About filer main unit components

System board

The system board is the main board of the filer. It has upgradable firmware. All components are connected to the system board.

System memory

System memory stores information temporarily.

NVRAM (Nonvolatile RAM)

Data ONTAP uses NVRAM to log network transactions as a data integrity measure. In case of a system or power failure, Data ONTAP uses the contents of NVRAM to restore network data to disk.

Diskette drive (not available on all models)

In an emergency and for major upgrades, Data ONTAP uses the diskette drive to boot from diskettes.

CompactFlash^TM card (not available on all models)

The filer automatically boots from a Data ONTAP release stored on the CompactFlash card. The CompactFlash card also stores a backup version of Data ONTAP from which to boot the filer in an emergency.

LCD and LEDs

The filer displays status information on the LCD and LEDs.

Environmental adapter

The environmental adapter performs the following functions:

• Monitors the filer's temperature and fans
• Sends critical information to the filer's LCD
• Logs information
• Shuts down the filer if its temperature is beyond a critical range or the fans cease operating

Slots

The filer contains expansion slots for network interface cards, tape drive adapters, and disk shelf adapters.

Serial ports

The two serial ports are as follows:

• The console port connects the filer to a serial terminal that you can use as a console.
• The diagnostics port connects diagnostic equipment such as the environmental monitor unit (EMU) of a StorageShelf 2 storage shelf.

Enter the following command:

environment shelf

Result

The filer responds with information about its components, configuration, status, and internal temperatures.