Netapp NS0-185 NetApp Storage Installation Engineer - ONTAP Professional Exam Exam Practice Test

After installing a NetApp storage system, it is critical to validate the environment for configuration and cabling errors.Config Advisoris the NetApp-recommended tool specifically designed for this purpose.

Config Advisor performs automated checks against NetApp-supported configuration rules, including hardware cabling, HA setup, disk ownership, shelf connectivity, network configuration, and firmware compatibility. It identifies misconfigurations that could lead to operational issues if left unresolved.

FilerView and BNA are legacy or unrelated tools, and Synergy is not used for ONTAP installation validation.

Therefore, the correct answer isD (Config Advisor).

ONTAP SAN solution assessment requires adherence to proven configuration best practices to ensure availability, resiliency, and supportability.

First,all nodes must run the same ONTAP version. Mixed-version clusters are only permitted temporarily during upgrades. Running different versions long-term can cause compatibility issues and is not supported as a steady-state configuration.

Second,LIFs must have defined failover policies. Proper LIF failover ensures that network access is maintained during port, node, or network failures. This is a foundational availability principle in ONTAP networking design.

Third,the root aggregate must never be used for data storage. The root aggregate is reserved exclusively for system metadata and cluster operations. Storing user data on the root aggregate can compromise system stability and is explicitly prohibited in NetApp best practices.

Removing failed disks annually is incorrect; failed disks must be replaced immediately. Plugging all power supplies into the same power grid eliminates redundancy and violates high-availability design principles.

Therefore, the correct answers areA, B, and E.

ONTAP automatically selectsRAID-DPas the default RAID type for SSD-based aggregates, including 3.8 TB SSDs, in ONTAP 9.8.

RAID-DP provides double-parity protection, allowing the aggregate to withstand two simultaneous disk failures without data loss. RAID-TEC is reserved for very large aggregates and is not the default. RAID 4 and RAID 0 do not provide adequate protection for production systems.

Therefore, the correct answer isD (RAID DP).

A Service Event Report (SER) is used to document installation, maintenance, or corrective actions performed on NetApp systems. Thenode serial numberis the primary identifier used to associate the report with specific hardware.

Other identifiers such as case ID, project number, or sales order number are supplementary and may not always exist at the time the SER is created.

Therefore, the correct answer isC (the node serial number).

During cluster setup, nodes usecluster interconnect LIFs, which are automatically assignedlink-local IP addresses in the 169.254.x.x range. Management IP addresses (192.168.x.x) are not used for node join operations.

The address169.254.212.198corresponds to node02’s cluster LIF and would therefore be used to join the cluster.

Understanding hardware components is a core requirement within ONTAP SAN concepts. The exhibit highlights several key components on a FAS9000 system that are essential to system operation and high availability.

The large central components shown are the controllers, which house the CPUs, memory, and network interfaces responsible for data processing and cluster operations. Adjacent to the controllers are the NVRAM modules, which are critical for write caching and data integrity. NVRAM ensures that incoming write operations are safely logged and protected in the event of power loss or controller failover.

The exhibit also highlights the serial ports, which are used for low-level system access during installation, troubleshooting, or recovery scenarios. Serial ports are especially important during initial setup or when network access is unavailable.

Finally, the highlighted FlashCache modules provide read caching functionality. FlashCache accelerates read-intensive workloads by caching frequently accessed data on flash memory, improving overall system performance.

Other options are incorrect because they either include components not highlighted in the exhibit (such as power supplies or USB ports) or misidentify the flash modules. Therefore, the correct set of components shown in the exhibit is NVRAM-Module, Controller, Serial-Port, FlashCache-Module.

AFF A250 systems use aconverged networking design, where the same physical ports are used for bothcluster interconnect traffic and HA interconnect traffic. This differs from older platforms that used dedicated HA interconnect ports.

The NetApp CN1610 switches only support10GbE, which is insufficient for AFF A250 systems. AFF A250 platforms require25GbE-capable cluster switchesto support both cluster and HA interconnect traffic.

Because the cluster ports are operational, the nodes can join the cluster. However, the HA interconnect traffic cannot be established due to insufficient switch capability, which explains why the NVRAM log cannot synchronize and the HA partner is unreachable.

Therefore:

The AFF A250requires switches with 25GbE port support

The AFF A250uses the same ports for cluster and HA interconnect

Statements involving 40GbE or separate HA ports are incorrect.

The correct answers areC and D.

During post-installation and handover, NetApp provides diagnostic and guidance tools through the support dashboard. Two critical widgets used to identify and resolve issues areGuide MeandActive IQ.

Guide Meprovides step-by-step workflows, recommended actions, and guided troubleshooting based on system state. It helps administrators follow NetApp best practices during deployment, validation, and issue resolution.

Active IQdelivers proactive analytics, risk detection, configuration validation, and health insights. It identifies potential issues before they impact operations and provides corrective recommendations.

Contracts and Warranties is administrative, and ASE Corner is informational, not operational.

Thus, the correct answers areA and B.

This scenario is about iSCSI SAN path visibility after cluster expansion. ONTAP usesSelective LUN Map (SLM)concepts so that hosts do not automatically see every LUN through every node, which would create unnecessary paths. ONTAP documentation explains that with SLM, when a LUN map is created, the LUN is accessible through paths on the node that owns the LUN and its HA partner, and this behavior is controlled through thereporting-nodeslist.

If you wantadditional paths(including non-optimized paths) from newly added nodes, you must ensure the new nodes can be included in the reporting scope for those LUN mappings. ONTAP provides an explicit mechanism for this: the lun mapping add-reporting-nodes command is used before or after data mobility events to add nodes to the reporting-nodes list for a LUN mapping. This directly matches optionC (reporting nodes).

However, even if reporting-nodes is expanded, hosts only gain usable iSCSI access if the target LIFs are reachable/allowed. ONTAP documentation describes thatportsetscan be used with SLM to further restrict access, and when using SLM with portsets, LUNs are accessible on the set of LIFs included in the portset (on the owning node and its HA partner). Therefore, to “allow non-optimized paths from the AFF A250 nodes,” you must verify whether portsets are being used and that the appropriate new iSCSI LIFs are included (or that no restrictive portset blocks them). That makes optionA (port sets)the second correct configuration item.

Option B (switch zoning) applies to FC fabrics, not iSCSI. Option D (failover groups) affects NAS/management LIF failover behavior and does not control SAN LUN reporting visibility in the way SLM/reporting-nodes and portsets do.

User data in ONTAP is written tovolumes owned by Storage Virtual Machines (SVMs). Root aggregates and root volumes are reserved for system metadata and ONTAP operations. Mailbox disks store HA metadata only.

Therefore, user data is written to anSVM volume.

AutoSupport verification requires checking history and generating a test message. The history command confirms delivery, and invoke sends a test AutoSupport. Therefore,A and Dare correct.

The AFF A250 provideseight Ethernet portsthat can be used for Ethernet-based host connectivity, depending on adapter configuration. FC ports are separate and do not count toward Ethernet host connections.

As part of the ONTAP SAN solution assessment domain, NetApp defines strict rules governingcluster composition and scalability. ONTAP clusters support a maximum of24 nodes, and within that limit, clusters can includedifferent controller models, provided they are supported by the same ONTAP release and meet hardware compatibility requirements.

BothFAS8060andFAS8080controllers are supported within ONTAP clusters and can coexist in a single cluster configuration. NetApp installation documentation explicitly allows mixed-controller clusters as long as the controllers are compatible and running the same ONTAP version.

In this scenario, there are six total controllers available: three FAS8060 and three FAS8080. Since ONTAP supports heterogeneous clusters and there is no architectural limitation preventing all six controllers from participating, thelargest possible clusteris achieved by includingall six nodes.

Smaller cluster sizes—two, four, or five nodes—are technically valid but do not meet the requirement of providing thelargest possible cluster. The assessment objective focuses on maximizing usable resources while staying within supported configuration guidelines.

Additionally, ONTAP automatically manages performance balancing and high availability across mixed-controller clusters. Each node pair forms an HA pair, and ONTAP ensures consistent data access across the entire cluster fabric.

Therefore, the correct answer isD, a cluster made up of six nodes.

When adding new nodes to an existing ONTAP cluster, proper cabling to the cluster interconnect switches is mandatory. The cluster interconnect network is a dedicated, private network used exclusively for internal cluster communication such as configuration synchronization, data movement, and quorum maintenance.

In AFF A400 systems, the cluster interconnect ports are fixed high-speed Ethernet ports that are clearly identified and reserved for cluster connectivity. These ports are typically 25GbE or 40GbE depending on configuration and are grouped together physically on the controller chassis.

Referring to the exhibit, the ports labeled with number 2 correspond to the cluster interconnect ports. These are the only ports that must be connected to the cluster interconnect switches when adding nodes to an existing cluster. ONTAP requires that each node have redundant connections to both cluster switches to maintain high availability and cluster quorum.

Ports labeled as other numbers in the exhibit represent different functions, such as management ports, data ports, or shelf connectivity ports, none of which are valid for cluster interconnect cabling.

NetApp installation procedures emphasize that incorrectly cabling non-cluster ports to cluster switches can prevent nodes from joining the cluster or cause cluster instability. Therefore, identifying and using the correct cluster interconnect ports is a critical installation step.

As shown in the exhibit, number 2 clearly identifies the correct ports used to cable the new AFF A400 nodes into the existing cluster interconnect infrastructure.

Using breakout cables disables paired ports on the same ASIC. This is expected behavior.

This is a post-install validation and troubleshooting scenario for SAS shelf cabling. ONTAP hardware installation guidance distinguishes betweenmultipath/tri-pathandquad-pathconfigurations based on how shelves are cabled. For shelves with IOM12/IOM12B modules, quad-path configurations requiredouble-wideshelf-to-shelf connectivity: first using the standard connections (IOM ports 3 and 1) and then adding double-wide connections (IOM ports 4 and 2). If quad-path HA is intended but Config Advisor reportsmixed-path HA, then ONTAP’s view of the end-to-end SAS topology does not match the expected double-wide design.

The question states LEDs look normal and rebooting the SAS expander did not change the status. That reduces the likelihood of a transient expander condition and shifts focus tophysical seating/connection integrity. In installation practice, a common next corrective step is tore-seat the SAS I/O modules(IOMs on the shelf side or SAS modules/adapters on the controller side depending on platform architecture). Reseating is a controlled, practical action to address partial lane connectivity, marginal contacts, or module insertion issues that can still present as “connected” at an LED level but result in ONTAP detecting fewer active paths than expected.

Option D is incorrect because multipath HA is not “the only” supported method on such platforms; ONTAP documentation explicitly describes quad-path (“double-wide”) cabling rules and steps. Option B (disconnect and rerun Config Advisor) is destructive and does not correct the underlying condition; it is more of a diagnostic reset than a validated next fix step, and it risks creating additional variables. Option A (open a case and power off shelves) is premature given there is a clear, standard physical remediation action remaining.

Therefore, the correct next step is tore-seat the SAS IO modulesof the affected controller.

Within the ONTAP SAN implementation and configuration domain,automatic port placementis a key installation feature designed to simplify initial network setup during cluster deployment. In ONTAP 9.8, when controller data ports are discovered, ONTAP automatically analyzes physical port connectivity, speed, and role, and assigns those ports to appropriatebroadcast domainsandsubnets.

Broadcast domains define Layer 2 boundaries and group ports that share the same network reachability. During installation, ONTAP automatically creates and assigns broadcast domains based on detected network topology and intended port usage. This behavior is explicitly described in NetApp installation objectives as part of reducing manual network configuration during initial setup.

Subnets are also automatically created and associated when automatic port placement is enabled. ONTAP uses subnets to manage pools of IP addresses for data LIF creation. By automatically configuring subnets, ONTAP enables rapid deployment of NAS and SAN data LIFs without requiring administrators to manually define IP address ranges during installation.

By contrast,routesare not automatically configured by automatic port placement. Routes must be explicitly defined by the administrator to control Layer 3 traffic flow between networks. Similarly,IPspacesare logical network containers that must be deliberately designed and created based on multi-tenancy or isolation requirements. IPspaces are never automatically created by ONTAP during installation because they have architectural implications that require administrator intent.

Therefore, the two ONTAP network settings that are automatically configured by automatic port placement arebroadcast domainsandsubnets, makingC and Dthe correct answers.

The Cluster Switch Health Monitor (CSHM) is a diagnostic feature used to monitor the health and configuration of cluster network switches. As part of ONTAP SAN implementation testing and troubleshooting, CSHM relies on secure, authenticated communication between the cluster and the switches.

NetApp installation and operational documentation clearly specifies thatSSHmust be used for bothCSHM monitoring and log collection. SSH provides encrypted communication, authentication, and command execution capabilities that are required to securely access switch operating systems and retrieve diagnostic information.

Protocols such asTelnetandHTTPare not acceptable because they transmit data in clear text and do not meet NetApp security standards.SSLis not used for switch CLI access or log retrieval in the context of CSHM.

Using SSH ensures compliance with security best practices while enabling ONTAP to collect switch logs, execute health checks, and validate switch configuration state. This requirement is consistently reinforced in NetApp installation objectives as part of secure cluster infrastructure design.

Therefore, the correct answer isD (SSH).

Before removing a node from an ONTAP cluster, NetApp installation procedures require several validation steps to ensure cluster quorum and availability are preserved. The exhibit shows cluster ring information indicating quorum status and master node assignment.

First,high availability must be confirmed. The node being removed must have an HA partner capable of taking over resources. This ensures nondisruptive operation during and after node removal, which is a mandatory prerequisite for the cluster remove-node command.

Second, the node must be marked asineligibleusing the cluster modify -eligibility false command. This prevents ONTAP from attempting to assign cluster responsibilities or data ownership to the node while it is being removed. This step is explicitly required in NetApp removal workflows.

MovingEpsilon(the quorum tie-breaker) to the node being removed would be incorrect and dangerous, as Epsilon must remain on a stable node to maintain cluster quorum. Additionally, the cluster does not automatically re-elect a new master simply because a node is removed; mastership is determined before removal.

Therefore, the correct statements areA and B.

The question asks formanualmethods a customer can use to open anew technical support casewith NetApp Global Support. In NetApp operational/support concepts, there are multiple engagement paths, but only some are “manual case creation” mechanisms.

A web-basedsupport siteworkflow is a standard manual case-creation path for customers. In NetApp support processes (including guidance in NetApp-managed support tooling for storage services), web ticketing/case creation is explicitly described as a supported way to open a case.

A second supported manual method is bytelephone(“Call Us” / phone support), which is also described as a direct support option alongside web case creation. This matches optionD.

A third manual method commonly provided for customers is amobile applicationthat supports support engagement (including case workflows). In contrast,AutoSupportis primarily an automated telemetry/notification mechanism; while AutoSupport can triggerautomatedcase creation under certain conditions, it is not a customer-driven “manual open a new case” method. ONTAP documentation even discusses suppressing or resuming AutoSupport case generation, reinforcing that AutoSupport case behavior is automated and policy-driven rather than a manual “open a case” action. Thus optionEdoes not meet the “manually open” requirement.

OptionB (NetApp Field Portal)is generally a field/partner/internal operational portal used by NetApp personnel and partners rather than a standard customer manual case creation channel. From an installation knowledge-transfer perspective, the customer-facing paths that satisfy the requirement are the support website and phone, and the mobile app where available for case workflows.

Therefore, the three correct choices areA, C, and D.

Actors areexternal users interacting with the system. Kennel assistants, customers, and the quality manager directly interact with the system. The organization itself and managing director are stakeholders, not actors.

NetApp SAS cabling rules define port sequencing. The second stack uses9c and 1a, makingBcorrect.

Mailbox disks store HA metadata and partner state information required for takeover and giveback operations.

ONTAP clusters require that all nodes run the same ONTAP version before a node can join the cluster under normal conditions. The exhibit clearly indicates that the join operation failed because the cluster is running ONTAP 9.8 while the new node is running ONTAP 9.7, resulting in a mixed-version cluster restriction.

One nondisruptive solution is toupgrade the new node to ONTAP 9.8before attempting to join it to the cluster. This approach aligns the software version of the new node with the existing cluster and fully complies with NetApp-supported installation procedures. It does not impact cluster availability and is the preferred long-term solution.

The second nondisruptive option is to use the-allow-mixed-version-joinparameter. ONTAP explicitly allows this method to temporarily permit a mixed-version cluster for the purpose of expansion or upgrade workflows. This option is designed for controlled scenarios and allows the node to join without disrupting existing cluster operations. However, the mixed-version state is intended to be temporary and must be resolved by upgrading the remaining nodes.

Reverting the cluster or reinitializing all nodes would be disruptive and violate nondisruptive installation principles. Therefore, the correct answers areC and D.

When expanding an ONTAP cluster by adding new nodes or HA pairs,intercluster LIFsare required to enable secure communication between clusters or nodes during join and expansion workflows. Intercluster LIFs provide IP-based connectivity used for cluster peering, node addition, and replication setup.

Cluster management LIFs are used for administrative access, node management LIFs provide per-node management access, and data LIFs are used for client I/O. None of these LIF types support the inter-node communication required during cluster expansion.

Therefore, anintercluster LIFis required.

From a hardware installation perspective, NetApp SAS shelves are designed to function witha minimum of one installed disk. While performance, redundancy, and aggregate creation require additional disks, the physical shelf itself does not mandate a minimum disk count beyond one for detection and operation.

This flexibility allows administrators to stage hardware installations or expand capacity incrementally. However, ONTAP best practices strongly recommend populating shelves in ways that support RAID protection and performance requirements.

Therefore, the minimum number of disks required in a SAS shelf isone, making optionBcorrect.

AFF systems are all-flash platforms that rely heavily onsoftware-based efficiency technologiesbuilt into ONTAP. Two such technologies areFlexClone volumesandthin provisioning.

FlexCloneenables instant, space-efficient copies of volumes or files without duplicating data blocks. This is especially useful for testing, development, backups, and rapid provisioning scenarios. On AFF systems, FlexClone operations are nearly instantaneous and incur minimal overhead.

Thin provisioningallows logical storage to be allocated without immediately consuming physical capacity. This ensures maximum utilization of flash storage and prevents over-provisioning, which is critical in all-flash environments.

Flash Pool and FlashCache are hybrid-storage technologies and are not applicable to AFF A400 systems, which do not use HDDs or PCIe read-cache modules.

Therefore, the correct answers areB and D.