Nutanix Objects, part of Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS), is deployed as Object Store Service VMs on a Nutanix cluster. Expanding an Objects store cluster involves adding more resources (e.g., nodes, Object Store Service VMs) to handle increased demand. Prior to expansion, the environment must meet certain prerequisites to ensure a successful installation.

Analysis of Options:

Option A (Configure NTP on only Prism Central): Incorrect. Network Time Protocol (NTP) synchronization is critical for Nutanix clusters, but it must be configured on both Prism Central and Prism Element (the cluster) to ensure consistent time across all components, including Object Store Service VMs. Configuring NTP on only Prism Central is insufficient and can lead to time synchronization issues during expansion.

Option B (Upgrade MSP to 2.0 or later): Incorrect. MSP (Microservices Platform) is a Nutanix component used for certain services, but it is not directly related to Nutanix Objects expansion. Objects relies on AOS and Prism versions, not MSP, and there is no specific MSP version requirement mentioned in Objects documentation for expansion.

Option C (Upgrade Prism Element to 5.20 or later): Correct. Nutanix Objects has specific version requirements for AOS (which runs on Prism Element) to support features and ensure compatibility during expansion. According to Nutanix documentation, AOS 5.20 or later is recommended for Objects deployments and expansions, as it includes stability improvements, bug fixes, and support for newer Objects features. Upgrading Prism Element to 5.20 or later ensures the environment is properly configured for a successful Objects store cluster expansion.

Option D (Configure DNS on only Prism Element): Incorrect. DNS configuration is important for name resolution in a Nutanix environment, but it must be configured for both Prism Element and Prism Central, as well as for the Object Store Service VMs. Configuring DNS on only Prism Element is insufficient, as Objects expansion requires proper name resolution across all components, including Prism Central for management.

Why Option C?

Expanding a Nutanix Objects store cluster requires the underlying AOS version (managed via Prism Element) to meet minimum requirements for compatibility and stability. AOS 5.20 or later includes necessary updates for Objects, making this upgrade a critical prerequisite to ensure the environment is properly configured for expansion. Other options, like NTP and DNS, are also important but require broader configuration, and MSP is not relevant in this context.

Exact Extract from Nutanix Documentation:

From the Nutanix Objects Administration Guide (available on the Nutanix Portal):

“Before expanding a Nutanix Objects store cluster, ensure that the environment meets the minimum requirements. Upgrade Prism Element to AOS 5.20 or later to ensure compatibility, stability, and support for Objects expansion features.”