As I continue my study towards the VCAP5-DCA exam, I thought that I would create one or more sample scenarios and their solutions for each line item in the blueprint as an exercise both in better understanding the topic and being able to articulate it.  Hopefully, you will find these useful as well.  Please note that these scenarios are based on the VMware VCAP5-DVA 5.1 exam (VCDA511) blueprint version 2.9 since that is the focus of my study.  At this time, bot the 5.1 and the 5.5 exam will grant the VCAP5-DCA.  Once I complete the process, I may add additional scenarios to cover the 5.5 exam.

Since I’ve never taken the test, I’m not really sure what to expect on the exam, so if you are reading this page and have already passed either exam, I invite any input on the scenarios that won’t violate the test’s NDA.

The following will become links as I write the scenarios.

8/6/14 – Yeah, Yeah, I know.  This page isn’t dead.  I’m working on it.  Keep checking back.

Section 1 – Implement and Manage Storage

• Objective 1.1 – Implement and Manage Complex Storage Solutions
• Objective 1.2 – Manage Storage Capacity in a vSphere Environment
• Objective 1.3 – Configure and Manage Complex Multipathing and PSA Plug-ins

Section 2 – Implement and Manage Networking

• Objective 2.1 – Implement and Manage Complex Virtual Networks
• Objective 2.2 – Configure and Maintain VLANs, PVLANs and VLAN Settings
• Objective 2.3 – Deploy and Maintain Scalable Virtual Networking
• Objective 2.4 –  Administer vSphere Distributed Switch Settings

Section 3 – Deploy DRS Clusters and Manage Performance

• Objective 3.1 – Tune and Optimize vSphere Performance
• Objective 3.2 – Optimize Virtual Machine Resources
• Objective 3.3 – Implement and Maintain Complex DRS Solutions
• Objective 3.4 – Utilize Advanced vSphere Performance Monitoring Tools

Section 4 – Manage Business Continuity and Protect Data

• Objective 4.1 – Implement and Maintain Complex VMware HA Solutions
• Objective 4.2 – Deploy and Test VMware FT

Section 5 – Perform Operational Maintenance

• Objective 5.1 – Implement and Maintain Host Profiles
• Objective 5.2 – Deploy and Manage Complex Update Manager Environments

Section 6 – Perform Advanced Troubleshooting

• Objective 6.1 – Configure, Manage, and Analyze vSphere Log Files
• Objective 6.2 – Troubleshoot CPU and Memory Performance
• Objective 6.3 – Troubleshoot Network Performance and Connectivity
• Objective 6.4 – Troubleshoot Storage Performance and Connectivity
• Objective 6.5 – Troubleshoot vCenter Server and ESXi Host Management

Section 7 – Secure a vSphere Environment

• Objective 7.1 – Secure ESXi Hosts
• Objective 7.2 – Configure and Maintain the ESXi Firewall

Section 8 – Perform Scripting and Automation

• Objective 8.1 – Execute VMware Cmdlets and Customize Scripts Using PowerCLI
• Objective 8.2 – Administer vSphere Using the vSphere Management Assistant

Section 9 – Perform Advanced vSphere Installations and Configurations

• Objective 9.1 – Install ESXi hosts with custom settings
• Objective 9.2 – Install ESXi Hosts Using Auto Deploy