Splunk Enterprise Certified Architect Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The choice that states the deployer only distributes configurations to search head cluster members when they "phone home" is based on the operational mechanics of a search head cluster deployer in Splunk architecture. In this context, the term "phone home" refers to the behavior of search head cluster members that periodically check in with the deployer to request the latest configurations and updates.

This model is advantageous as it allows for an efficient and controlled way of managing configuration updates across the cluster. It ensures that search head cluster members are not continuously seeking changes, reducing network overhead and allowing for more stable operations. The periodic checks help synchronize configurations in a timely manner without overwhelming the system with constant updates.

In contrast, the other choices either misunderstand the role of the deployer or misrepresent the deployment process. For instance, stating that configurations must be distributed by the deployer to be valid does not capture the dynamic nature of how the search head cluster can function, particularly with configurations that can be adjusted in real-time without necessitating the deployer's intervention every time. By focusing on the "phone home" method, the correct answer reflects a more functional understanding of this aspect of Splunk's architecture.