About storage system components

Types of components

The storage system has the following components:

Internal components that enable the storage system to function
Slots and ports that connect the storage system to networks
Disk shelves that contain the disks

Internal components

The following internal components enable the storage system to function.

Component	Description
System board	The system board is also referred to as the main board of the storage system. 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.
CompactFlash^TM card (not available on all models)	The storage system 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 storage system in an emergency.
Diskette drive (not available on all storage systems)	In an emergency or for major upgrades, Data ONTAP uses the diskette drive to boot from diskettes. Note Not applicable to V-Series systems.
LCD and LEDs	The storage system displays status information on the LCD and LEDs.
Environmental adapter	The environmental adapter performs the following functions: Monitors the storage system's temperature and fans Sends critical information to the storage system's LCD Logs information Shuts down the storage system if its temperature is beyond a critical range or the fans cease operating
Remote Management Controller (RMC) (not available with all storage systems)	The RMC provides enhanced AutoSupport, such as "down filer" notification. For information on how to configure RMC, see the Software Setup Guide.
RLM (Remote LAN Module) (not available with all storage systems)	The RLM provides remote platform management capabilities for the storage system. It allows you to remotely access the storage system console over a network, and turn the storage system power on or off regardless of the operating state of the storage system. The RLM monitors and maintains hardware event logs for the storage system, and it generate alerts based on system status. For more information, see About the Remote LAN Module (RLM).

Slots and ports

The storage system has slots for external connections and ports for a console and diagnostic hardware. For information on how to configure host adapters for your storage system, see the System Configuration Guide.

Component	Description
Slots	The storage system contains expansion slots for the following host adapters: Network interface cards (NICs) Disk shelf adapters Tape drive adapters
Serial ports	The two serial ports are as follows: The console port connects the storage system 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.

Component

Description

Slots

The storage system contains expansion slots for the following host adapters:

Network interface cards (NICs)
Disk shelf adapters
Tape drive adapters

Serial ports

The two serial ports are as follows:

The console port connects the storage system 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.

Disk shelves and disks

Disk shelves collect information about the presence of disks, fan status, power supply status, and temperature. Disk shelves send messages to the console if parameters exceed permissible operating conditions. For detailed information about disk shelves see the appropriate hardware service guide for your specific disk shelf. For detailed information about managing disks, see the Storage Management Guide.

Note
For information about disk shelves connected to V-Series systems, see the appropriate V-Series integration guide, the V-Series Planning Guide, and disk shelf guide.