Considerations for using ONTAP Mediator or MetroCluster Tiebreaker
Starting with ONTAP 9.7, you can use either the ONTAP Mediator-assisted automatic unplanned switchover (MAUSO) in the MetroCluster IP configuration or you can use the MetroCluster Tiebreaker software. Only one of the two services can be used with the MetroCluster IP configuration.
Considerations for MetroCluster IP configuration
You should be aware of how the MetroCluster IP addresses and interfaces are implemented in a MetroCluster IP configuration, as well as the associated requirements.
Considerations for automatic drive assignment and ADP systems in ONTAP 9.4 and later
Starting with ONTAP 9.4, MetroCluster IP configurations support new installations with AFF systems using ADP (Advanced Drive Partitioning). In most configurations, partitioning and disk assignment is performed automatically during the initial configuration of the MetroCluster sites.
Considerations for using All SAN Array systems in MetroCluster configurations
Some All SAN Arrays (ASAs) are supported in MetroCluster configurations. In the MetroCluster documentation, the information for AFF models applies to the corresponding ASA system. For example, all cabling and other information for the AFF A400 system also applies to the ASA AFF A400 system.
Considerations for configuring cluster peering
Each MetroCluster site is configured as a peer to its partner site. You should be familiar with the prerequisites and guidelines for configuring the peering relationships and when deciding whether to use shared or dedicated ports for those relationships.
Considerations for sharing private layer 2 networks
Starting with ONTAP 9.6, MetroCluster IP configurations with supported Cisco switches can share existing networks for ISLs, rather than using dedicated MetroCluster ISLs. Earlier ONTAP versions require dedicated ISLs.
Considerations for using MetroCluster compliant switches
MetroCluster IP switches provided by NetApp are NetApp validated. Beginning with ONTAP 9.7, MetroCluster IP configurations can support switches that are not NetApp validated provided that they are compliant with NetApp specifications.