Can someone list the reasons why the netapp comes as all FC Initiator ports

[jon_presti]

Can someone list the reasons why the netapp comes as all FC Initiator ports?

Shouldn't they be at least half Targets?

[aborzenkov]

If you order system with FCP license and without additional target HBAs, this is exactly what happens. Without FCP license, why would you need target ports in the first place?

[jon_presti]

While I appreciate the additional question to my question.  The question still stands, why are they all in initiator mode?

[aborzenkov]

Because you do not have FCP license.

[jon_presti]

Ok, this will be my last response to your responses.  I DO have an fcp license, and I am interested in why Netapp ships all Initiator mode.

Thank you,

Jon

[SEANMLUCE]

Which Fas system do you have?  Most (all?) on board ports can be switched between target and initiator.

[jon_presti]

I concur, they must be able to be switched, specifically the onboard ports.  The cards, or additional ports, have to be ordered how you want them.  My question is more specifically, why initiator?  What would be a good use of a FC port on a target as an initiator.

[SEANMLUCE · Accepted solution]

Tape drives and disk shelves.

I have had customers use the on board ports for targets, and get an additional initiator card for the the disk shelves and tape library.