VA-003 Explain Vault architecture Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` $ vault operator raft list-peers Node Address State Voter ---- ------- ----- ----- node1 10.0.0.1:8201 leader true node2 10.0.0.2:8201 follower true node3 10.0.0.3:8201 follower true node4 10.0.0.4:8201 follower false node5 10.0.0.5:8201 follower false ```
Given the output from 'vault operator raft list-peers', which node(s) will become unavailable if node1 (leader) experiences a network partition away from all other nodes?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often assume the leader is essential for cluster operation, but Raft's fault tolerance allows the cluster to survive the loss of the leader as long as a quorum remains.
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
✓
Only node1 becomes unavailable; the cluster remains operational with a new leader from node2 or node3
In a Raft-based Vault cluster, only the leader node becomes unavailable during a network partition that isolates it from the other nodes. The remaining nodes (node2 and node3) form a quorum (2 out of 3) and will elect a new leader, allowing the cluster to continue serving requests. Node1, being isolated, cannot participate in Raft consensus and will step down as leader, becoming unavailable for client operations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Only node1 becomes unavailable; the cluster remains operational with a new leader from node2 or node3
Why this is correct
Node1 is partitioned, but node2 and node3 (voters) can form quorum (2 out of 3) and elect a new leader.
- ✗
All nodes become unavailable because node1 is the leader
Why it's wrong here
The cluster can survive leader loss if quorum remains.
- ✗
No nodes become unavailable; node1 remains leader but cannot serve writes
Why it's wrong here
If node1 is partitioned, it cannot communicate with the majority, so it will step down.
- ✗
Node1, node4, and node5 become unavailable
Why it's wrong here
Node4 and node5 are non-voters and not needed for quorum.
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