Hi MRJG, The FlexPod environment will also include the Cisco UCS Compute layer along with the NetApp Storage and Nexus switches. The FEX can be used to connect the Cisco UCS C-series Rack Mount servers to the Fabric Interconnects. We do not use the FEX ports for Storage connectivity primarily because there is enough availability of ports on the Nexus 5K, as these switches are not shared outside the FlexPod environment. I am not aware of a written statement that recommends for or against connecting NetApp Storage to a FEX, I will check on this and let you know. In the meanwhile, you can try to improve the performance by increasing the number of uplinks from the FEX to the Nexus 5K. (If you have not done that already ) As you know, you will not be able to acheive the same level of performance with the FEX when compared to the 5Ks. All the traffic will need to go upstream to the 5K irrespective of the initiator/target being connected to the same FEX or otherwise. Thus, affecting the throughput of your uplinks. Thanks Arvind.
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Hello MRJG, Connecting NetApp storage to the FEX in a FlexPod environment is not a validated design. I would recommend you to connect the NetApp storage to the Nexus 5K switches. Yes, it is a NetApp best practise to disable flow control on the interfaces. Also, could you please explain the reason for connecting the storage to the FEX, are you running out of free ports on the Nexus? Thanks Arvind.
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Hello Damir, You will be able to configure a Power Restore Policy using the Cisco Integrated Management Controller. Browse to the below URL and please look for "Configuring the Power Restore Policy" - http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/unified_computing/ucs/c/sw/gui/config/guide/2-0/b_Cisco_UCS_C-series_GUI_Configuration_Guide_201/b_Cisco_UCS_C-series_GUI_Configuration_Guide_201_chapter_011.html#d81204e3447a1635 You can induce a delay of upto 240 seconds before the sever is powered on. Thanks Arvind.
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The CVD material is ready, we have got official support on the Cisco HCL for FAS8000 series. We are waiting for the last set of clearances, looks like we should be able to publish in a couple of weeks.
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FlexPod Data Center Solution : Validation Testplan Template This testplan tests the High Availability functions of the elements of FlexPod. It also includes the design and implementation of a Standard workload that is required to execute the test procedures.
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Hi Henry, We do have a test plan which covers the High Availability and resiliency aspects of a FlexPod. I am not able to attach a copy of it in this post but would be more than happy to share a copy with you. Please shoot me a mail @ arvind.ramakrishnan@netapp.com and I'll have it sent to you. Thanks Arvind
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