NSE7 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics Practice Question
An administrator is troubleshooting an HA cluster (active-passive) where both units show 'primary' in 'get system ha status'. The cluster is not synchronizing configurations. What is the MOST likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume an HA password mismatch or group ID mismatch causes role conflicts, but in reality, a heartbeat failure is the only scenario that makes both units independently declare themselves primary.
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
✓
The HA heartbeat interface is disconnected or misconfigured
In an active-passive HA cluster, both units showing 'primary' indicates a failure in heartbeat communication. The HA heartbeat interface is used to exchange cluster state and session information; if it is disconnected or misconfigured, each unit assumes the other is down and transitions to primary, leading to a split-brain scenario. This prevents configuration synchronization because the units cannot agree on a primary-secondary role.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The HA password is incorrect
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect password prevents authentication but would not cause both to become primary.
- ✓
The HA heartbeat interface is disconnected or misconfigured
Why this is correct
If heartbeat communication fails, each unit assumes the other is down and transitions to primary, causing a split-brain.
- ✗
The HA group ID is mismatched
Why it's wrong here
Mismatched group ID prevents cluster formation but typically results in both units being standalone, not both primary.
- ✗
The HA priority values are equal for both units
Why it's wrong here
Equal priority does not cause both to be primary; tie-breaking uses device priority and serial number.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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