NetApp HCI has specific physical and network requirements for proper operation in your datacenter. Ensure that you implement the following requirements and recommendations before you begin deployment.
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Network and switch requirements
The switches used to carry NetApp HCI traffic require specific configuration to ensure a successful deployment. See your switch documentation for specific instructions on implementing each of the following requirements for your environment.
Network ports used by NetApp HCI You might need to allow the following ports through your datacenter's edge firewall so that you can manage the system remotely and allow clients outside of your datacenter to connect to resources. Some of these ports might not be required, depending on how you use the system. All ports are TCP unless stated otherwise, and should be open bidirectionally.
Network cable requirements
You can use the following guidelines to ensure that you have enough of the right type of network cables for the size of your deployment. For ports that require RJ45 cables, you must use Category 5e or Category 6 rated RJ45 cables.
Network configuration
NetApp HCI can utilize multiple different network cabling and VLAN configurations. It is important to plan your network configuration to ensure a successful deployment.
IP address requirements
NetApp HCI has specific IP address requirements that depend on the size of your deployment. It is important to note that by default the initial IP addresses you assign to each node before using the NetApp Deployment Engine to deploy the system are temporary and cannot be reused. You need to set aside a second permanent set of unused IP addresses that you can assign during final deployment.
Configuring LACP for optimal storage performance
For optimal NetApp HCI storage cluster performance, you should configure Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) on the switch ports used for each of the storage nodes.
Configuring the IPMI ports
DHCP is enabled for the IPMI port of each NetApp HCI node. If your IPMI network does not use DHCP, you can manually assign a static IPv4 address to the IPMI port.
DNS and timekeeping requirements
Before deployment, you might need to prepare DNS records for your NetApp HCI system and gather NTP server information.
Environmental requirements
Ensure that the power for the rack used to install NetApp HCI is supplied by AC power outlets, and that your datacenter provides adequate cooling for the size of your NetApp HCI installation.
Protection Domains
NetApp Element software supports Protection Domains functionality, which optimizes data layout on storage nodes for the best data availability. To use this feature, you should split storage capacity evenly across three or more NetApp H-series chassis for optimal storage reliability. In this scenario, the storage cluster automatically enables Protection Domains.
Final preparations
You must ensure that you complete the following final items before you deploy NetApp HCI.