CompTIA DataSys+ (DS0-001)Database DeploymentHard
A database administrator is planning to expand the storage capacity of an existing database running on a Linux server. The database is critical and requires minimal downtime. The current storage is managed by Logical Volume Management (LVM), and there is unallocated space available on the underlying physical disks. Which method should the administrator use to expand the database storage with minimal downtime?
- AExtend the existing Logical Volume (LV) and then resize the filesystem online.
- BAdd new physical disks, create a new LVM volume group, and copy data.
- CMigrate the database to a new server with larger disks.
- DBack up the database, repartition the disks, and restore the database.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Extend the existing Logical Volume (LV) and then resize the filesystem online.
LVM allows for online resizing of logical volumes. By extending the existing LV and then resizing the filesystem (if it supports online resizing, like XFS or Ext4), the database storage can be expanded with little to no downtime, fulfilling the critical requirement.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This would likely involve downtime to copy data and reconfigure the database to use the new volume.
- C. This involves significant downtime for migration and is not necessary if LVM is in use.
- D. Repartitioning disks requires unmounting filesystems and significant downtime, contrary to the requirement.
Online Storage Expansion (LVM)
Online storage expansion using LVM involves extending a Logical Volume and then resizing its filesystem while the system and database remain operational, minimizing downtime for critical applications.
- Leverages Logical Volume Management (LVM) on Linux.
- Allows adding physical disks to existing volume groups.
- Enables online extension of Logical Volumes and filesystems (e.g., XFS, Ext4).
- Crucial for high-availability database systems.
Memory trick: LVM is like a 'stretchable' hard drive – you can grow it while it's still running.