VA-003 Explain Vault architecture Practice Question
In a Vault HA cluster, which node is responsible for handling all write requests?
⚠ Common exam trap
HashiCorp often tests the misconception that all nodes in an HA cluster can handle writes equally, but the key is that only the active node can process writes to maintain data integrity and avoid conflicts.
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 active node only
In a Vault HA cluster, only the active node can handle write requests. This is because the active node holds the storage backend lock and is the only node that can modify the underlying data store. Standby nodes forward write requests to the active node, ensuring data consistency and preventing split-brain scenarios.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
All nodes
Why it's wrong here
Only the active node handles writes; standby nodes forward client requests to it. The option tempts because all nodes share the replicated storage backend and can serve reads, but Raft permits a single leader to commit write operations.
- ✓
The active node only
Why this is correct
Vault's integrated storage and HA design route all writes through a single leader. Standby nodes forward client requests to the active node, which alone holds the write lock on the barrier. This ensures consistency, so only the active node handles write requests.
- ✗
Standby nodes
Why it's wrong here
Standby nodes hold replicated data but redirect writes to the active node; they never commit them. The option tempts because standbys appear active in the cluster and can take over after failover, yet only the elected leader processes write requests.
- ✗
The node that receives the request
Why it's wrong here
Any node receiving a write forwards it to the active node, which alone commits it to the Raft log. The option tempts because clients can address any node, but the standby simply proxies the request rather than handling the write itself.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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