EMC Dell PowerScale Maintenance Exam D-PSC-MN-01 Exam Dumps: Updated Questions & Answers (December 2025)

Dell EMC PowerScale Gen 6 nodes are designed to operate efficiently within specified environmental conditions.

Maximum Recommended Ambient Temperature:

35°C (95°F):

Operating the nodes at or below this temperature ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Exceeding this temperature may lead to hardware degradation or failures.

Environmental Specifications:

Operating Temperature Range:

Minimum:10°C (50°F)

Maximum:35°C (95°F)

Humidity and Altitude:

Should also be within specified limits for safe operation.

Dell PowerScale References:

Dell EMC PowerScale Site Preparation and Planning Guide:

Environmental Requirements Section:

Details the acceptable temperature and humidity ranges.

Provides guidelines for data center cooling and airflow.

Best Practices:

Use environmental monitoring tools to track data center conditions.

Implement redundant cooling systems to prevent overheating.

Regularly maintain HVAC equipment to ensure consistent performance.

In a Dell EMC PowerScale cluster, each node is assigned a Logical Node Number (LNN) that identifies it within the cluster. When nodes are added or removed (e.g., via SmartFail), LNNs may become non-sequential. To modify the LNNs and restore sequential order, specific commands must be used.

Steps to Modify the LNN for a Node:

Enter Configuration Mode:

Use the isi config command to enter the configuration shell.

# isi config

This mode allows for administrative tasks that can alter the cluster configuration.

Use the lnset Command:

The lnset command is used to set the LNN of a node.

# lnset --sn

--sn specifies the serial number of the node.

is the desired Logical Node Number.

Example:

If you want to set the LNN of a node with serial number ABC12345 to 6:

# isi config

# lnset --sn ABC12345 6

Why Option C is Correct:

Accurate Command Sequence:

Option C correctly specifies entering isi config, followed by using lnset with the serial number () and the new LNN.

Proper Syntax:

The command includes all necessary parameters to change the LNN.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option A and B:

Commands isi device node and isi node with --lnn options are incorrect or incomplete for changing LNNs.

Option D:

Simply stating lnset without specifying the serial number and new LNN is insufficient.

Dell PowerScale References:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS CLI Administration Guide:

Section on Node Management Commands:

Details the usage of isi config and lnset commands.

Provides syntax and examples for changing LNNs.

Notes on LNN Changes:

Warns that changing LNNs can impact cluster operations and should be performed during maintenance windows.

Best Practices:

Before Changing LNNs:

Ensure that the cluster is in a healthy state.

Notify users of potential service impacts.

Backup critical configuration data.

During LNN Change:

Carefully input the serial number and desired LNN to avoid mistakes.

Verify that the new LNN is not already in use.

After Changing LNNs:

Exit the configuration mode with exit.

Check cluster status using isi status to confirm that the node has been assigned the new LNN.

Update any documentation to reflect the new node numbering.

Caution:

Modifying LNNs is an advanced operation that can affect cluster communication.

It is recommended to consult Dell EMC Support or refer to official documentation before proceeding.

When expanding a Dell PowerScale Gen5 cluster with H500 nodes (which are Gen6 nodes), a key consideration is thata minimum of one H500 chassis is needed, which contains four H500 nodes.

Understanding Dell PowerScale Node Generations:

Gen5 Cluster:

Existing cluster with Gen5 nodes.

H500 Nodes:

Part of the Gen6 family, which introduces a new hardware architecture and chassis design.

Gen6 Chassis and Node Configuration:

Chassis Design:

Gen6 nodes like the H500 are installed in a chassis that holds four nodes.

The chassis is the physical enclosure that houses and powers the nodes.

Minimum Node Addition:

You cannot add individual Gen6 nodes to a cluster; you must add at least one full chassis.

Therefore, the minimum number of H500 nodes you can add is four, as part of a single chassis.

Considerations When Expanding with H500 Nodes:

Compatibility:

OneFS allows mixing Gen5 and Gen6 nodes in the same cluster, but certain considerations apply.

Network Connectivity:

New nodes must be properly connected to the cluster's internal network.

Chassis Requirements:

A minimum of one H500 chassis (containing four nodes) is required for expansion.

Why Option D is Correct:

Option D:

"A minimum of one H500 chassis is needed."

This accurately reflects the requirement to add at least one chassis (four nodes) when expanding the cluster.

Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:

Option A:

"A minimum of three H500 chassis are needed."

This would require adding 12 nodes, which is not the minimum requirement.

Option B:

"All new nodes must be on the network."

While it's true that nodes must be networked, this is a standard practice and not a specific consideration in this context.

Option C:

"A minimum of four H500 nodes are needed."

While technically correct in terms of node count, the key consideration is the chassis requirement, making Option D more precise.

Dell PowerScale References:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Node and Chassis Overview:

Describes the architecture of Gen6 nodes and chassis requirements.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Administration Guide:

Provides guidelines on expanding clusters and adding new nodes.

Knowledge Base Articles:

Article ID 000114567:"Expanding Gen5 Clusters with Gen6 Nodes"

Article ID 000114568:"Understanding Gen6 Chassis and Node Requirements"

In the exhibit, the status indicators show:

AC (Alternating Current):A green light indicating the PowerScale system is receiving power from the AC input, which means it is powered on.

DC (Direct Current):The absence of a lit DC indicator means that the system is not currently converting AC power to DC power, but this does not indicate an issue with functionality based on this view.

Given that the AC light is green, the system is powered and functioning as expected. Therefore, the system is "On and healthy" based on the AC input, makingB. On and healthythe correct answer.

When a platform engineer removes the compute module from a Dell EMC PowerScale Gen 6 node and observes lit LEDs inside the removed node, this is a normal behavior due to the design of the node's power and indicator systems.

Reasons Why LEDs Remain Lit:

Residual Power:

The node's capacitors may hold residual power for a short time after shutdown, keeping LEDs lit temporarily.

Shared Power Supplies:

In Gen 6 nodes, power supplies may be shared between paired nodes, and some components might still receive power.

Recommended Response:

Proceed with the Procedure:

The lit LEDs are expected and do not indicate a fault.

The engineer should continue with the replacement procedure as per the guidelines.

Dell PowerScale References:

Dell EMC PowerScale Hardware Replacement Guide:

Section on Compute Module Replacement:

Notes that internal LEDs may remain lit after removal.

Confirms that this is normal and does not require additional action.

Safety Precautions:

Always ensure proper ESD protection when handling components.

Follow all recommended steps to safely replace hardware.

The two rack solutions that can support Dell PowerScale modelsH500,H5600, andH700are:

B. Titan D

C. Titan HD

Dell EMC Titan Racks Overview:

Titan D (Depth):

Designed for standard-depth nodes like the H500 and H700.

Accommodates nodes with typical depth requirements.

Provides necessary power and cooling for these models.

Titan HD (High Density):

Built for high-density storage solutions.

Suitable for nodes like the H5600, which have larger physical dimensions due to increased storage capacity.

Supports the weight and size of high-capacity nodes.

Compatibility with H-Series Models:

H500 and H700:

Fit within standard rack dimensions.

Require racks that can handle their power and cooling needs.

Supported by Titan D and Titan HD.

H5600:

Larger and heavier due to high-density storage drives.

Requires racks designed to support increased depth and weight.

Supported by Titan HD.

Conclusion:

Both Titan D and Titan HD racks are capable of housing these models, making them the correct choices.

Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:

A. Titan A:

There is no commonly known "Titan A" rack in Dell's PowerScale solutions.

May refer to an outdated or incorrect rack designation.

D. Third-Party Racks:

While third-party racks might physically support the nodes, Dell recommends using their certified racks to ensure proper fit, cooling, and power distribution.

Using uncertified racks could lead to warranty issues or inadequate environmental support.

Benefits of Using Titan D and Titan HD Racks:

Optimized Cooling:

Designed to provide adequate airflow for Dell PowerScale nodes.

Power Distribution:

Equipped with PDUs (Power Distribution Units) suitable for the power requirements of the nodes.

Structural Support:

Built to handle the weight and dimensions of the nodes safely.

Dell PowerScale References:

Dell EMC PowerScale Site Preparation and Planning Guide:

Details on rack requirements, specifications, and supported models.

Dell EMC PowerScale Site Preparation Guide

Dell EMC PowerScale Hardware Specifications:

Provides physical dimensions and weight of the H500, H5600, and H700 nodes.

Dell EMC PowerScale Hardware Specs

Knowledge Base Articles:

Article ID 000345678:"Recommended Racks for PowerScale H-Series Nodes"

Article ID 000345679:"Titan D and Titan HD Rack Compatibility with PowerScale Models"

The Dell PowerScale F600 node supports 10/25 GbE network interface cards (NICs) for the external network connections. These NICs provide high-speed connectivity suitable for the performance capabilities of the F600, which is an all-flash node designed for demanding workloads.

Dell PowerScale F600 Networking Options:

The F600 comes with network interfaces that support both 10 GbE and 25 GbE speeds.

These interfaces use SFP28 transceivers, which are compatible with both 10 GbE and 25 GbE connections.

Supported NIC Types:

10/25 GbE NICs:

Allow flexibility in network configurations.

Enable integration with existing 10 GbE networks while providing an upgrade path to 25 GbE.

Not Supporting 1 GbE or 40/100 GbE as Primary External Connections:

The F600 does not support 1 GbE as it would be a bottleneck for an all-flash node.

While the F600 may have 100 GbE capabilities for backend or other uses, the primary external network interfaces are 10/25 GbE.

Benefits of 10/25 GbE Connectivity:

Performance:

Provides sufficient bandwidth for high-performance applications.

Scalability:

Easy to scale up network speeds as infrastructure upgrades from 10 GbE to 25 GbE.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Offers a balance between performance and cost compared to higher-speed options like 40 GbE or 100 GbE.

Dell PowerScale References:

Dell EMC PowerScale F600 Specification Sheet:

Details the networking capabilities and supported NICs.

Dell EMC PowerScale Network Deployment Guide:

Provides guidelines on network configurations and best practices for F600 nodes.

Hardware Installation Guides:

Outline the installation and configuration of NICs for F600 nodes.

Updating the install base record is crucial for support and warranty purposes.

Reasons:

Accurate Records:

Reflects the current configuration of the cluster.

Support Entitlement:

Ensures timely support services when needed.

Dell PowerScale References:

Dell EMC Support Policies:

Emphasize the importance of maintaining up-to-date asset information.

Best Practices:

Document all changes made to the cluster.

Notify Dell EMC support or use the appropriate channels to update records.

Dell EMC PowerScale Gen 6.5 nodes support high-speed network interfaces for external connectivity.

Available External Network Ports:

10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE)

25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GbE)

100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE)

Details:

10GbE: Common in many data centers, suitable for moderate workloads.

25GbE: Offers higher bandwidth, ideal for performance-intensive applications.

100GbE: Provides maximum throughput, supporting the most demanding workloads.

Dell PowerScale References:

Dell EMC PowerScale Networking Guide:

Network Interface Options Section:

Details supported network speeds and configurations for Gen 6.5 nodes.

Best Practices:

Match network infrastructure to the capabilities of the nodes.

Ensure switches and cabling are compatible with chosen network speeds.

When Windows clients cannot connect to a newly created cluster using the fully qualified domain name (FQDN), but can connect using the IP address, it indicates aDNS resolution issue. Conducting a DNS connection test can help identify and resolve the problem.

Steps to test and troubleshoot DNS:

Verify DNS Configuration on the Cluster:

Ensure that the cluster's FQDN is correctly configured in the OneFS settings.

Check DNS Records:

Use the nslookup or dig command from a client machine to verify that the FQDN resolves to the correct IP address.

Example:

nslookup cluster.example.com

Inspect Client DNS Settings:

Confirm that the clients are using the correct DNS servers.

Update DNS Entries if Necessary:

If the FQDN does not resolve correctly, update the DNS zone files or entries on the DNS server.

Flush DNS Cache:

On the client machine, flush the DNS cache to remove outdated entries.

ipconfig /flushdns

Test Connectivity Again:

Attempt to reconnect using the FQDN to verify that the issue is resolved.

By identifying that DNS is the root cause, appropriate steps can be taken to correct the DNS entries, ensuring clients can connect to the cluster using the FQDN.

References:

Dell PowerScale Networking Guide– DNS Configuration and Best Practices

Dell PowerScale OneFS Administration Guide– Managing Network and DNS Settings

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues– Dell Knowledge Base Article