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Install and maintain

Learn about your ONTAP system switches

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NetApp offers AFX systems, cluster, storage, and shared switches that deliver internal communications with the ability to non-disruptively move data and network interfaces across the cluster.

The “front-end” switches provide connectivity to host storage, while the “back-end” cluster switches provide connections between two or more NetApp controllers.

Note Only NetApp-validated back-end switches (ordered from NetApp) are supported.
Caution If you are upgrading your switches, NetApp recommends that you complete any ONTAP software upgrade first, then perform the software upgrade for your switches.

AFX systems switches

AFX systems switches allow you to create fast, energy-efficient, and space-saving network switches. Their small size and high port density make them ideal for handling large networks. The ports support different speeds and can be split into multiple connections. NetApp-supported AFX systems switches include:

  • Cisco Nexus 9808

  • Cisco Nexus 9332D-GX2B

  • Cisco Nexus 9364D-GX2A

Cluster switches

Cluster switches allow you to build ONTAP clusters with more than two nodes. NetApp-supported cluster switches include:

  • Broadcom BES-53248

  • Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2

Storage switches

Storage switches allow you to route data between servers and storage arrays in a Storage Area Network (SAN). NetApp-supported storage switches include:

  • Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2

Shared switches

Shared switches allow you to combine cluster and storage functionality into a shared switch configuration, by supporting the use of shared cluster and storage RCFs. The NetApp-supported shared switch is:

  • Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2

End-of-availability switches

For a list of switches that are no longer available for purchase, but are still supported, refer to End-of-availability switches.