CompTIA DataSys+ (DS0-001)Business ContinuityMedium
A database system is configured with an active-passive high availability cluster. In the event of a primary node failure, the passive node takes over the workload. Which of the following best describes the state of the passive node during normal operations?
- AIt is online, processing read-only queries, while the primary handles writes.
- BIt is actively processing read and write requests for a portion of the database.
- CIt is powered off to save resources and only started upon failover.
- DIt is online, receiving replicated data, but not actively serving client requests.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It is online, receiving replicated data, but not actively serving client requests.
In an active-passive (or active-standby) configuration, the passive node is typically online and continuously receiving replicated data from the active node to ensure it has the most up-to-date information. However, it does not actively serve client requests until a failover occurs, at which point it becomes the active node.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes a read-replica setup, which can be part of HA but is not the defining characteristic of a purely passive node in an active-passive cluster.
- B. This describes an active-active configuration, not active-passive.
- C. While possible for very low-priority systems, most active-passive setups keep the passive node online and replicating for faster failover and current data.
Active-Passive HA
A high-availability configuration where one node (active) processes requests, and another (passive) remains online, receiving replicated data, ready to take over if the active node fails.
- One node is active, one is passive (standby).
- Passive node receives replicated data.
- Passive node takes over upon primary failure.
Memory trick: Passive node waits, like a 'standby' player.