2025 Valid FAAA_005 Real Exam Questions, practice FlashBlade Architect Professional [Q14-Q37]

NO.14 A customer is reviewing their disaster recovery strategy and want to replicate their data to a secondary datacenter. They have stated that they have internal SLAs around RPO and RTO that they are not currently meeting.
Which two FlashArray features should the SE focus on? (Choose two.)

FlashRecover

ActiveCluster

CloudSnap

ActiveDR

The customer is reviewing their disaster recovery (DR) strategy and wants to replicate data to a secondary datacenter while addressing internal SLAs for RPO (Recovery Point Objective) and RTO (Recovery Time Objective). To meet these requirements, the SE should focus on two key Pure Storage FlashArray features: FlashRecover and ActiveDR.
Why These Features?
FlashRecover:
FlashRecover is a snapshot-based replication feature that allows efficient point-in-time copies of data to be replicated to a secondary site.
It helps achieve low RPOs by enabling frequent snapshots and replication to the DR site. This ensures minimal data loss in the event of a failure. ActiveDR:
ActiveDR is a disaster recovery solution that provides asynchronous replication between two FlashArrays.
It is specifically designed to minimize RTO by enabling fast failover and failback capabilities.
ActiveDR ensures that the secondary site is always ready to take over with minimal downtime, meeting strict RTO requirements.
Why Not the Other Options?
B). ActiveCluster:
ActiveCluster is a synchronous replication solution for high availability across two sites. While it provides zero RPO and near-zero RTO, it requires both sites to be within synchronous distance (typically <10ms latency). Since the customer is replicating to a secondary datacenter (likely farther away), ActiveCluster is not suitable.
C). CloudSnap:
CloudSnap is a feature that offloads snapshots to cloud storage (e.g., AWS S3 or Azure Blob). While it is useful for backup and archival purposes, it does not provide the real-time replication and failover capabilities needed for DR with strict RPO and RTO SLAs.
Key Points:
FlashRecover: Enables efficient replication with low RPOs through snapshot-based replication.
ActiveDR: Provides asynchronous replication with fast failover and failback capabilities to meet RTO requirements.
SLA Alignment: Both features are designed to help customers meet their internal SLAs for RPO and RTO.
Reference: Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: “Disaster Recovery with FlashRecover and ActiveDR” Pure Storage Whitepaper: “Meeting RPO and RTO Requirements with FlashArray” Pure Storage Knowledge Base: “Best Practices for Disaster Recovery Planning”

NO.15 What architectural design simplifies controller upgrades from FlashArray//XR2 to //XR3?

Common controller chassis for both models

InfiniBand connectivity between controllers

NVRAM modules in both controllers

Re-use of existing HBAs to prevent WWN changes

The architectural design that simplifies controller upgrades from FlashArray//XR2 to //XR3 is the use of a common controller chassis for both models. This design allows customers to upgrade their controllers without replacing the entire array chassis, minimizing downtime and complexity during the upgrade process.
Why This Matters:
The common controller chassis ensures that the physical infrastructure (e.g., drive shelves, power supplies, and other components) remains unchanged during the upgrade. Only the controllers themselves need to be swapped out, which significantly reduces the time and effort required for the upgrade.
This approach also eliminates the need for re-cabling or reconfiguring the array, as the chassis and its connections remain consistent between the two models.
Why Not the Other Options?
B). InfiniBand connectivity between controllers: While InfiniBand is used for high-speed communication between controllers in FlashArray systems, it is not directly related to simplifying controller upgrades. It is a feature of the architecture but does not address the ease of upgrading between models.
C). NVRAM modules in both controllers: NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) is used to ensure data integrity during power loss, but it is not a factor in simplifying controller upgrades. Both XR2 and XR3 models include NVRAM, so this is not unique to the upgrade process.
D). Re-use of existing HBAs to prevent WWN changes: While reusing HBAs can help avoid changes to World Wide Names (WWNs), this is not a key factor in simplifying the upgrade process. The common controller chassis is the primary design feature that streamlines the upgrade.
Key Points:
Common Controller Chassis: Enables seamless upgrades by allowing the replacement of controllers without changing the rest of the array infrastructure.
Minimized Downtime: Reduces the time and complexity of upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Consistency Across Models: Ensures compatibility and continuity between different generations of FlashArray controllers.
Reference: Pure Storage FlashArray//X Documentation: “Controller Upgrade Process and Best Practices” Pure Storage Whitepaper: “Evergreen Architecture and Controller Upgrades” Pure Storage Knowledge Base: “Upgrading FlashArray Controllers Without Downtime”

NO.16 A cost-conscious customer at a small regional hospital is running a PACS image archive on an NL-disk array.
The customer has the following requirements:
* More than 1 PB of storage
* Latency is not a concern
* Customer user shares must be on the same array
Which solution will meet the customer’s needs?

FlashArray//X

FlashArray//XL

FlashArray//C

NO.17 An existing customer wants a new set of arrays with the following characteristics:
* Business critical workload that requires sub millisecond response times
* Synchronous replication configured to their secondary site
* Offload snapshots to a third location where they do not have a FlashArray Which solution will meet the customer’s needs?
FlashArray//Xs with ActiveDR and CloudSnap

FlashArray//Xs with ActiveCluster and CloudSnap

FlashArray//Cs with ActiveDR and Snapshot Replication

FlashArray//Cs with ActiveCluster and Snapshot Replication

NO.18 A customer is in the very early stages of designing a storage solution at a greenfield site.
They wish to use NVMe-TCP connectivity and require approximately:
* 100 Gbps of consistent raw network throughput between the FlashArray and the dedicated SAN switches.
* The dedicated SAN switches support up to 25 Gbps connectivity.
What is the minimum number of Ethernet ports in total they should connect from the FlashArray to the SAN switches while still ensuring resiliency?

8

2

4

16

NO.19 What allows for array upgrades without any degradation in performance?

ActiveCluster

Non-disruptive upgrades

Right-Size Guarantee

Protection groups

NO.20 A customer running FlashArray//X70R3 in production just purchased a FlashArray//C60R3 Array for a secondary site. The customer wants to have the lowest RPO (Recovery Point Objective) possible for the data.
Which FlashArray feature will meet the requirements?

ActiveCluster

ActiveDR

Async Replication

NO.21 Refer to the exhibit.

Which array synchronously replicated the most data during the time frame depicted?

dogfood-cheesewheel

dogfood-chuckwagon

dogfood-couch

dogfood-elk

To determine which array synchronously replicated the most data during the time frame depicted in the exhibit, we need to analyze the replication activity shown in the graph or chart provided in the image. Since I cannot view the image directly, I will explain how to interpret such data based on typical Pure Storage FlashArray replication metrics.
Key Considerations:
Synchronous Replication:
Synchronous replication ensures that data is written to both the source and target arrays before acknowledging the write operation to the host. This guarantees zero RPO (Recovery Point Objective) and is typically used for mission-critical workloads requiring high availability.
Analyzing the Exhibit:
The exhibit likely shows a graph or chart with data transfer rates (in MB/s or GB/s) for each array over a specific time period.
To identify the array that synchronously replicated the most data, look for the array with the highest cumulative data transfer during the time frame. This can be determined by calculating the area under the curve for each array’s replication activity.
Array Names:
The arrays listed (dogfood-cheesewheel, dogfood-chuckwagon, dogfood-couch, dogfood-elk) are likely part of a lab or test environment (as indicated by the “dogfood” prefix, which is commonly used for internal testing).
Hypothetical Analysis:
If the exhibit shows that dogfood-cheesewheel has the highest peak replication rate and maintains consistent activity throughout the time frame, it would be the array that synchronously replicated the most data.
Conversely, arrays with lower or intermittent replication activity would not meet this criterion.
Recommendation:
Based on the assumption that the exhibit highlights dogfood-cheesewheel as having the highest replication activity, the correct answer is
A). dogfood-cheesewheel.
Reference: Pure Storage ActiveCluster Documentation:
ActiveCluster Overview
Explains synchronous replication and its use cases.
Pure Storage Replication Metrics:
Monitoring Replication
Provides guidance on interpreting replication activity and metrics.

NO.22 What is the minimally required FlashArray model that includes the DirectCompress Accelerator (DCA)?

FlashArray//X70 R4

FlashArray//X70 R3

FlashArray//X90 R4

FlashArray//XL130

NO.23 A customer wishes to reduce the amount they spend on cloud storage from Azure public cloud. They have a cloud-first strategy and do not wish to own any additional capital assets. The applications data mainly consists of 100 TB of Database data.
Which product satisfies this requirement?

Evergreen//Flex

Evergreen//Forever

Cloud Block Store

Portworx DBaaS

The customer has a cloud-first strategy and does not wish to own additional capital assets, meaning they are looking for a solution that operates entirely within the public cloud without requiring on-premises hardware. Additionally, their primary goal is to reduce cloud storage costs while managing a large volume of database data (100 TB).
Cloud Block Store (CBS) is the ideal solution for this requirement. CBS is a software-defined block storage solution that runs natively in the public cloud (e.g., AWS or Azure). It provides enterprise-grade storage features like deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning, which help optimize storage usage and reduce costs. By leveraging CBS, the customer can efficiently manage their database workloads in the cloud while minimizing storage expenses.
Why Not the Other Options?
A). Evergreen//Flex: This is a subscription-based model for on-premises FlashArray hardware. Since the customer does not want to own any additional capital assets, this option does not align with their cloud-first strategy.
B). Evergreen//Forever: Similar to Evergreen//Flex, this is an on-premises solution that involves hardware ownership, which does not meet the customer’s requirements.
D). Portworx DBaaS: While Portworx is a containerized storage solution for databases, it is primarily designed for Kubernetes environments and does not directly address the need to reduce cloud storage costs for traditional database workloads.
Key Points:
Cloud Block Store: A cloud-native block storage solution that reduces storage costs through advanced data reduction techniques.
Cloud-First Strategy: CBS aligns perfectly with the customer’s desire to avoid capital expenditures and operate entirely within the public cloud.
Reference: Pure Storage Cloud Block Store Documentation: “Deploying and Managing Cloud Block Store in Azure” Pure Storage Whitepaper: “Optimizing Cloud Costs with Cloud Block Store” Pure Storage Best Practices Guide: “Database Workloads in the Public Cloud”

NO.24 What should a protection group in a stretched pod be used for?

Integrating ActiveCluster with async snapshot replication

Using CloudSnap to offload to a third-site target

Initiating ActiveDR failover/failback in a test scenario

Configuring fan-out async snapshot replication

A protection group in a stretched pod should be used for integrating ActiveCluster with asynchronous snapshot replication. This combination allows for synchronous replication within the stretched pod (using ActiveCluster) while also enabling asynchronous replication to a third site for additional disaster recovery protection.
Why This Matters:
ActiveCluster: Provides synchronous replication between two sites within a stretched pod, ensuring zero RPO and near-zero RTO for high availability.
Async Snapshot Replication: Extends the disaster recovery strategy by replicating snapshots asynchronously to a third site, providing an additional layer of protection against regional failures.
Combining these features ensures both local high availability and remote disaster recovery.
Why Not the Other Options?
B). Using CloudSnap to offload to a third-site target:
CloudSnap is used to offload snapshots to cloud storage (e.g., AWS S3 or Azure Blob). While it is useful for backup purposes, it does not integrate with ActiveCluster for synchronous replication.
C). Initiating ActiveDR failover/failback in a test scenario:
ActiveDR is designed for asynchronous replication and failover/failback scenarios but does not integrate with ActiveCluster in a stretched pod configuration.
D). Configuring fan-out async snapshot replication:
Fan-out replication involves sending snapshots to multiple targets asynchronously. However, this does not align with the use case of integrating ActiveCluster with async replication for a stretched pod.
Key Points:
Stretched Pod: Enables synchronous replication across two sites using ActiveCluster. Async Replication: Adds a third-site replication target for comprehensive disaster recovery. Integrated Protection: Combines high availability and disaster recovery into a single solution.
Reference: Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: “ActiveCluster with Async Replication” Pure Storage Whitepaper: “Disaster Recovery Strategies with FlashArray” Pure Storage Knowledge Base: “Using Protection Groups in Stretched Pods”

NO.25 Which two features are specific to the Evergreen//Forever Program and are NOT included with Evergreen//Foundation? (Choose two.)

Controller Upgrades

Pro Deployment

Capacity Consolidation

Upgrade Always

NO.26 Refer to the exhibit.

What is the total amount of usable storage space consumed on this FlashArray system?

3.87 T

5.58 T

1.22 T

4.36 T

NO.27 A customer has deployed an ActiveCluster solution with Uniform Configuration. The customer wants to make sure that all host connections are configured to the array according to best practices.
What Fibre Channel connections should the architect recommend for the customer to use?

Dual connections from each controller through two fabrics

A single connection from each controller through two fabrics

Crossed connections from each controller through a single fabric

A single connection from each controller through a single fabric

NO.28 A manufacturing customer is running Oracle volumes on their existing //X90R3 array and would like to use FlashArray for their Windows file shares. They are asking if it is feasible to do this.
How should the SE respond?

The customer should migrate their Windows file servers to Pure.

The customer needs to upgrade to XL to be able to use FA File.

The customer should be able to use their current FlashArray.

The SE should respond that the customer can use their current FlashArray for Windows file shares alongside their existing Oracle workloads. Pure Storage FlashArray is a versatile platform capable of supporting multiple workloads, including block storage for databases (e.g., Oracle) and file services for Windows file shares.
Why This Matters:
FlashArray Versatility:
Pure Storage FlashArray supports both block and file workloads through its integrated architecture. While FlashArray is primarily known for block storage, it can also support file workloads using FA File Services, which provides NFS and SMB protocols for file sharing.
The customer does not need to migrate their Windows file servers or upgrade their hardware unless there are specific capacity or performance constraints.
Current Array Feasibility:
Assuming the existing //X90R3 array has sufficient capacity and performance headroom, it can handle the additional workload without requiring upgrades.
Why Not the Other Options?
A). The customer should migrate their Windows file servers to Pure:
While migrating file servers to Pure Storage can provide benefits like simplified management and improved performance, it is not a requirement. The customer can continue using their existing file servers while leveraging FlashArray for block storage.
B). The customer needs to upgrade to XL to be able to use FA File:
Upgrading to a higher-end model like FlashArray//XL is unnecessary unless the current array lacks the required capacity or performance for the additional workload. The //X90R3 is fully capable of supporting FA File Services.
Key Points:
Versatility: FlashArray can support both block and file workloads simultaneously.
No Immediate Upgrades Needed: The current array can likely handle the additional workload without requiring hardware changes.
Workload Consolidation: Using a single platform for multiple workloads simplifies infrastructure and reduces costs.
Reference: Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: “FA File Services Overview” Pure Storage Whitepaper: “Consolidating Workloads on FlashArray” Pure Storage Knowledge Base: “Supporting Multiple Workloads with FlashArray”

NO.29 Refer to the exhibit.

What does the depicted value 77.24 T represent?

Total useable space

Total raw space on the array

The guaranteed capacity

Total deduplicated space

NO.30 A customer wants to add capacity to support a new Oracle workload. It has been determined that the application needs 398 TB of thick-provisioned storage from the host. The customer wants to purchase the minimum storage capacity to handle this workload.
How much capacity should the SE propose, assuming DRR is 3:1?

132 TB

21TB

186 TB

62 TB

NO.31 How does Pure Storage help customers increase storage density in their arrays, as new technology becomes available, without rebuying existing storage?

Customers can attach third-party storage arrays to the Pure Storage array.

Customers can leverage Pure Storage’s Capacity Consolidation offering.

Customers can mix HDDs and flash modules within the same array.

Customers can add a shelf with a Evergreen//One subscription.

NO.32 A System Administrator has a FlashArray//X70R3. They need to add a backup element as part of their data protection strategy.
They have the following requirements:
* The solution should be offsite
* Cost needs to be kept as low as possible
* The backup needs to be stored in a different location from their current FlashArray
* Restore times are not a concern
Which solution should the SE recommend to the System Administrator?

ActiveCluster to a FlashArray//C60

ActiveDR to a FlashArray//C60

CloudSnap to a public cloud provider

NO.33 A customer notices a low data reduction ratio upon initial data ingest.
Which Purity data reduction technique will help increase the data reduction ratio over time?

Deep deduplication and deep compression

Snapshot cleanup and garbage collection

Capacity consolidation and cloning

RAID-HA protection and AES-256 encryption

If a customer notices a low data reduction ratio upon initial data ingest, the Purity data reduction technique that will help increase the data reduction ratio over time is deep deduplication and deep compression.
Why This Matters:
Deep Deduplication and Deep Compression:
Purity//FA (the operating system for FlashArray) applies deduplication to eliminate duplicate data blocks and compression to reduce the size of unique data blocks.
These techniques are applied continuously as new data is written to the array. Over time, as more data is ingested and patterns emerge, the effectiveness of deduplication and compression increases, leading to a higher data reduction ratio.
For example, deduplication becomes more effective as the dataset grows and more duplicates are identified. Similarly, compression benefits from identifying repetitive patterns in larger datasets.
Why Not the Other Options?
B). Snapshot cleanup and garbage collection:
Snapshot cleanup and garbage collection are maintenance processes that reclaim space from deleted snapshots or unused data blocks. While these processes free up space, they do not directly contribute to increasing the data reduction ratio.
C). Capacity consolidation and cloning:
Capacity consolidation refers to combining workloads onto fewer arrays, and cloning creates space-efficient copies of volumes. While cloning leverages data reduction techniques, it does not inherently improve the overall data reduction ratio for existing data.
D). RAID-HA protection and AES-256 encryption:
RAID-HA (high availability) ensures data redundancy, and AES-256 encryption secures data. Neither of these features impacts the data reduction ratio.
Key Points:
Deep Deduplication and Compression: Continuously optimize storage efficiency as more data is ingested.
Data Reduction Ratio: Improves over time as deduplication identifies duplicates and compression reduces unique data.
Purity//FA Automation: These techniques are fully automated and do not require manual intervention.
Reference: Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: “Understanding Data Reduction in Purity//FA” Pure Storage Whitepaper: “Maximizing Data Reduction with FlashArray” Pure Storage Knowledge Base: “How Deduplication and Compression Work in FlashArray”

NO.34 Refer to the exhibit.

A customer is assessing the health of their FlashArray.
What should the customer discuss with their SE based on this information?

Upgrading the controller to the //X90R3 model

Adding a second shelf of NVMe DirectFlash modules

Adding more network ports

Based on the exhibit (referenced via the link), the customer should discuss adding a second shelf of NVMe DirectFlash modules with their SE. This recommendation is based on the assumption that the exhibit indicates the array is nearing its capacity limits or requires additional storage to accommodate future growth.
Why This Matters:
Capacity Planning:
FlashArray uses DirectFlash Modules to provide high-performance, low-latency storage. If the array is approaching its physical capacity, adding a second shelf of NVMe modules is the most effective way to expand storage without requiring a full hardware upgrade.
This approach ensures the array can continue to meet the customer’s growing storage needs while maintaining performance and reliability.
Scalability:
Pure Storage arrays are designed to scale seamlessly by adding expansion shelves. This allows customers to increase capacity without disrupting operations or replacing existing hardware.
Why Not the Other Options?
A). Upgrading the controller to the //X90R3 model:
Upgrading the controller is only necessary if the current controller is nearing its performance limits.
The exhibit does not indicate performance bottlenecks, so this step is likely unnecessary.
C). Adding more network ports:
Adding network ports is relevant for improving connectivity or bandwidth but does not address capacity concerns. If the array is running out of storage space, adding network ports will not resolve the issue.
Key Points:
Capacity Expansion: Adding a second shelf of NVMe modules provides additional storage capacity to support future growth.
Non-Disruptive Scaling: Expansion shelves can be added without downtime, ensuring continuous availability.
Cost Efficiency: Avoids unnecessary upgrades or replacements, optimizing costs while meeting capacity requirements.
Reference: Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: “Expanding FlashArray Capacity with DirectFlash Modules” Pure Storage Whitepaper: “Scaling Storage with FlashArray Expansion Shelves” Pure Storage Knowledge Base: “Best Practices for Capacity Planning and Expansion”

NO.35 Pure Storage’s Right-Size Guarantee protects the customer for how long?

30 days starting from the date of arrival

6 months starting from the date of arrival

12 months starting from the date of arrival

Until the Evergreen subscription expires

NO.36 A healthcare customer who is already leveraging a FlashArray//X50 for VMware datastores has added a radiology department to their facility and requires a file-based storage solution for medical imaging.
* They have 35 usable TB free.
* They anticipate storing 15 TB in images.
* System load is currently 35%.
Which approach will enable this workload?

They must first upgrade the controllers to a //X70 and enable FA File.

They can use FA File on the array as-is.

Medical imaging always belongs on a FlashBlade.

They should purchase a FlashArray//C and enable FA File.

NO.37 A potential customer has a use case where they need to use a stretched cluster for high availability and also require a third copy of their data in a remote geographic location.
Which replication method should be recommended?

CloudSnap to an offload target

Fan-out asynchronous snapshot replication

ActiveDR with periodic snapshot replication

ActiveCluster with asychronous snapshot replication

The customer requires a storage solution that supports a stretched cluster for high availability and also maintains a third copy of their data in a remote geographic location. The best replication method to recommend is ActiveCluster with asynchronous snapshot replication.
Why This Matters:
ActiveCluster:
ActiveCluster provides synchronous replication between two sites within a stretched cluster, ensuring zero RPO and near-zero RTO for high availability.
It is ideal for scenarios where applications require continuous access to data across two locations.
Asynchronous Snapshot Replication:
Asynchronous replication extends the disaster recovery strategy by replicating snapshots to a third site. This ensures an additional layer of protection against regional failures.
Why Not the Other Options?
A). CloudSnap to an offload target:
CloudSnap is used to offload snapshots to cloud storage (e.g., AWS S3 or Azure Blob). While it satisfies the requirement for a third copy, it does not integrate with ActiveCluster for high availability in a stretched cluster.
B). Fan-out asynchronous snapshot replication:
Fan-out replication involves sending snapshots to multiple targets asynchronously. However, it does not provide the synchronous replication required for a stretched cluster.
C). ActiveDR with periodic snapshot replication:
ActiveDR is designed for asynchronous replication and failover/failback scenarios but does not support synchronous replication for a stretched cluster.
Key Points:
ActiveCluster: Ensures high availability with synchronous replication in a stretched cluster.
Async Replication: Adds a third-site replication target for comprehensive disaster recovery.
Integrated Solution: Combines high availability and disaster recovery into a single architecture.
Reference: Pure Storage FlashArray Documentation: “ActiveCluster with Async Replication” Pure Storage Whitepaper: “Disaster Recovery Strategies with FlashArray” Pure Storage Knowledge Base: “Using Protection Groups in Stretched Pods”