Best Practices for file transfers to NetApp
Over the last few years, NetApp has replaced the old and insecure methods for uploading files to NetApp such as FTP. They’ve been replaced with modern and secure transmission methods. Whether you're an IT administrator, developer, or end-user, knowing how to upload files to NetApp systems (for example, through NetApp Authenticated File Upload (NAFU)) is essential for smooth operations and data integrity. This blog post is your comprehensive guide to uploading files to NetApp, with a special focus on leveraging NAFU.
Understanding file upload options
NetApp offers several ways to upload files whether it is during an active support case, a services engagement, or pre-sales. The most common methods are:
- NAFU (NetApp Authenticated File Upload): Recommended for all upload types. Access through web browser is used for uploading files to NetApp support - a valid case number is required.
- NAFU CLI Script: Recommended for all upload types. Access through Command Line Interface (CLI) with an API (Python-based) used for uploading files to NetApp support - a valid case number is required.
- NetApp support site case attachment: Upload from the case detail page on the NetApp support site.
- NAFU for SESG and SEPROTECT systems: Available for systems with active SupportEdge Protect and SupportEdge for Secure Government entitlements only.
- NAFU for Professional Services (PS): Recommended for all upload types. Access through a web browser is used for uploading files to NetApp PS.
- Email to support engineer (SMTP): NetApp accepts file sizes up to 30MB using email. Your SMTP limits might be lower. Email files to SUPPORT_PERSON@netapp.com
- AutoSupport coredump and performance data upload: For products that support AutoSupport upload, access through the product interface. Your support engineer can upload these file types for you using AutoSupport On Demand (AOD).
Let’s look at the differences between these choices.
Detailed limits and use cases for upload methods
Use Cases
Size Limits
|
Method
|
Size Limit
|
|
NAFU and NAFU CLI
|
800GB
|
|
NAFU for PS, and NAFU for SESG and SEPROTECT, and AutoSupport on Demand
|
400GB
|
|
Email to support engineer (SMTP)
|
30MB
|
|
NetApp Support Site case attachment
|
25MB
|
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Network Errors: Ensure there are no firewalls or routing issues blocking the connection to NetApp. Most of the above methods use encrypted outbound SSL traffic on port 443 to support.netapp.com. Make sure that the port is whitelisted.
- File too large: See the size limits above.
Ready to upload?
You can start your upload and get more information on NAFU here: https://upload.netapp.com/.
Conclusion
Knowing the best way for you to upload data to NetApp will save you time when in critical support situations. This post can be used as a quick reference.
