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Server+ Certification Cram Notes

Hard drive media types

1. Solid state drive (SSD): A solid-state drive (SSD) is a type of storage device that uses NAND-based flash memory to store data. SSDs have no moving parts, which means they are faster, more reliable, and consume less power than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). However, SSDs have limited write endurance, which means they can only be written to a certain number of times before they wear out. This wear factor is an important consideration when choosing an SSD. SSDs can also be categorized as read intensive or write intensive, depending on their intended use case. Read-intensive SSDs are designed for applications that read data more often than they write data, while write-intensive SSDs are designed for applications that write data frequently.

2. Hard disk drive (HDD): A hard disk drive (HDD) is a traditional storage device that uses spinning disks to store data magnetically. The performance of an HDD is determined in part by its rotational speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Faster RPMs generally mean faster data access times, but also result in higher power consumption and more heat. HDDs are available with different RPMs, with 15,000 RPM, 10,000 RPM, and 7,200 RPM being common speeds. HDDs are generally slower and less reliable than SSDs, but they are also less expensive and have much higher storage capacities.

3. Hybrid: A hybrid drive combines the benefits of an SSD and an HDD in a single device. A hybrid drive contains both spinning disks and NAND-based flash memory. Frequently accessed data is stored on the SSD portion of the drive for faster access times, while less frequently accessed data is stored on the HDD portion of the drive for cost-effective storage. Hybrid drives are generally less expensive than pure SSDs and offer faster performance than pure HDDs. However, they do not offer the same level of performance or reliability as pure SSDs.

Interface types

Serial attached SCSI (SAS): SAS is a high-speed interface used for connecting storage devices, such as hard drives and tape drives, to servers and workstations. SAS is faster than SATA and supports more devices, making it ideal for high-performance applications that require large amounts of storage.

Serial ATA (SATA): SATA is a popular interface used for connecting storage devices to computers. SATA is slower than SAS, but it is also less expensive and requires less power. SATA is a good choice for desktop and low-end server applications where performance is not critical.

Peripheral component interconnect (PCI): PCI is a standard interface used for connecting expansion cards to computers. PCI is an older technology and has largely been replaced by PCI Express (PCIe) in newer computers. However, PCI is still used in some legacy systems and can be useful for adding additional storage controllers or network cards to a computer.

External serial advanced technology attachment (eSATA): eSATA is an external version of the SATA interface. It is used to connect external storage devices, such as hard drives and optical drives, to a computer. eSATA provides faster data transfer rates than USB or FireWire, making it a good choice for external storage devices that require high-speed data transfer.

Universal serial bus (USB): USB is a popular interface used for connecting a variety of devices, including storage devices, to computers. USB is slower than eSATA or SAS, but it is also less expensive and widely supported. USB is a good choice for portable storage devices, such as flash drives, that need to be easily transported and connected to different computers.

Secure digital (SD): SD is a type of memory card used for portable storage devices, such as cameras and mobile devices. SD cards are small and can store large amounts of data. They are also widely supported and can be used with a variety of devices. SD cards are a good choice for portable storage needs, but they are not suitable for high-performance applications or large-scale data storage.

Shared Storage solutions

Shared storage refers to a centralized storage system that can be accessed by multiple servers or computers over a network. With shared storage, data is stored in a central location that can be accessed by multiple users or systems simultaneously. This allows for more efficient use of storage resources and makes it easier to manage and share data between multiple systems. Shared storage solutions typically use network protocols such as NFS, CIFS, iSCSI, Fibre Channel, or FCoE to provide access to the storage devices.

1. Network Attached Storage (NAS): NAS is a shared storage solution that connects to a network and provides file-level storage to users and applications. NAS devices typically use their own operating system and file system to manage the storage and offer access to shared files and folders over the network. The two common protocols used by NAS are Network File System (NFS) and Common Internet File System (CIFS).

1. Network File System (NFS): NFS is a protocol that allows file sharing across a network between UNIX/Linux and other operating systems. NFS is a widely used protocol in NAS systems and enables data sharing between different systems.

2. Common Internet File System (CIFS): CIFS is a protocol used for sharing files across a network between Windows-based systems. CIFS is the protocol used by Microsoft Windows for file sharing and is also commonly used in NAS systems.

2. Storage Area Network (SAN): A SAN is a high-speed network that provides block-level storage to servers and applications. SANs typically use Fibre Channel or iSCSI protocols to connect servers to storage devices. SANs are used for large-scale storage and are ideal for high-performance applications that require fast access to data.

a. Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI): iSCSI is a protocol used to connect servers to storage devices over an IP network. iSCSI is a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized businesses that require a SAN solution but do not have the budget for a Fibre Channel SAN.

b. Fibre Channel (FC): Fibre Channel is a high-speed network technology used for connecting servers to storage devices. Fibre Channel provides high performance, low latency, and reliability, making it ideal for mission-critical applications. Fibre Channel is more expensive than iSCSI but provides better performance.

c. Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE): FCoE is a protocol that allows Fibre Channel traffic to be carried over Ethernet networks. FCoE provides the benefits of Fibre Channel over Ethernet, including high performance and low latency, while leveraging the existing Ethernet infrastructure. FCoE is a cost-effective solution for businesses that want to use Fibre Channel technology but do not want to invest in a separate Fibre Channel network.

Server Hardware Maintenance

Server hardware maintenance refers to the regular upkeep and repair of the physical components that make up a server system. This includes tasks such as monitoring system health, performing routine inspections, cleaning and replacing components as needed, and upgrading hardware components to maintain optimal performance and functionality.

Server hardware maintenance typically involves a combination of preventive maintenance tasks and corrective maintenance tasks. Preventive maintenance tasks are proactive measures designed to prevent issues before they occur, such as regularly cleaning dust buildup or replacing worn components. Corrective maintenance tasks, on the other hand, are performed in response to an identified problem or failure, such as replacing a failed hard drive or power supply.

Proper server hardware maintenance is essential to ensuring the reliability, availability, and performance of a server system. It can help to prevent costly downtime, reduce the risk of data loss or corruption, and extend the lifespan of the hardware components.

Out-of-band management

Out-of-band management refers to the ability to remotely manage and control a server system, independent of the main operating system and network connectivity. This type of management is useful for troubleshooting and maintenance tasks, as it allows administrators to access the server even if it is not functioning properly.

Some common features of out-of-band management include:

a) Remote drive access: This allows administrators to access the server's hard drives remotely, even if the operating system is not functional or accessible. This can be useful for diagnosing and repairing hard drive issues.

b) Remote console access: This allows administrators to access the server's console remotely, providing a view of the server's screen and enabling them to interact with the server as if they were physically present. This can be useful for troubleshooting and performing maintenance tasks.

c) Remote power on/off: This allows administrators to power the server on or off remotely, providing a way to reset the server or power it off in the event of a problem.

d) Internet protocol keyboard-video-mouse (IP KVM): This provides a way to remotely access the server's console, keyboard, video, and mouse over an IP network, allowing administrators to manage the server as if they were physically present.

Out-of-band management is an important tool for server administrators, as it can help to reduce downtime and improve the speed and efficiency of troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.

Local hardware administration

Local hardware administration refers to the ability to manage and control a server system directly from the server hardware, without the need for remote access. This type of administration is typically used when administrators need physical access to the server for maintenance or troubleshooting purposes.

Some common features of local hardware administration include:

a) Keyboard-video-mouse (KVM): This provides a way to connect a keyboard, monitor, and mouse directly to the server hardware, allowing administrators to interact with the server as if they were using it locally.

b) Crash cart: This refers to a mobile cart or workstation that contains a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, which can be used to connect to and manage server hardware directly on-site.

c) Virtual administration console: This refers to a software-based console that allows administrators to manage and control server hardware from a virtual environment. This can be useful for remote management and monitoring of servers.

d) Serial connectivity: This provides a way to connect to server hardware using a serial connection, allowing administrators to manage and control the server even if other connectivity methods are unavailable.

e) Console connections: This refers to physical ports or connections on the server hardware that provide direct access to the server's console, allowing administrators to manage and control the server locally.

Local hardware administration is an important tool for server administrators, as it provides a way to quickly and easily access and manage server hardware for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes.

Components

Firmware upgrades refer to the process of updating the software code embedded in hardware components such as servers, storage devices, and networking equipment. Firmware is a type of software that is specific to a particular piece of hardware, and it provides the low-level instructions necessary for the hardware to function properly.

Firmware upgrades are necessary to ensure that the hardware components are operating at their optimal level, with the latest bug fixes and security patches. They can also add new features and capabilities to the hardware, enhancing its functionality.

The process of upgrading firmware typically involves downloading the new firmware from the manufacturer's website and then installing it onto the hardware component. This can be done manually or through automated tools that can upgrade the firmware for multiple components simultaneously.

It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when upgrading firmware to avoid potential issues such as hardware damage or data loss. Firmware upgrades should also be tested in a non-production environment before deploying them to a live production environment.


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