nutanix‐database‐automation‐ncp‐db‐ncp‐db‐65‐exam‐questions_27 - itnett/FTD02H-N GitHub Wiki

Here's an extensive "Do's and Don'ts" guide for Section 6: Administer an NDB Environment, Objective 6.2: Perform NDB Software Upgrades in the Nutanix Database Service (NDB). This guide will help you understand the key steps and best practices for performing NDB software upgrades, both in regular and dark site environments.

Objective 6.2: Perform NDB Software Upgrades

Task Do Not Answer This (Incorrect Choice) Choosing This is the Safest Choice (Correct Answer)
Perform an Update of an NDB Instance "Perform an upgrade without verifying current version compatibility or checking for any dependencies." "Verify current version compatibility and dependencies before initiating an upgrade to ensure a smooth transition."
Prepare for One-Click Upgrade "Start a one-click upgrade without reviewing the release notes or upgrade documentation." "Review the release notes and upgrade documentation before a one-click upgrade to understand new features, fixes, and potential issues."
Notify Stakeholders Before Upgrade "Proceed with an upgrade without informing stakeholders or planning for possible downtime." "Notify all relevant stakeholders of the planned upgrade, including any potential downtime or changes in functionality."
Backup Before Upgrade "Skip creating a backup because the upgrade process is expected to be straightforward." "Always create a backup of the NDB environment, including databases and configurations, to protect against potential data loss or failure."
Update a Dark Site-Based NDB Instance "Attempt to update a dark site instance without preparing the necessary offline upgrade bundles." "Prepare and download the offline upgrade bundles from a site with internet access before attempting to update a dark site instance."
Validate After Upgrade "Assume the upgrade was successful without verifying the functionality of the NDB instance and its components." "Perform a thorough validation check after the upgrade to ensure all NDB components and databases are functioning correctly."
Document the Upgrade Process "Rely on memory for upgrade details and skip documentation." "Maintain detailed documentation of the upgrade process, including steps taken, issues encountered, and resolutions."
Monitor During Upgrade "Initiate the upgrade and assume it will complete without any intervention or monitoring." "Continuously monitor the upgrade process to identify and address any issues that arise promptly."

Explanations for Correct Choices:

  1. Perform an Update of an NDB Instance:

    • Verify that the current NDB version is compatible with the new version to prevent conflicts or failures. Check for any dependencies that may need to be updated alongside NDB.

  2. Prepare for One-Click Upgrade:

    • Review the release notes and upgrade documentation to understand the changes introduced in the new version, including new features, bug fixes, and potential issues.

  3. Notify Stakeholders Before Upgrade:

    • Inform all relevant stakeholders of the upgrade schedule and potential impact, including any expected downtime or changes in functionality. This allows for proper planning and minimizes disruptions.

  4. Backup Before Upgrade:

    • Always create a backup of the NDB environment, including databases and configurations, to protect against data loss or corruption during the upgrade process.

  5. Update a Dark Site-Based NDB Instance:

    • For dark site environments (no internet access), prepare the necessary offline upgrade bundles beforehand. Download them from a connected site to ensure all required components are available for the upgrade.

  6. Validate After Upgrade:

    • Perform a comprehensive validation check to confirm that all NDB components, including databases, are operating correctly after the upgrade. This step ensures that no issues were introduced during the process.

  7. Document the Upgrade Process:

    • Keep detailed records of the upgrade steps, issues encountered, and their resolutions. This documentation is crucial for future upgrades and troubleshooting.

  8. Monitor During Upgrade:

    • Actively monitor the progress of the upgrade to detect any issues early and take corrective action if needed.

Key "Do's" for This Objective:

  • Do verify version compatibility and dependencies: Ensure that the current version and new version are compatible and that all dependencies are met.
  • Do review release notes and documentation: Understand the new features, fixes, and potential issues introduced in the upgrade.
  • Do notify stakeholders: Inform relevant parties of the upgrade schedule and any expected downtime.
  • Do create backups: Always back up the environment before initiating an upgrade to safeguard data.
  • Do prepare offline bundles for dark sites: Ensure you have all the necessary files for an offline upgrade in dark site environments.
  • Do validate after the upgrade: Perform checks to confirm that all components are functioning correctly.
  • Do document the upgrade process: Keep detailed records for future reference and troubleshooting.
  • Do monitor the upgrade: Watch the process closely to catch and resolve any issues quickly.

Key "Don'ts" for This Objective:

  • Don't skip compatibility checks: Ensure all software and hardware are compatible with the new version.
  • Don't neglect release notes: Missing critical information from release notes can lead to unexpected issues.
  • Don't proceed without stakeholder communication: Surprising stakeholders with unplanned downtime can cause operational disruptions.
  • Don't forgo backups: Lack of a backup can result in data loss if something goes wrong.
  • Don't attempt a dark site upgrade without preparation: Failing to prepare offline bundles can halt the upgrade process.
  • Don't assume upgrades are always smooth: Validate the system to catch any issues immediately.
  • Don't skip documentation: Lack of documentation can cause repeated mistakes and difficulties in future upgrades.
  • Don't leave the upgrade unattended: Monitor the upgrade process to handle any problems as they arise.

Best Practices for Performing NDB Software Upgrades:

  • Develop an Upgrade Checklist: Create a checklist to ensure all necessary steps are followed during the upgrade process.
  • Schedule Upgrades During Maintenance Windows: Plan upgrades during low-traffic periods to minimize the impact on users.
  • Use Automation Tools Where Possible: Automate parts of the upgrade process to reduce the risk of human error.
  • Conduct Post-Upgrade Testing: Perform thorough testing to verify the functionality of all NDB components and databases.
  • Maintain a Rollback Plan: Have a rollback plan in place in case the upgrade does not go as planned.

By following these "Do's and Don'ts," you will be well-prepared to perform NDB software upgrades effectively, ensuring minimal downtime, maintaining data integrity, and providing a seamless transition to the new version.