LFCS Storage Management Practice Question
A company's database server uses LVM for storage. The system administrator notices that the logical volume /dev/vg_db/lv_data is at 95% capacity. The server is in production and cannot be taken offline. The volume group vg_db has free physical extents. Which command sequence should the administrator use to safely increase the size of the logical volume and filesystem without unmounting?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates think `mount -o remount` resizes the filesystem or that `mkfs.ext4` can be used to expand an existing filesystem, when in fact a filesystem-specific resize command is required after extending the logical volume.
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
✓
lvextend -L +10G /dev/vg_db/lv_data; resize2fs /dev/vg_db/lv_data
It first extends the logical volume using `lvextend -L +10G` to allocate additional physical extents from the volume group, then resizes the ext4 filesystem online with `resize2fs` to utilize the new space. Both operations can be performed without unmounting the filesystem, as ext4 supports online resizing and LVM allows live extension of logical volumes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
lvextend /dev/vg_db/lv_data /dev/sdb; resize2fs /dev/vg_db/lv_data
Why it's wrong here
lvextend requires size specification (e.g., -L +10G), not a physical volume directly.
- ✗
lvresize -L +10G /dev/vg_db/lv_data; mkfs.ext4 /dev/vg_db/lv_data
Why it's wrong here
mkfs.ext4 re-creates the filesystem, causing data loss.
- ✗
lvextend -L +10G /dev/vg_db/lv_data; mount -o remount /dev/vg_db/lv_data
Why it's wrong here
Mount remount does not resize the filesystem.
- ✓
lvextend -L +10G /dev/vg_db/lv_data; resize2fs /dev/vg_db/lv_data
Why this is correct
Correct: lvextend increases LV capacity, resize2fs expands the filesystem online.
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