On your questions on NetApp-supported v.s. 3rd party SFPs/cables.
We're strict on SFPs/cables used for FC, SAS storage and Ethernet cluster ports, as documented in the HWU.
For front-end/network data Ethernet ports, we generally recommend using either NetApp-supported parts (as documented in HWU) or SFPs/cables that are approved by the switch/network device vendor you are connecting the ports to. The best compatibility is with passive copper and SR optical. You should avoid using active copper/active optical, unless specifically called out as supported cable types in HWU for that port.