A systems administrator is deploying a new rack-mounted server that will host several virtual machines. The administrator wants to install the hypervisor on a separate, dedicated boot device to maximize the internal drive bays for VM storage. During the server's physical inspection, the administrator notes a Type-A USB port located directly on the motherboard inside the chassis.
What is the MOST likely purpose of this internal USB port in this server deployment scenario?
To install a hypervisor on a USB flash drive, which will serve as the server's boot device.
To provide a connection point for a crash cart's keyboard and mouse.
To connect a hardware licensing dongle required for the server's operating system.
To attach an external USB hard drive for performing daily backups of the virtual machines.
The correct answer is that the internal USB port is most likely intended for installing a hypervisor on a USB flash drive to use as the boot device. This is a common practice in server administration, especially for Type 1 hypervisors like VMware ESXi, because it frees up all the front-facing, hot-swappable drive bays for data storage (like virtual machine disks). Using a USB drive for the hypervisor is cost-effective and simplifies replacing the boot medium if it fails. While a licensing dongle could be connected, it is not the most common use for this specific port in a new virtualization host setup. Connecting a crash cart or an external backup drive to an internal port would be highly impractical; external ports on the rear of the chassis are used for those purposes.