10 OpenStack Deployment & Operations Guide © 2016 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved.
computing. Clustered Data ONTAP leverages core NetApp software such as
WAFL® (Write Anywhere File Layout), RAID-DP®, and NetApp Snapshot. RAID-
DP, a high-performance implementation of RAID 6, protects against double-
disk failures, and transparent node failover automatically bypasses any failed
components with no interruption in data availability. In addition to having
no single point of failure, clustered Data ONTAP supports the expansion or
reconfiguration of the storage infrastructure while online, enabling applications to
run uninterrupted as more storage capacity, processing power, and/or throughput
is added.
Enable continuous operations. Clustered Data ONTAP is configured for
continuous operation with the use of high-performance and modular NetApp
storage components. Each system consists of one or more FAS building blocks
where each building block is a high-availability pair of controllers (storage nodes).
Multiple controller pairs form a single, integrated cluster. Clustered Data ONTAP
uses Ethernet technology — Gigabit(Gb) and 10Gb — for server connections
and for interconnecting FAS controllers. Servers can also be connected through
InfiniBand through the use of a gateway device. Each controller can support
any mix of high-performance SAS and cost-effective SATA disk drives. Data
can move nondisruptively between nodes or between different tiers of disk
as performance requirements change. This capability makes sure that data
center and IT administrators can maximize performance where needed while
simultaneously improving capacity utilization.
Data ONTAP operating in 7-Mode
While clustered Data ONTAP is the preferred operating mode for nearly all
new Data ONTAP installations, and is NetApp’s focal point for future delivery
of additional enhancement and innovation, there are a significant number of 7-
Mode based systems in existence and a variety of valid operational considerations
that require ongoing use. While NetApp has provided Cinder driver enablement
for 7-Mode systems, NetApp recommends that clustered Data ONTAP be used
whenever possible.
3.2. Description of FAS Systems
The FAS family is a unified storage systems family with integrated data protection,
robust data management, and built-in storage efficiency for virtualized, shared
infrastructure and business applications. FAS storage is excellent for data
management efficiency, virtualized infrastructure, shared workloads, and IT as a
service delivery. FAS systems are often referred to as “filers.” FAS systems can be
configured with a variety of media types including hybrid (Flash, SSD, SAS, and
SATA) as well as all flash configurations.
Detailed information on the individual options within the FAS family is available
at: http://www.netapp.com/us/products/storage-systems/.
Note
NetApp’s OpenStack Block Storage drivers interact directly with Data
ONTAP and are abstract to the specific FAS platform. Any given
hardware platform supported by a version of Data ONTAP that in turn
is supported by a particular OpenStack Block Storage driver. Refer to