Volume 2 - Chapter 20: Cloud Architecture

Question 1

In regards to server systems, describe the function of multithreading.

Answer 1

Having multiple threads connected to a single CPU core.

Question 2

In regards to virtualization, describe the function of a container engine.

Answer 2

A container engine is the software component installed on an OS that allows users to deploy and run containers

Question 3

What do the green and orange dots represent in the image detailed below?

Answer 3

Green: A Top of Rack Switch (ToR)
Orange: An End of Row Switch (EoR)

Question 4

The Top of Rack switch acts as a(n) ____
While the End of Row switch acts as a(n) ____

Answer 4

ToR: Access
EoR: Distribution

Question 5

Describe the traditional workflow within a virtualized data center.

Answer 5

1. A customer or developer will submit a change request outlining their requirements
2. A server virtualization engineer will use either a GUI or API to add, modify or delete the VMs

Question 6

Describe the 5 characteristics of a cloud computing service.

Answer 6

• On-Demand: The IT customer can start and stop the services they require on their end
• Broad Network Access: The cloud service can be reached from anywhere
• Resource Pooling: The provider has a pool of server resources that are dynamically allocated for the client
• Rapid Elasticity: Additional services required can be filled quickly
• Measured Service: Resource utilization is tracked and can be provided to the client

Question 7

What term best describes the following?

A self-service portal used in a cloud environment that lists all services available and allows for users to quickly provision new VMs and services.

Answer 7

Cloud Service Catalogue

Question 8

True or False:

A cloud service catalogue supports both GUI and API interaction methods to provision new services

Answer 8

True

Question 9

The following diagram is an example of what type of cloud service?

Answer 9

A public cloud provider

Question 10

What cloud service model best matches the following?

A model where the user selects the underlying virtual machine hardware settings and optional OS, afterwards installing their own Apps

Answer 10

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Question 11

What cloud service model best matches the following?

A model where the user selects and customizes only the application. All other parameters such as the OS and hardware are invisible to the client.

Answer 11

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Question 12

What cloud service model best matches the following?

A model similar to Iaas, but provides a prebuilt development platform. Resources are configurable by the client.

Answer 12

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Question 13

Describe the 3 pros of connecting to a public cloud using the internet.

Answer 13

• Agility: No private WAN connections need to be setup
• Migration: Services can be migrated easier between different cloud providers
• Remote Work: Users can use their SaaS applications from anywhere

Question 14

Describe the 4 cons of connecting to a public cloud using the internet.

Answer 14

• Security: The internet is less secure than a private WAN
• Capacity: Applications in the public cloud increase internet traffic utilization
• Quality of Service (QoS): The internet does not provide QoS; cannot control Jitter, delay, and loss
• No WAN SLA: ISPs don’t provide SLAs for internet availability

Question 15

What are the 2 main options available for a private connection to a public cloud?

Answer 15

A private WAN (MPLS as an example)
An Internet-Based VPN Tunnel

Question 16

Describe the main cons of connecting to a public cloud using a private WAN.

Answer 16

Time and planning; getting a private WAN connected to public cloud service takes planning and time. Internet based migrations can be completed much quicker.

Question 17

What type of service best describes the following?

A cloud service used to migrate a company’s workload from one cloud provider to another.

Answer 17

An Intercloud Exchange.

Question 18

What type of connection is used to connect to an Intercloud Exchange?

Answer 18

A private WAN

Question 19

Describe the pros and cons of using an Intercloud Exchange.

Answer 19

There is some initial setup required to establish the private WAN connection.

Once the connection is setup, migrating between different cloud providers is much easier

Question 20

What public cloud option WAN best represents the following?:
* Makes data private? No
* Supports QoS? No
* Eases Migration to new Provider: Yes
* Speeds initial installation: Yes

Answer 20

An Internet Service without VPN.

Question 21

What public cloud option WAN best represents the following?:
* Makes data private? Yes
* Supports QoS? Yes
* Eases Migration to new Provider: Yes
* Speeds initial installation: No

Answer 21

An Intercloud Exchange.

Question 22

What public cloud WAN option best represents the following?:
* Makes data private? Yes
* Supports QoS? No
* Eases Migration to new Provider: Yes
* Speeds initial installation: Yes

Answer 22

An Internet Service with VPN.

Question 23

What public cloud WAN option best represents the following?:
* Makes data private? Yes
* Supports QoS? Yes
* Eases Migration to new Provider: No
* Speeds initial installation: No

Answer 23

A private WAN service such as an MPLS VPN or Ethernet WAN