Persistent volumes allow management node configuration data to be stored on a specified storage cluster, rather than locally with a VM, so that data can be preserved in the event of management node loss or removal. Persistent volumes are an optional yet recommended management node configuration.

If you are deploying a management node for NetApp HCI using the NetApp Deployment Engine, persistent volumes are enabled and configured automatically.

An option to enable persistent volumes is included in the installation and upgrade scripts when deploying a new management node. Persistent volumes are volumes on an Element software-based storage cluster that contain management node configuration information for the host management node VM that persists beyond the life of the VM. If the management node is lost, a replacement management node VM can reconnect to and recover configuration data for the lost VM.

Persistent volumes functionality, if enabled during installation or upgrade, automatically creates multiple volumes with NetApp-HCI- pre-pended to the name on the assigned cluster. These volumes, like any Element software-based volume, can be viewed using the Element software web UI, NetApp Element Plug-in for vCenter Server, or API, depending on your preference and installation. Persistent volumes must be up and running with an iSCSI connection to the management node to maintain current configuration data that can be used for recovery.