The answer is DRBD in Primary/Primary mode managed by the Pacemaker cluster stack. This configuration is correct because DRBD’s Primary/Primary mode allows both nodes to actively handle I/O while Pacemaker orchestrates synchronous replication and automatic failover; when the primary node fails, Pacemaker detects the loss and promotes the secondary node to primary without manual intervention, ensuring continuous data availability. On the LPIC-2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of combining DRBD’s replication layer with a cluster resource manager—a common trap is assuming Primary/Secondary mode alone provides failover, but without Pacemaker, you lack automated node monitoring and promotion. Remember that Pacemaker is the brain that manages resources and fencing, while DRBD handles the block-level mirroring. Memory tip: “Pacemaker promotes, DRBD mirrors—together they make high availability clearer.”
LPIC-2 Practice Question: Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of block devices, filesystems and advanced storage. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An administrator is designing a high-availability storage solution using DRBD. The requirement is to have two nodes with synchronous replication and automatic failover in case of primary node failure. Which configuration best achieves this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DRBD in Primary/Primary mode managed by Pacemaker cluster stack.
Option D is correct because DRBD in Primary/Primary mode, managed by the Pacemaker cluster stack, provides synchronous replication and automatic failover. Pacemaker monitors node health and can promote the secondary node to primary automatically upon primary failure, meeting the high-availability requirement without manual intervention.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Export the DRBD block device via NFS and use a load balancer.
Why it's wrong here
NFS adds a single point of failure and complexity.
✗
Primary/Secondary DRBD resource with manual failover using drbdadm.
Why it's wrong here
Manual failover does not meet the automatic failover requirement.
✗
DRBD with Heartbeat to automatically promote the secondary on primary failure.
Why it's wrong here
This provides automatic failover but only one active node, not optimal for HA.
✓
DRBD in Primary/Primary mode managed by Pacemaker cluster stack.
Why this is correct
Allows both nodes active and automatic failover via Pacemaker.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume Heartbeat is sufficient for automatic failover, but Pacemaker is the modern, recommended cluster stack that supports Primary/Primary DRBD and provides proper fencing and resource management.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DRBD Primary/Primary mode requires a shared cluster filesystem (e.g., GFS2 or OCFS2) to avoid data corruption, as both nodes can write simultaneously. Pacemaker integrates with DRBD via the OCF resource agent, handling fencing (STONITH) to ensure the failed node is isolated before promoting the secondary, preventing split-brain scenarios. In contrast, Heartbeat lacks built-in fencing and is less resilient in production environments.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — This question tests Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DRBD in Primary/Primary mode managed by Pacemaker cluster stack. — Option D is correct because DRBD in Primary/Primary mode, managed by the Pacemaker cluster stack, provides synchronous replication and automatic failover. Pacemaker monitors node health and can promote the secondary node to primary automatically upon primary failure, meeting the high-availability requirement without manual intervention.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "primary". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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