nutanix‐database‐automation‐ncp‐db‐ncp‐db‐65‐exam‐questions_5 - itnett/FTD02H-N GitHub Wiki

To create the most extensive exam cram and cheat sheet for the Nutanix Certified Professional - Database Automation (NCP-DB) exam, we'll break it down by topics as outlined in the exam blueprint guide. Each topic will cover key concepts, definitions, best practices, and essential points to help you prepare efficiently.

Nutanix Certified Professional - Database Automation (NCP-DB) Exam Cram and Cheat Sheet

1. NDB Concepts and General Knowledge

Key Concepts:

  • Nutanix Database Service (NDB): A database-as-a-service (DBaaS) solution by Nutanix that provides automated database provisioning, management, and operations.
  • Database Engines Supported: Microsoft SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB.
  • NDB Features: Provisioning, cloning, patching, backups, recovery, scaling, and time machine.
  • Service Level Agreement (SLA): Defines data retention policies, snapshot frequencies, and recovery points.

Key Terminology:

  • Compute Profile: Defines the vCPUs, memory, and storage configuration for database server VMs.
  • Network Profile: Specifies network settings such as VLAN, IP range, and DNS for database server VMs.
  • Software Profile: Manages the specific versions of the database software installed on database server VMs.
  • Time Machine: Provides backup, recovery, and point-in-time restore (PITR) capabilities.

Best Practices:

  • Always use supported database engine versions for compatibility.
  • Regularly update SLAs to ensure they meet the organization's RPO/RTO requirements.
  • Use Time Machine for effective backup and recovery planning.

2. Deploy and Configure an NDB Solution

Key Concepts:

  • NDB Installation:
    • Download QCOW2 or OVA image from the Nutanix Support Portal.
    • Deploy NDB on Nutanix AHV or ESXi.
    • Configure initial settings in Prism Central.
  • NDB Management Components:
    • API Server: Core component handling REST API calls.
    • NDB Agent: Runs on Nutanix clusters for communication between the database server VMs and the NDB server.

Network and VLAN Configuration:

  • Stretched VLANs: Only static VLANs managed in NDB can be added to a stretched VLAN.
  • Multi-Cluster Setup: Requires proper Data Access Management (DAM) policy to ensure consistent access across clusters.

Profiles Configuration:

  • Compute Profile: Define VM size, vCPUs, memory, and storage.
  • Network Profile: Configure network settings for database provisioning.
  • Software Profile: Set database engine versions, patches, and settings.

Best Practices:

  • Ensure all necessary ports (e.g., 3205, 3260 for iSCSI, 443, 9440 for API communication) are open and configured correctly.
  • Regularly review and update profiles to match the latest database and OS requirements.

3. Monitor Alerts and Storage Usage Within an NDB Implementation

Key Concepts:

  • Alert Management:
    • Alerts can have statuses such as "Acknowledged" and "Resolved".
    • Alerts are retained for 180 days by default.
    • Configure alert notifications via the Administration > NDB Service > Configure Notifications.

Storage Monitoring:

  • Data Usage Widget: Provides real-time insights into storage utilization.
  • Clone Data Age Chart: Tracks the age and number of clones.

Best Practices:

  • Regularly monitor the "Data Usage" widget to avoid storage overuse.
  • Set up email notifications to stay informed of critical alerts and actions required.

4. Operate and Maintain an NDB Environment

Key Concepts:

  • Patching and Upgrades:

    • Apply patches using NDB tools to enable rollback.
    • Use a maintenance window to schedule OS and database patching.

  • High Availability (HA):

    • Configure HA using PostgreSQL's Patroni, MongoDB Replica Sets, or Oracle RAC.
    • Perform rolling upgrades for HA configurations to minimize downtime.

Best Practices:

  • Validate repository configurations before applying patches.
  • Schedule regular maintenance windows to perform necessary updates and minimize impact on production.

5. Protect NDB-Managed Databases Using Time Machine

Key Concepts:

  • Time Machine Features:

    • Snapshot: Application-consistent backup of the database at a specific point in time.
    • Log Catch-Up: Regularly captures transaction logs for point-in-time recovery.
    • Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR): Restores the database to a specific point based on logs and snapshots.

  • Service Level Agreements (SLAs):

    • Define backup frequency, retention periods, and recovery points.
    • Ensure SLAs meet organizational recovery objectives.

Best Practices:

  • Use Continuous Log Retention in SLAs to enable PITR.
  • Regularly review and update SLAs to align with business requirements.

6. Administer an NDB Environment

Key Concepts:

  • Access Control:

    • Create custom roles to assign specific privileges to users (e.g., Jr DBA).
    • Use the "Access Control" section to manage users and permissions.

  • Profile Management:

    • Windows Domain Profile: Contains SQL service startup and NDB worker service account details.
    • Compute Profile: Manages VM size and resources.
    • Software Profile: Handles database engine versions and patches.

Best Practices:

  • Regularly review user roles and privileges to maintain security.
  • Ensure profiles are updated with the latest configurations and requirements.

7. Perform Database Operations, Patching, and Upgrades

Key Concepts:

  • Database Provisioning:

    • Use appropriate profiles for provisioning different types of databases.
    • Ensure prerequisites (e.g., OS patches, repository settings) are met before provisioning.

  • Patching and Rollback:

    • Apply patches through NDB to enable rollback functionality.
    • Verify OS and database compatibility before applying updates.

Best Practices:

  • Regularly test patches in a non-production environment before deployment.
  • Keep detailed logs of all patching activities for future reference and rollback.

Cheat Sheet Summary

  • NDB Deployment: Download the correct image, set up the API Server and NDB Agent, and configure profiles for Compute, Network, and Software.
  • Alert Monitoring: Use "Acknowledged" and "Resolved" statuses, set alerts for email notifications, and monitor data usage.
  • Backup and Recovery: Leverage Time Machine for snapshots and PITR, configure SLAs correctly, and use Continuous Log Retention for critical databases.
  • Database Operations: Create roles for users with specific permissions, manage profiles effectively, and apply patches carefully using maintenance windows.
  • High Availability: Configure HA options for each database type (e.g., Patroni for PostgreSQL, Replica Sets for MongoDB) and perform rolling upgrades.

Exam Tips:

  • Understand SLAs: Focus on how SLAs are configured and managed within NDB for backup, recovery, and performance.
  • Practice Using the NDB UI: Familiarize yourself with navigating the NDB interface, configuring settings, and performing database operations.
  • Review NDB Documentation: Study the Nutanix NDB user guides and management guides, especially for patching, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
  • Focus on Scenarios: Think through various scenarios, such as configuring HA, patching databases, restoring from snapshots, and managing profiles.

By understanding these key points and using this cheat sheet, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the NCP-DB exam confidently! If you need more details on any specific topic or additional practice questions, feel free to ask!