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RH436 & EX436
Course description
High Availability Cluster Deployment for Robust Production Services
Dive into the intricacies of providing highly available network services in a mission-critical enterprise environment through the comprehensive deployment and management of shared storage and server clusters. Tailored for seasoned Linux system administrators, this 4-day course is designed to enhance your expertise through extensive hands-on lab activities.
Key Learning Highlights:
Cluster Setup with Pacemaker:
- Establish a cluster of systems utilizing the Pacemaker component of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux High-Availability Add-On.
Deployment of Linux-based Services:
- Deploy crucial Linux-based services such as web servers and databases within the configured cluster, ensuring high availability.
Resilient Storage Components:
- Explore cluster storage components from the Resilient Storage Add-On, including Logical Volume Manager (LVM) Shared Volume Groups, Red Hat Global File System 2 (GFS2), and Device-Mapper Multipath.
Hands-On Labs Emphasis:
- Engage in extensive lab-based activities, reinforcing theoretical concepts with practical application.
This course aligns with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.3 and provides an exclusive 45-day extended access to hands-on labs upon completion. Elevate your high availability clustering proficiency with this immersive learning experience.
Course content summary
- Pacemaker-Based Cluster Setup:
- Gain expertise in installing and configuring a high availability cluster using the Pacemaker component.
- Highly Available Services Management:
- Learn to create and manage highly available services within the configured cluster for seamless operation.
- Cluster Troubleshooting Proficiency:
- Hone troubleshooting skills to address common issues that may arise within the cluster environment.
- Shared Storage (iSCSI) and Multipathing:
- Work with shared storage, specifically iSCSI, and configure multipathing to enhance storage resilience.
- Logical Volume Manager (LVM) Configuration:
- Implement Logical Volume Manager (LVM) in cluster-aware configurations for optimized storage management.
- GFS2 File System Configuration:
- Configure GFS2 file systems on storage shared by multiple nodes, ensuring efficient data accessibility and management.
Audience for this course
Designed for seasoned Linux system administrators, this course is tailored for professionals who:
- Utilize high-availability clustering techniques.
- Implement fault-tolerant shared storage technologies.
- Aim to maximize the resiliency of critical production services.
Prerequisites for this course
- Successful completion of the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam (EX200) and relevant courses.
- Mastery of the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) exam (EX294) and associated courses.
Technology considerations
- Internet access is required.
Course Outline: Unlocking the World of High Availability Clustering (RH436)
Course Modules: A Deep Dive into High Availability Clustering (RH436)
Creating High Availability Clusters:
- Establish the foundation by creating a fundamental high availability cluster.
Managing Cluster Nodes and Quorum:
- Skillfully manage node membership within the cluster, understanding its impact on overall cluster operation.
Isolating Malfunctioning Cluster Nodes:
- Learn to isolate unresponsive cluster nodes, safeguarding data, and efficiently recovering services and resources post-failure.
Creating and Configuring Resources:
- Dive into the creation of basic resources and resource groups, crafting a robust infrastructure for highly available services.
Troubleshooting High Availability Clusters:
- Develop the ability to identify, diagnose, and rectify issues within high availability clusters.
Automating Cluster and Resource Deployment:
- Embrace Ansible automation to deploy new high availability clusters and efficiently manage cluster resources.
Managing Two-Node Clusters:
- Gain proficiency in operating two-node clusters, recognizing and mitigating issues unique to this configuration.
Accessing iSCSI Storage:
- Configure iSCSI initiators to access block-based storage devices provided by network storage arrays or Ceph storage clusters.
Accessing Storage Devices Resiliently:
- Configure resilient access to storage devices with multiple access paths for enhanced reliability.
Configuring LVM in Clusters:
- Select, configure, and manage the appropriate LVM configuration for effective use within your cluster.
Providing Storage with GFS2 Cluster File System:
- Leverage the GFS2 cluster file system to offer tightly coupled shared storage accessible by multiple nodes simultaneously.
Eliminating Single Points of Failure:
- Identify and eradicate single points of failure within your cluster, minimizing risk and maximizing average service availability.
Impact on the organization
- Reliability, Availability, and Resiliency:
- Elevate the reliability and availability of your services while fortifying resiliency, minimizing downtime, and simplifying hardware maintenance.
Impact on the individual
-
Create, Manage, and Troubleshoot:
- Navigate the creation, management, and troubleshooting of highly available network services and tightly-coupled cluster storage vital for business-critical applications.
- Enhancing Application Uptime:
- Elevate application uptime through the strategic utilization of high availability clustering techniques.
- Effective Storage Management:
- Skillfully manage storage within a high availability environment, incorporating iSCSI initiators, HA-LVM or LVM Shared Volume Groups as needed, and GFS2 cluster file systems.
- Single Point of Failure Mitigation:
- Implement robust strategies to identify and eliminate single points of failure within high availability clusters, ensuring a resilient and reliable infrastructure.
Exam description
The Red Hat Certified Specialist in High Availability Clustering exam (EX436) serves as a rigorous evaluation of one’s ability to implement high-availability services on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, utilizing the Red Hat Enterprise Linux High Availability Add-on. This performance-based test is designed to gauge practical skills and in-depth knowledge.
Successfully passing this exam not only grants you the esteemed title of Red Hat Certified Specialist but also opens the pathway to obtaining a certification as a Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA®), signifying a comprehensive mastery of Red Hat technologies.
The exam objectives align with the latest version of Red Hat products, ensuring relevance and applicability in contemporary IT landscapes. To explore and embark on this certification journey, click “Get started” to access information about the available exam versions for purchase.
Audience Exam:
Target Audience Clarification:
- Tailored for seasoned Linux® system administrators with experience in planning, deploying, and managing both physical and virtualized servers.
- Specifically designed for administrators tasked with configuring and managing highly available failover clusters.
Skill Enhancement for Linux System Administrators:
- Provides an opportunity for Linux system administrators to showcase their competence in configuring and managing failover clusters.
- Validates the ability to handle the complexities of multiple servers, emphasizing practical skills in real-world scenarios.
RHCE Credential Holders:
- Appeals to Red Hat Certified Engineers (RHCE) looking to further specialize and distinguish themselves.
- Offers a clear progression path for RHCEs interested in obtaining a Red Hat Certified Specialist designation or advancing towards the prestigious RHCA credential.
Focus on High Availability:
- Emphasizes the importance of high availability in modern IT environments.
- Addresses the specific needs of administrators responsible for ensuring uninterrupted services through failover clusters.
Practical Application of Skills:
- Tests administrators on their practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge.
- Aligns with real-world scenarios, preparing professionals for challenges encountered in actual deployment and management situations.
Relevance to Industry Trends:
- Keeps pace with industry trends by focusing on the latest Linux technologies and practices.
- Ensures that certified specialists are equipped to handle contemporary challenges in server deployment and management.
Career Advancement Opportunities:
- Acts as a catalyst for career growth by validating expertise in high-availability clustering.
- Opens doors to new opportunities, projects, and responsibilities, enhancing the professional standing of certified individuals.
Holistic Approach to Certification:
- Complements existing skills and knowledge, providing a well-rounded certification experience.
- Encourages continuous learning and development, fostering a comprehensive understanding of Linux system administration.
Recognition within the Red Hat Ecosystem:
- Establishes a recognized and respected credential within the Red Hat ecosystem.
- Strengthens professional credibility and positions certified individuals as specialists in high availability clustering.
Prerequisite for Advanced Certification:
- Serves as a stepping stone for those aiming for the RHCA credential, showcasing a commitment to advanced skills and a mastery of Red Hat technologies.
Prerequisites:
Red Hat encourages candidates to consider obtaining a Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) or a Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) as a recommended foundation for this exam, although neither is mandatory.
It is highly advised to have practical experience with Red Hat High Availability Clustering (RH436) or possess equivalent expertise. This hands-on familiarity ensures a comprehensive understanding of the concepts essential for the exam.
Recognizing the significance of real-world system administration experience, candidates should leverage practical scenarios to enhance their preparation. Practical application of skills acquired through hands-on work is crucial for success.
To streamline preparation efforts, candidates should diligently review the exam objectives outlined for the Red Hat Certified Specialist in High Availability Clustering exam. Familiarity with these objectives provides a clear roadmap for targeted study and reinforces the practical skills necessary for the exam.
To prepare effectively for the Red Hat Certified Specialist in High Availability Clustering exam, thoroughly review the exam objectives outlined below. Red Hat maintains the right to modify these objectives, with any changes communicated in advance.
Objective Highlights:
Cluster Configuration:
- Configure a high-availability cluster manually or using Ansible.
- Implement and optimize cluster quorum options.
Fencing:
- Configure cluster fencing, including standard mechanisms like fence_ipmilan.
- Test fencing configurations using standard tools.
- Enable any cluster member to fence any other cluster member.
Logging and Monitoring:
- Set up cluster logging, ensuring each node’s system activity is logged separately.
- Forward logging messages to journald for centralized management.
- Configure cluster monitoring, create monitoring resources, and establish alerting mechanisms.
Fail-Over Service Configuration:
- Create and configure highly available services within the cluster.
- Organize services into specific resource groups.
- Configure services to use shared storage and specific IP configurations.
- Define and manage cluster service behavior, including restrictions and failover settings.
Storage Configuration:
- Configure iSCSI initiators for seamless shared storage access.
- Create and configure shared storage using provided iSCSI volumes.
- Implement multipath access to enhance storage reliability.
- Configure shared LVM and highly available LVM devices.
GFS2 Filesystems Management:
- Configure GFS2 filesystems on logical volumes.
- Enable GFS2 filesystems to be shared between multiple nodes.
- Manage GFS2 filesystems, including adding journals, expanding, and growing.
Note: As with all Red Hat performance-based exams, configurations made during the exam must persist after reboot without intervention, emphasizing the practical application of skills. Stay updated on potential changes to exam objectives, as communicated by Red Hat in advance.
1. Preparation:
Red Hat strongly recommends candidates pursuing the Red Hat Certified Specialist in High Availability Clustering exam (EX436) to contemplate enrolling in the optional Red Hat High Availability Clustering (RH436) training course. While attendance in this course is not mandatory, it offers a valuable opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge in high availability clustering. Numerous successful candidates, already equipped with substantial expertise, have attested to the positive impact of the RH436 class on their exam performance.
It’s crucial to recognize that although attending Red Hat courses is a significant component of exam preparation, success cannot be guaranteed solely through coursework. The combination of prior experience, consistent practice, and innate aptitude plays a pivotal role in determining one’s success on the exam.
Additionally, a plethora of books and resources on system administration for Red Hat’s products are available, even though Red Hat doesn’t officially endorse any as preparation guides for its exams. Despite this, exploring supplementary reading materials is encouraged, as they can provide a deeper understanding of the subject matter and prove beneficial in exam readiness. In essence, a comprehensive approach that combines training, practical experience, diverse learning resources, and continuous self-assessment is pivotal for achieving success in the Red Hat Certified Specialist in High Availability Clustering exam.
2. Exam format:
The Red Hat Certified Specialist in High Availability Clustering exam (EX436) is a practical evaluation of system administration skills. Candidates perform real-world tasks similar to their job responsibilities in a 3-hour session. The exam focuses on assessing hands-on proficiency and the ability to meet specific objective criteria.
3. Scores & Reporting:
Official exam scores for the Red Hat Certified Specialist in High Availability Clustering (EX436) are exclusively provided through Red Hat Certification Central. Reporting of scores is not delegated to examiners or training partners, ensuring the integrity of the evaluation process. Typically, candidates can expect to receive their scores within 3 U.S. business days.
Scores are presented as total scores without a breakdown of performance on individual items. Red Hat adheres to a policy of not furnishing additional information upon request.
In the event of an unsuccessful first attempt, candidates are granted eligibility for one exam retake. Detailed information regarding retake policies can be found on the Training Policies page, offering clarity on the process and any associated considerations.
A Red Hat Certified Specialist in Building Resilient Microservices possesses a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge to ensure the effective deployment and management of microservices in a Red Hat OpenShift Service Mesh environment. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the key competencies and expertise they demonstrate:
Understanding Red Hat Openshift Service Mesh Custom Resources: Proficiency in comprehending and manipulating custom resources in Red Hat OpenShift Service Mesh, enabling the configuration and management of service mesh components to meet specific requirements.
Deployment and Configuration of Applications: Ability to deploy and configure applications within the Service Mesh, ensuring that services are effectively integrated and interact seamlessly.
Request Routing and Traffic Management: Skill in controlling the routing of requests and effectively managing traffic to ensure optimal performance and resource utilization within the service mesh.
Deployment/Release Pattern Strategies: Knowledge of deployment and release pattern strategies, such as A/B testing and canary releases, to implement complex operational functionality and minimize risks during service updates.
Advanced Routing Techniques: Proficiency in configuring and managing advanced routing techniques, enabling precise control over the flow and API calls between services, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the microservices.
Ingress and Egress Traffic Control: Ability to manage the ingress and egress traffic control policies effectively, ensuring that traffic flows smoothly in and out of the service mesh.
Dynamic Network Resilience and Fault Tolerance: Capability to dynamically configure network resilience and fault tolerance at runtime, proactively handling failing nodes and preventing localized failures from causing wider disruptions.
Service Mesh Policy Checks: Proficiency in configuring and enforcing service mesh policy checks, ensuring that services adhere to defined security and operational policies.
Workload-to-Workload Communication: Understanding and configuration of workload-to-workload communication, implementing robust authentication and authorization security measures within the service mesh to protect data and resources.
Fault Injection Mechanisms: Proficiency in using fault injection mechanisms to introduce errors and chaos testing into the system, assessing the failure recovery capacity of applications and ensuring they can handle unexpected issues effectively.
In summary, a Red Hat Certified Specialist in Building Resilient Microservices demonstrates an extensive skill set in deploying, configuring, and managing microservices within a Red Hat OpenShift Service Mesh environment. They are equipped to handle various aspects of service mesh operations, from routing and traffic management to security and fault tolerance, ensuring the resilience and reliability of microservices in complex applications.
Is this certification right for you?
The Red Hat Certified Specialist in Building Resilient Microservices exam is designed for:
- Developers who are implementing microservices in the Red Hat OpenShift Platform.
- Architects who are designing microservices for the Red Hat OpenShift Platform.
- Administrators or Developers who are managing service meshes in the Red Hat OpenShift Platform.
Test Your Skills and Knowledge
Red Hat Certified Specialist in Building Resilient Microservices exam (EX328)
The best way to learn is to do
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