MPC) is not provided by the LAN Blade; it typically resides on other system components focused on system health and maintenance. The LAN Blade mainly handles network data traffic rather than specific hardware maintenance.

Option C is wrong since the LAN Blade does not manage iSCSI server connections. iSCSI traffic is typically handled by other dedicated components (like Fibre Channel Blades) within the system architecture designed for block-level storage protocols.

To summarize, the LAN Blade’s two primary functions are enabling LAN connectivity to the file module and providing the management port connected to the customer’s LAN, making A and D the correct answers.

Question 2:

If a customer wants to upgrade the VSP G700 system’s RAM to 512 GB, which CFM (Cache and Fabric Memory) configuration is valid?

A. Two BM35 modules per controller
B. Two BM45 modules per controller
C. One BM45 module per controller
D. Two BM35 modules per system

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Upgrading the RAM in a VSP G700 storage platform involves selecting the correct Cache and Fabric Memory (CFM) module configuration that satisfies the memory capacity requirement—in this case, 512 GB. The VSP G700 utilizes memory modules referred to as BM35 and BM45, each offering different capacities.

Option A is incorrect because two BM35 modules per controller do not provide enough capacity to reach 512 GB. BM35 modules have lower memory sizes, and even installing two per controller falls short of the needed total RAM.

Option B is the correct choice. The BM45 modules have a higher memory capacity compared to BM35 modules. By installing two BM45 modules per controller, the system attains the full 512 GB RAM upgrade target. This configuration ensures sufficient memory to handle high-performance workloads and system caching demands.

Option C is invalid because installing only one BM45 per controller does not meet the 512 GB target. A single BM45 module lacks the capacity required; hence, two per controller are necessary.

Option D is misleading and incorrect. Memory modules in VSP systems are installed per controller, not per system. Even if two BM35 modules were installed per system, it would neither meet the capacity requirements nor follow the proper installation method.

In summary, to achieve a 512 GB RAM upgrade on the VSP G700, the only valid configuration is two BM45 modules per controller, making B the accurate answer. This setup ensures the system has the appropriate memory to operate efficiently and meet customer demands.

Question 3:

How many backup batteries does each controller (CTL) in a VSP E1090 system contain?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) E1090 is engineered for high-end enterprise storage needs, featuring robust hardware to ensure reliability and data integrity. One critical component of the VSP E1090’s architecture is the backup power supply for its cache memory, which prevents data loss during power interruptions. Each controller (CTL) within the VSP E1090 is equipped with two batteries that serve this vital function.

These batteries are housed in replaceable canisters (part number 5541807-A) designed to provide uninterrupted power to cache memory during outages, enabling the system to preserve any data temporarily stored in volatile memory. This battery backup is crucial because cache memory typically holds write data before it’s safely committed to disk. Without reliable battery backup, a sudden power failure could result in data corruption or loss.

The number of batteries per controller is fixed at two, which provides a balance between reliability and manageability. Furthermore, depending on the configuration, the system may have multiple canisters per controller frame (DKC or CBX frame) to support multiple cache cards.

It’s important to recognize that the battery count is per controller, not per system or frame. Understanding this helps in proper maintenance and replacement scheduling, ensuring the storage system’s high availability.

The other answer options are incorrect because:

• A (1 battery) would be insufficient for reliable backup.

• C (3 batteries) and D (4 batteries) exceed the actual configuration, which could lead to misconceptions about hardware support or replacement needs.

In summary, each VSP E1090 controller contains two batteries to maintain cache data integrity during power interruptions, making B the correct choice.

Question 4:

A customer has a VSP G370 system with an encryption license installed. They want all Data Protection (DP) volumes in a specific pool to reside on encrypted RAID groups. 

What two conditions must be met? (Select two.)

A. The controller board must have encryption capability.
B. The RAID groups must use RAID 6 as their level.
C. A minimum of 20 GB of shared memory must be installed.
D. The RAID groups must be formatted with encryption enabled.

Correct Answers: A, D

Explanation:

When a customer configures a VSP G370 storage system to store all Data Protection (DP) volumes on encrypted RAID groups, two critical technical requirements must be fulfilled to ensure proper encryption functionality.

First, the controller board must support encryption (A). Encryption operations are performed at the hardware level on the controller board, which manages key processes like data encryption, decryption, and key management. Even if the encryption license key is installed, encryption cannot operate without a compatible controller board designed to handle these tasks. If the board lacks this capability, encrypted storage functionality will not be available, rendering the license ineffective.

Second, the RAID groups must be formatted with encryption enabled (D). Encryption is not something that can be retroactively applied to existing RAID groups that were formatted without it. When RAID groups are created or reformatted, encryption must be explicitly turned on to ensure all data written to those disks is encrypted at rest. This formatting step guarantees that the physical storage is protected by encryption.

The other options are incorrect because:

• B (RAID 6 requirement) is not necessary for encryption. Encryption applies regardless of RAID level, which is selected based on performance and redundancy considerations, not encryption capabilities.

• C (20 GB shared memory requirement) is unrelated to encryption. Although adequate memory is important for system performance, there is no specific memory threshold needed solely to enable encryption on RAID groups.

Therefore, the two essential conditions to meet the customer's requirement for encrypted DP volumes are: having an encryption-capable controller board (A) and formatting RAID groups with encryption enabled (D).

Question 5:

Which three RAID configurations are supported by Hitachi VSP Midrange systems? (Select three.)

A. 2D + 2D
B. 4D + 1P
C. 7D + 1P
D. 8D + 1P
E. 10D + 2P

Correct Answer: B, C, D

Explanation:

Hitachi’s Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) Midrange series supports specific RAID configurations that optimize the balance between performance, data protection, and storage efficiency. RAID configurations combine data disks (D) and parity disks (P) to ensure fault tolerance and prevent data loss in case of hardware failure.

The configurations supported in VSP Midrange systems primarily follow RAID 5 schemes, which use a single parity disk to protect multiple data disks. The parity data allows recovery from a single disk failure without losing data or interrupting system availability.

• Option B (4D + 1P) is a classic RAID 5 configuration where four data disks are protected by one parity disk. This setup is efficient for balancing storage capacity with redundancy.

• Option C (7D + 1P) is another RAID 5 variant but scaled up, allowing seven data disks to be protected by one parity disk, increasing usable storage while maintaining fault tolerance.

• Option D (8D + 1P) further increases capacity with eight data disks plus one parity disk, providing more space while still guarding against single disk failure.

On the other hand, options A and E are not standard supported configurations in the VSP Midrange lineup.

• A (2D + 2D) does not represent a recognized RAID setup within this system.

• E (10D + 2P) implies a RAID 6 configuration with dual parity disks, which VSP Midrange does not support as a default option.

In summary, options B, C, and D are correct because they represent RAID 5 configurations supported by VSP Midrange systems. These configurations offer the right combination of performance, capacity, and data protection appropriate for enterprise storage environments.

Question 6:

What are three essential requirements to upgrade a VSP E790 system with the SAS Expansion feature? (Select three.)

A. Installation of two additional Disk Boards (DKBs) is necessary.
B. Slots B on both controllers must be free for Disk Board installation.
C. The SAS Expansion license must be applied to the system.
D. Extension1 must be enabled in Shared Memory settings.
E. Drive Boxes (DBs) using a SAS interface need to be added.

Correct Answer: A, C, E

Explanation:

Upgrading the VSP E790 storage system with the SAS Expansion feature involves meeting certain hardware and software prerequisites to enable additional SAS connectivity and expand storage capacity.

• First, option A is crucial: two extra Disk Boards (DKBs) must be installed. These boards provide the physical interface for adding more drives to the system. Without these boards, the system cannot connect or manage the new SAS drives, making this a fundamental hardware upgrade step.

• Next, option C refers to the necessity of installing the SAS Expansion license. This license activates the SAS functionality in the system’s firmware, allowing the system to recognize and utilize the added SAS ports. Without this license, the hardware alone won’t be functional for SAS expansion purposes.

• Finally, option E is essential as it calls for the addition of Drive Boxes (DBs) equipped with SAS interfaces. These Drive Boxes physically house the drives that the SAS Expansion feature supports. Adding DBs is what ultimately increases the system’s storage capacity.

The other options are not mandatory for the SAS upgrade:

• Option B incorrectly assumes that Slots B on both controllers must be available for DKB installation. While installing DKBs is necessary, the requirement for specific slots is not rigid and depends on the system’s configuration flexibility.

• Option D involves enabling Extension1 in Shared Memory, which pertains to other system configurations and is unrelated to SAS Expansion.

In conclusion, the three critical requirements for upgrading the VSP E790 with SAS Expansion are the installation of two additional Disk Boards, the application of the SAS Expansion license, and the addition of SAS-interface Drive Boxes. These ensure the system can physically and logically support the expanded SAS storage.

Question 7:

Which two connections represent valid back-end SAS cable links on a VSP midrange system? (Select two.)

A. From DKA to DKB
B. From ENC to ENC
C. From DKB to ENC
D. From DKA to SSW

Correct Answer: B, C

Explanation:

In a Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) midrange system, back-end SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) cabling is critical for linking internal components such as storage controllers, disk enclosures, and related hardware. These connections enable proper data transfer and system functionality. Understanding which connections are valid helps ensure optimal configuration and performance.

Option B (From ENC to ENC) is a valid connection because ENC represents disk enclosures within the VSP system. SAS cables commonly interconnect multiple enclosures to expand storage capacity and allow data flow between them. This setup ensures distributed data access and redundancy.

Option C (From DKB to ENC) is also valid. DKB refers to one of the storage controllers or backend controllers, and connecting it to ENC (disk enclosure) is essential. This SAS link allows the controller to communicate with the disks housed inside the enclosure, managing read/write operations and controlling data flow.

On the other hand, Option A (From DKA to DKB) is invalid as these represent two different controllers or backend components that are not directly connected via SAS cables in typical configurations. Controllers usually connect to enclosures rather than directly to each other.

Option D (From DKA to SSW) is incorrect because SSW stands for switch, which is part of the front-end data path that manages network communication between clients and the storage system. SAS back-end connections focus on internal hardware links rather than external switches.

In summary, valid back-end SAS connections on a VSP midrange system include linking enclosures to each other and controllers to enclosures, which correspond to B and C respectively. These connections maintain the internal architecture that supports data accessibility and system integrity.

Question 8:

Which two VSP models support the use of attached Drive Box Flash (DBF)? (Select two.)

A. VSP E590
B. VSP F370
C. VSP F700
D. VSP G900

Correct Answer: C, D

Explanation:

Attached Drive Box Flash (DBF) is a feature designed to enhance the storage capacity and performance of certain Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) systems by enabling the integration of flash storage boxes directly attached to the main system. This feature is particularly useful in environments requiring high throughput and low latency.

The VSP F700 (Option C) supports DBF. As a member of the F-series, the F700 is engineered for enterprise environments that demand scalable, high-performance flash storage. The attached Drive Box Flash capability allows the system to incorporate additional flash storage externally, improving performance without replacing the entire array.

Similarly, the VSP G900 (Option D) supports the attached Drive Box Flash. The G-series is known for its robust scalability and performance, designed to handle large enterprise workloads. The G900 model extends its functionality with DBF support, enabling users to attach external flash storage boxes for enhanced speed and storage flexibility.

Conversely, the VSP E590 (Option A), while an enterprise-grade system, does not support attached Drive Box Flash. This model is positioned more as a midrange solution with different storage capabilities that do not include DBF functionality.

The VSP F370 (Option B), another F-series member, does not have DBF support either. It focuses on all-flash or hybrid storage configurations without the need for attached flash boxes.

Therefore, only the VSP F700 and VSP G900 (options C and D) support attached Drive Box Flash, making them the correct choices. This feature allows these models to offer enhanced performance and flexible storage expansion through external flash devices.

Question 9:

In a VSP G700 system with a 3D + 1P RAID configuration, if a drive fails and no spare drive is available, which two automatic actions does the system perform? (Select two.)

A An alert is triggered.
B Dynamic Sparing begins.
C The Correction Copy process initiates.
D The RAID group enters Correction Access mode.

Answer: A, C

Explanation:

When a drive in a RAID group fails in a VSP G700 storage system and there is no hot spare drive available, the system automatically executes specific processes to protect data and notify administrators.

First, the system generates an alert (A). This alert is crucial because it immediately notifies system administrators or monitoring tools that a failure has occurred. Prompt notification ensures that necessary actions, such as replacing the failed drive, can be taken quickly to avoid data loss or further degradation. Alerting is a fundamental feature of enterprise storage systems, as it helps maintain operational awareness and uptime.

Second, the system starts the Correction Copy process (C). Since there is no spare drive to automatically replace the failed one, this process attempts to maintain data integrity by copying data from surviving drives in the RAID group. In a 3D + 1P (3 Data + 1 Parity) RAID setup, data redundancy allows for one drive failure, and the Correction Copy process uses this redundancy to rebuild and correct the data layout on the remaining drives. This operation helps safeguard data while awaiting physical replacement of the failed drive.

Why not the other options?

• Dynamic Sparing (B) is a feature that automatically uses available spare drives to replace failed ones. However, if no spare exists, this process cannot start, so it does not occur automatically in this scenario.

• Correction Access mode (D) is not a recognized automatic state for the RAID group in the VSP G700 system. While the RAID group becomes degraded and undergoes correction processes, it does not enter a specific “Correction Access” state as part of standard failure handling.

Thus, the system automatically alerts administrators and begins the correction process to maintain data integrity until manual intervention occurs.

Question 10:

In the context of the Hitachi HQT-4180 exam, which focuses on Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) systems, what is the primary purpose of the back-end SAS cable connections?

A. To connect storage controllers to external client networks
B. To link internal storage controllers with disk enclosures for data transfer
C. To provide power supply connections to storage arrays
D. To establish communication between storage management software and hardware

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The Hitachi HQT-4180 certification exam tests knowledge and skills related to the installation, configuration, and management of Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) systems. A critical part of this involves understanding the role of back-end SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) cable connections.

Back-end SAS connections are used inside the VSP system to link storage controllers to disk enclosures, which house the physical drives (HDDs or SSDs). This connection is crucial because it enables the controller to communicate directly with the disks for reading and writing data. The SAS protocol offers high-speed, reliable data transfer suited for enterprise storage environments, making it ideal for backend connectivity.

Option B is correct because the back-end SAS cables form the internal data path connecting controllers (such as DKA or DKB) to enclosures (ENC). This connection ensures that data requests from applications or clients reach the physical storage media via the controller, allowing efficient and organized storage operations.

Option A is incorrect because external client network connectivity is typically handled by front-end connections, such as Fibre Channel or iSCSI, not back-end SAS cables.

Option C is also incorrect since power connections are managed separately through dedicated power cables and infrastructure, not SAS cables.

Option D is inaccurate because communication between storage management software and hardware happens through network or management interfaces, not through SAS cabling.

In summary, the back-end SAS cables within a Hitachi VSP system provide the essential link between storage controllers and disk enclosures, facilitating rapid and reliable data transfer inside the storage infrastructure. Mastery of this concept is vital for anyone preparing for the HQT-4180 exam, as it underpins much of the system’s operational knowledge. Understanding how to properly configure and troubleshoot these connections will help ensure the storage system performs optimally and meets enterprise requirements.