Apr 24, 2017 Visio by DPTPB release update notes
Updated NetApp FAS / AFF DPTPB Visio stencils to follow V2 design where all data is within top-level shape and rear view shapes have connection points for rack placement
Continue reading “Visio by DPTPB: NetApp FAS/AFF Controller Stencil (V2)”
NetApp released a new dense disk shelf a while ago, DS460C, following the same naming convention as previous shelves, this shelf can accommodate up to 60 (LFF) disk drives in 4U form factor.
I’ve always thought that “C” in new shelf names stood for “Cluster”, since there is now four SAS ports per shelf IOM module and you could in theory connect four-node cluster into one shelf, but I read somewhere that “C” stands for 12 Gbps SAS speed , ( C = 12 in HEX). Very geeky, made my inner nerd smile:)
Continue reading “Visio by DPTPB: NetApp DS460C + Quad Path SAS cabling + AFF A200 shapes”
Older generation SAS 6Gbps ports use QSFP form factor connector while newer generation SAS 12Gbps ports use smaller Mini-SAS HD form factor connector (at least with NetApp gear). These form factors are not compatible, i.e you cannot cable QSFP connector to Mini-SAS HD port or vice-versa.
To make things more confusing, there are also 12Gbps capable ports that are using QSFP form factor connector. In case of NetApp, X2069-R6 adapter is example of such combination.
Continue reading “Visio by DPTPB: Transitional SAS cables, QSFP to Mini-SAS HD”
NetApp announced hardware refresh recently, basically renewing all current FAS / AFF controller models. This time I will investigate network connectivity and more so port counts rather than port speeds.
Continue reading “NetApp Ontap 9.1 HW refresh: Faster ports and more ports”
For the past couple of years I haven’t designed a single Netapp solution which still included FlashCache. I was quite surprised when NetApp introduced their latest hardware refresh along with Ontap 9.1. Now all new controller models come with NVMe M.2 Flash chips, which in essense are acting as FlashCache. Does that mean that FlashCache is now better option than FlashPool? Typical Pre-Sales answer applies: It depends 🙂 Continue reading “Return of Jedi…, ehm FlashCache”
DontPokeThePolarBear 