156-315.81.20 ClusterXL and VRRP High Availability Practice Question
A security administrator configures a two-member ClusterXL High Availability cluster. The cluster works correctly, but during a maintenance window the administrator administratively detaches Member 1 by running 'clusterXL_admin down' on it. Shortly afterward, Member 2 becomes Active as expected. The administrator then runs 'clusterXL_admin up' on Member 1 to return it to service. Which statement describes the resulting state of the cluster?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that ClusterXL High Availability automatically fails back to the previously Active member once it is brought back online.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Member 1 rejoins as Standby and Member 2 remains Active, because ClusterXL High Availability does not automatically fail back to the previously Active member.
In ClusterXL High Availability, when a member is administratively detached and then re-enabled, it rejoins as a Standby member rather than reclaiming the Active role. The member that took over during the maintenance window remains Active and continues forwarding traffic. This design avoids unnecessary failback events and keeps the cluster stable until an actual failure or administrator-initiated change forces a transition.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Both members become Active for a brief period while state synchronization completes, then one member is automatically selected as Standby.
Why it's wrong here
ClusterXL High Availability never allows two members to be Active for the same virtual IP at the same time. When Member 1 rejoins, it enters Standby and synchronizes state with the Active member before it is eligible to take over. There is no transient dual-Active period, because that would cause duplicate forwarding and break the High Availability model's single-Active guarantee.
- ✗
Member 1 returns to Active immediately and Member 2 reverts to Standby, because Member 1 has the higher cluster priority configured.
Why it's wrong here
Administrative state changes in ClusterXL do not use priority preemption to force a member back to Active. Bringing a detached member back with 'clusterXL_admin up' makes it rejoin as a Standby member while the currently Active member continues forwarding traffic. ClusterXL High Availability does not automatically fail back to a previously Active member based on configured priority, so this outcome does not occur in this scenario.
- ✗
Member 1 remains Down and does not rejoin the cluster until the cluster is rebooted, because administrative detach is a persistent state.
Why it's wrong here
The 'clusterXL_admin down' command places a member in an administratively detached state, but it is not persistent across a properly issued 'clusterXL_admin up' command. Running 'clusterXL_admin up' clears the administrative down state and allows the member to rejoin cluster synchronization. A reboot is not required to restore the member, and the detach state does not survive the explicit administrative up action.
- ✓
Member 1 rejoins as Standby and Member 2 remains Active, because ClusterXL High Availability does not automatically fail back to the previously Active member.
Why this is correct
When a member is administratively detached and later brought back with 'clusterXL_admin up', it rejoins the cluster in Standby mode. The currently Active member continues to forward traffic, and ClusterXL High Availability does not perform automatic failback based on which member was previously Active. This behavior keeps the cluster stable and avoids unnecessary traffic disruption during maintenance operations.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Check Point exam blueprint
This 156-315.81.20 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Check Point certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 156-315.81.20 exam.