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Learn about AFX storage systems

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The NetApp AFX storage system is based on a next‑generation storage architecture that evolves the ONTAP storage model into a disaggregated high-performance NAS solution. AFX supports both file and object workloads with advanced technologies and processing techniques that provide extremely high performance.

Typical application workloads

AFX storage meets the unique demands typical of AI/ML environments and other related data-centric applications. The AFX storage system is ideal for organizations managing several different workloads including:

  • Training and iterative model refinement associated with deep learning where continuous high bandwidth and access to massive datasets is required.

  • Processing diverse data types including text, images, and video.

  • Real‑time inference applications with low latency where strict response time windows are needed.

  • Data science and machine learning pipelines that can benefit from self‑service data management by data engineers and data scientists.

  • Workloads that require high concurrency and parallel I/O, such as multi‑GPU systems with RDMA transport.

Hardware infrastructure

The NetApp AFX storage system delivers a unified hardware and software solution that creates a simplified experience specific to the needs of high-performance NAS customers.

The following hardware components are used with AFX clusters:

  • AFX 1K controllers

  • NX224 shelves

  • Cisco Nexus 9332D-GX2B or Nexus 9364D-GX2A switches