Splunk Enterprise Certified Architect Practice Test

Which statement is true about Splunk indexer clustering?

1. All peer nodes must run exactly the same Splunk version.

2. The master node must run the same or a later Splunk version than search heads.

3. The peer nodes must run the same or a later Splunk version than the master node.

4. The search head must run the same or a later Splunk version than the peer nodes.

The correct answer is: All peer nodes must run exactly the same Splunk version.

The statement that all peer nodes in a Splunk indexer cluster must run exactly the same Splunk version is true because consistency across peer nodes ensures that data is indexed in a uniform manner. When all peer nodes operate on the same version, it eliminates any potential discrepancies in functionality, features, or indexing processes that could arise from version differences. This uniformity is essential for maintaining data integrity and properly coordinating operations within the cluster. In an indexer cluster, if peer nodes were running different versions, it could lead to complications such as differing behaviors during data replication or potential errors during searches. Deploying the same version across all peers ensures that they can effectively communicate with one another without encountering version-specific limitations or bugs. This concept highlights the importance of version control and management within clusters, as ensuring that all components are on the same page can significantly contribute to the stability and reliability of the entire Splunk infrastructure.