infinite volume option doesn't exist

[MohammedShehata]

hello everyone, 

i am trying to create an infinite volume but i can't find the option in the OnCommand system manager nor the command line, i have a 2 node cluster and few aggregates on both, please check the pictures for more details... 

thanks and regards

[Ontapforrum]

Hi,

Looking at the pictures (aggr size) , I think you are on Ontap Simulator, it's not possible to create one.

B'cos: The aggregates that are used by an Infinite Volume should be larger than 100 TB with a minimum of 1.1 TB of available space. Infinite Volume is a scalable data container with a single namespace and a single junction path. Therefore, it must be setup with multiple-node and aggreagtes.

Therefore, if you need to set this up on a production server, then some planing is required, please refer to the doc below.

1) Aggr: Before you create an Infinite Volume, you must create aggregates on multiple nodes to provide storage for the volume.
2) SVM : Before you can create an Infinite Volume, you must create a specific type of Storage Virtual Machine (SVM) called an SVM with Infinite Volume.

Example, how it appears during creation:
cluster::> volume create -vserver vs0 -volume ivol -size 200TB
[Job 125] Creating constituent "ivol_ns" on aggregate "aggr2".
[Job 125] Creating constituent "ivol_ns_mirror0001" on aggregate "aggr5".
[Job 125] Creating constituent "ivol_1024_data0001" on aggregate "aggr3"
[Job 125] Creating constituent "ivol_1024_data0002" on aggregate "aggr6"

Please see this section:
Requirements for Infinite Volumes
https://docs.netapp.com/ontap-9/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.netapp.doc.dot-ivg%2FGUID-59131371-A4E4-4FAF-A2F1-269E9DCB8C95.html&lang=en

[MohammedShehata]

hello dear, 

thanks for your reply but i have a concern, its true that i am using a simulator [9.5] but the course i am following up with to learn the product is also using a simulator and he has the option available and have done the configuration with no issues, please check the attached picture for more details and clarification, i doubt that the issue is more related to the license ? at least i should see the option and not being able to configure it if you are correct, also i have seen the documentation and didn't find the storage requirements you mentioned [larger than 100 TB with a minimum of 1.1 TB of available space] i appreciate if you send me the link for this please... 

thanks and regards... 

[Ontapforrum]

It does not require any special license, but yes that option you mentioned is what differentiates it from normal flexVol volumes.

Are you able to enable that option on your simulator while creating a SVM ?

It only applies to NAS protocols: NFS/CIFS, you only need these protocols licensed.

-is-repository parameter:
https://library.netapp.com/ecmdocs/ECMP1196906/html/GUID-5265CC21-15B9-454B-A50A-B3BAC9258643.html

Introduction to Infinite Volume:
https://library.netapp.com/ecm/ecm_download_file/ECMLP2494088

[MohammedShehata]

yes i am aware that it works only for NAS and not SAN protool, no i can't enable it in the simulator and the option doesn't exists in the GUI nor the CLI, good to know that issue is not related to the license but i wonder what could be the problem ? 

[Ontapforrum]

I don't have a simulator at the moment, but I trust you. I checked this feature on a real FAS/AFF Ontap system manager and it shows up straight away when you create a SVM: flexvol or Infinite vol.

I am guessing this feature is disabled for simulator, however I will try to get this confirmed for you. 

[MohammedShehata]

i appreciate your help thanks a lot and waiting for your confirmation... 

[Ontapforrum · Accepted solution]

Hi,

While I am waiting for the confirmation officially , I read this realease note:

https://library.netapp.com/ecmdocs/ECMLP2492508/html/frameset.html

Infinite Volumes not supported
Beginning with ONTAP 9.5, Infinite Volumes are no longer supported.

It makes sense now, why you can't enable it.

[paul_stejskal]

Correct. Flexgroups are the new replacement and have much better functionality. That is definitely recommended.