the Azure Stack Hub instance operates in an environment with no internet connectivity or in a sporadic connection. This setup is ideal for locations where network reliability or internet access is an issue, such as remote field sites, ships, or other isolated geographies. In this article, we will cover how to register an Azure Stack Hub deployment in a disconnected scenario and set up Azure services for AZ-600 Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub exam.
The Azure Stack Hub Deployment Model
This can be illustrated with the following table:
| Deployment Model | Connection Type | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Connected | Always Online | Corporate |
| Disconnected | Offline | Remote Area |
| Partially Connected | Sporadic | Field Office |
1. Registering Azure Stack in a Disconnected Environment
To begin the process of using Azure Stack in a disconnected environment, the environment needs to be registered with Azure. This process requires downloading and then importing the registration package. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download the Azure Stack Hub Registration package from a system connected to the internet. This package contains the necessary metadata and manifest files.
- Move the package to the offline Azure Stack Hub via a removable media.
- Import the registration package into the Azure Stack Hub operator’s portal.
2. Syncing Marketplace Items
For typical Azure resources such as VMs, Web Apps, or Functions, you need to download the images or packages from the Azure Marketplace and import them into your offline Azure Stack hub. Here is an example of how to sync marketplace items:
- On a system connected to the internet, download the necessary items from the Azure Marketplace.
- Transfer these items to removable media, and then transfer them to the disconnected Azure Stack Hub.
- Using the Azure Stack Hub Admin portal, import the Marketplace items.
3. Azure Stack Hub Billing Model
The Azure Stack Hub operates on a Pay-as-you-use model whether in a connected or disconnected state. It requires a key to activate, and once activated, the Azure services usage will be tracked and billed based on consumption. In a disconnected state, the usage information is stored and needs to be manually uploaded to Azure for billing.
4. Azure Stack Hub Updates
All updates in a disconnected Azure Stack Hub deployment need to be manually managed. These include the downloading, transferring, and installation of Azure Stack Hub updates. This process is lengthy but necessary to keep the system updated with the latest features and security patches.
5. Support and Diagnostics
In a disconnected environment, all diagnostic logs need to be uploaded manually to a support location. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that there’s adequate storage for logs and that a process for offloading and uploading logs is in place when required.
In conclusion, setting up an Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment presents unique challenges compared to a standard Azure deployment, but it allows for secure, isolated cloud computing in places where connecting to the public cloud is not feasible. It becomes mandatory to acquire an understanding of how to operate Azure Stack in a disconnected environment, particularly if you are preparing for the AZ-600 Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub exam.
Practice Test
True or False: Azure Stack Hub is designed to support disconnected environments.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub is designed to support disconnected (also known as offline) environments where internet connectivity is limited or not present. It operates independently of Azure, providing cloud services in on-premises environments.
True or False: Registering Azure Stack with Azure requires an internet connection in order to complete.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Registration is a connection operation that requires Azure Stack to connect to Azure at least once. This means it requires an internet connection to complete.
In disconnected scenarios, Azure Stack Hub updates can be manually applied using the ___.
- a. Azure Portal
- b. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
- c. Azure CLI
- d. Update package from the Azure Stack download center
Answer: d. Update package from the Azure Stack download center
Explanation: In disconnected scenarios, updates can be manually downloaded from the Azure Stack download center and then applied.
True or False: Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is not necessary in a disconnected environment.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Even in a disconnected scenario, customers must have an Azure AD tenant. This provides identity and access management, ensuring secure access to Azure Stack resources.
Which of the following is not possible in a disconnected environment?
- a. Updating Azure Stack Hub
- b. Registering Azure Stack with Azure
- c. Deploying Azure Resource Manager templates
- d. Enabling Azure Stack Multi-Tenancy
Answer: b. Registering Azure Stack with Azure
Explanation: This operation requires Azure Stack to connect to Azure at least once, hence an internet connection is necessary for this to complete, making it impossible in a completely disconnected environment.
True or False: Certificates for Azure Stack Hub can be freely generated without a certificate authority.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Even in a disconnected environment, Azure Stack Hub needs properly signed certificates from a trusted certificate authority.
Azure Stack Hub is a solution for running Azure services where?
- a. In disconnected environments
- b. On-premises
- c. Both
Answer: c. Both
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub is designed to run Azure services on-premises, in a disconnected environment.
For deploying applications into the Azure Stack Hub, what is recommended?
- a. Azure Resource Manager templates
- b. Direct VM manipulation
- c. Azure portal automation
- d. None of above
Answer: a. Azure Resource Manager templates
Explanation: In disconnected mode, deploying and managing applications can be done consistently using Azure Resource Manager templates.
True or False: Azure Stack Hub supports Internet-free operations.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub is designed to support disconnected, or “offline” environments where internet availability is limited or not present.
Can Azure Stack Hub be deployed without first connecting to the Azure cloud?
- Yes
- No
Answer: No
Explanation: Azure Stack Hub requires connection to the Azure cloud during deployment for registration purposes, but can operate as a disconnected environment once deployment and registration is complete.
Interview Questions
What is a disconnected environment in Azure Stack Hub?
A disconnected environment in Azure Stack Hub refers to an instance where Azure Stack Hub is not connected to the internet. In such instances, Azure Stack Hub runs solely within the borders of the on-premises network infrastructure.
How is registration handled in a disconnected environment in Azure Stack Hub?
In a disconnected environment, Azure Stack Hub uses automated registration with the Azure cloud through a one-time access or manual registration via a secure transfer.
What are the requirements to register in a disconnected environment for Azure Stack Hub?
The requirements of registering Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment include: an Azure subscription, privileged access to the Azure Stack Hub administrator portal, and a one-time internet access for the Azure Stack Hub hardware lifecycle host.
What is the role of Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) in the registration of Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment?
Azure AD serves as a key component for identity services in Azure Stack Hub. It is used during the registration of Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment to download marketplace items and capacity billing data.
What is the purpose of registration in Azure Stack Hub?
Registration in Azure Stack Hub is necessary for customer support, Azure Marketplace syndication, capacity planning, and usage data collection.
Can Azure Stack Hub operate in a disconnected mode?
Yes, Azure Stack Hub can operate in a disconnected mode but it requires initial registration and periodic re-registration.
What is the certificate used for the automated or manual registration of Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment?
The certificate used for the registration is the Azure Stack Hub activation token.
What can you do if the registration of Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment expires?
If the registration of Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment expires, you can re-register it by using the same process as with the initial registration.
What is the importance of the billing model in the registration of Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment?
The billing model allows Azure to collect capacity data and generate usage reports for Azure Stack Hub instances operating in a disconnected environment.
Is it necessary to update the Azure Stack Hub software in a disconnected environment?
Yes, it is necessary. The updates may not come from the Azure cloud as with a connected environment, but can be manually downloaded and applied.
Can Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment be connected to Azure for temporary periods?
Yes, Azure Stack Hub in a disconnected environment can be connected to Azure for temporary periods for tasks like registration or re-registration, then taken offline again.
How does Marketplace syndication work in a disconnected environment?
In a disconnected environment, operators need to manually download items from the Azure Marketplace and then import them into the Azure Stack Hub Marketplace.
How can Azure Stack HCI be managed in a disconnected environment?
Azure Stack HCI can be managed in a disconnected environment using Windows Admin Center or other industry-standard tooling.
What happens to system health and alert data in an Azure Stack Hub disconnected environment?
In a disconnected environment, system health and alert data are recorded locally within the Azure Stack Hub itself.
Can Azure Stack HCI replicate data to Azure in a disconnected environment?
No, Azure Stack HCI cannot replicate data to Azure in a disconnected environment, since there is no network connectivity to Azure.
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