Tuesday 5 February 2013

What is IOM6E?

What is IOM6E in NetApp storage systems.

IOM6, is SAS 2.0 compliant IO Module used in newer NetApp storage systems. SAS-connected disk shelves now account for about 10% of the NetApp installed base and for more than 50% of the storage shipped with new NetApp® systems as of 2011 as a result of technology transition from FC-AL to SAS.This is happening because SAS offers better reliability and resiliency, greater bandwidth, and greatly improved connectivity

So, What does "E" stands for in IOM6E.  Well, there is no official doc from NetApp that says 'E' stands for embeded, but I am guessing so.

About IOM6E:
  • IOM6E is embedded version of IOM6. 
  • The ACPP in the IOM6E runs on the same CPU as the Service Processor (SP). ACP Ethernet traffic is internally isolated from SP traffic.
  • The external Ethernet RJ45 port with the locked-wrench symbol is used exclusively for ACP Ethernet traffic.
  • ACPP in IOM6E provides similar functionality as the ACPP in IOM3/IOM6, but with few exceptions:
a. ACPP is part of the SP in FAS2240/2/4 systems, and will be updated only through the SP's firmware update. In other words, when you upgrade SP, ACPP is automatically updated.
 
b. Unlike IOM3/IOM6, some ACP status is available via SP console CLI.
 
Therefore, your controller may send False alert regarding IOM6E ACP update.When you click on the alert it will take you to the download page, but there is none for ACP firmware. It appears that it is  known bug and will be fixed soon. No action is needed as of now.
 
For more information, please see the following NetApp community post: