NetApp Interview Preparation Notes

Overview

• Focus on basics for NetApp interviews; foundational knowledge is crucial for success.
• Knowledge of models and versions is essential.

Common Interview Questions

Models and Types

• Models to Know:
  • AFF (All Flash Array)
  • FAS (Flash Array Storage)
    • Examples: 8520, 2520
• Disk Types:
  • AFF: All disks are flash.
  • FAS: Mix of SSD, SAS, and HDD disks.
• Applications Supported:
  • Block-level and file-level applications supported on both AFF and FAS.

ONTAP Versioning

• Common Version to Mention: 9.13.1P2 (N-1 version preferred for stability).
• Reasons for Upgrading:
  • Bug fixes (e.g., NTLM, CIFS disconnections in earlier versions).
  • Stability improvements.

Types of Updates

• Types of Updates:
  • ONTAP upgrades
  • Disk firmware updates

Replication and Migration

• Types of Replication:
  • Volume-level SnapMirror
  • Sync and Async replication
  • SVM DR (Storage Virtual Machine Disaster Recovery)
• Process for SVM DR:
  • Create inter-cluster link, cluster pairing, SVM pairing, data volume creation.
• Metro Cluster Configuration: Active-active setup over IP.
• Cross Grid Replication:
  • Used for object storage replication between storage grids.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• Common Issues:
  • CIFS/NFS share accessibility issues. Check DNS and permissions.
  • Performance issues; check VScan policies, network latency, and configurations.
  • CRC errors: Determine if the issue is from storage or switch.
• Common Commands:
  • fcping for zoning issues.
  • noderun command for checking port statuses.

Configuration and Provisioning

Provisioning

• Steps to Provision a Windows/Linux Host:
  1. Create a data volume on the SVM.
  2. Create an iGroup for mapping.
  3. Configure multipathing for SAN.
  4. Ensure proper DNS entries for NAS shares.

Creating Shares and Exports

• CIFS Shares:
  1. Create a volume.
  2. Allow appropriate protocols (CIFS, NFS).
  3. Establish share and DNS mapping.
• NFS Exports:
  1. Create volume and export policy.
  2. Provide appropriate permissions in export policy rules.

Performance Tuning

• Check Performance Issues:
  • Check CPU utilization, volume status, and aggregate health.
  • Utilize the Insight tool for in-depth performance monitoring.

Important Commands and Tools

• Basic Commands:
  • man for command help.
  • snap list for snapshots.
  • vol show -fields to check volume types and attributes.

Advanced Topics

Advanced Data Partitioning (ADP)

• Enables better space utilization by partitioning SSD.
• Can be configured post-installation for AFF arrays.

Blue XP Integration

• Integration for cloud management and resources.
• Focus on understanding replication between on-premises NetApps and cloud solutions.

Conclusion

• Be prepared to discuss both theoretical and practical aspects of storage management.
• Ensure knowledge of troubleshooting scenarios and common commands.
• Practice speaking fluently about your experience and knowledge in storage to impress interviewers.