What the networking interfaces do

When a node in an HA pair fails, the surviving node must be able to assume the identity of the failed node on the network. Networking interfaces allow individual nodes in the HA pair to maintain communication with the network if the partner fails.

See the Data ONTAP Network Management Guide for 7-Mode for a description of available options and the function that each option performs.

Note: You should always use multiple NICs with interface groups to improve networking availability for both stand-alone storage systems and systems in an HA pair .