OpenStack is an open-source cloud computing platform that provides various services for managing infrastructure resources. Let’s analyze each option:

A. Keystone

Correct: Keystone is the OpenStack service responsible for identity management and API client authentication . It provides authentication, authorization, and service discovery for other OpenStack services.

B. Nova

Incorrect: Nova is the OpenStack compute service that manages virtual machines and bare-metal servers. It does not handle authentication or API client validation.

C. Heat

Incorrect: Heat is the OpenStack orchestration service that automates the deployment and management of infrastructure resources using templates. It does not provide authentication services.

D. Neutron

Incorrect: Neutron is the OpenStack networking service that manages virtual networks, routers, and IP addresses. It is unrelated to API client authentication.

Why Keystone?

Authentication and Authorization: Keystone ensures that only authorized users and services can access OpenStack resources by validating credentials and issuing tokens.

Service Discovery: Keystone also provides a catalog of available OpenStack services and their endpoints, enabling seamless integration between components.

JNCIA Cloud References:

The JNCIA-Cloud certification covers OpenStack services, including Keystone, as part of its cloud infrastructure curriculum. Understanding Keystone’s role in authentication is essential for managing secure OpenStack deployments.

For example, Juniper Contrail integrates with OpenStack Keystone to authenticate and authorize network resources, ensuring secure and efficient operation.