If you’re exploring NetApp storage solutions, you’ve likely asked: "What is the difference between NetApp FAS and NetApp AFF?" Both are part of NetApp's ONTAP family, but they are designed for different use cases.
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Key Difference Between NetApp FAS and NetApp AFF
At their core, the difference lies in their architecture:
NetApp AFF (All-Flash FAS): Exclusively uses SSDs, making it a high-performance solution for workloads requiring low latency, high throughput and maximum reliability.
NetApp FAS (Fabric-Attached Storage): Supports both HDDs and SSDs, offering hybrid flexibility for general-purpose storage, backup and archival needs.
Feature | NetApp AFF (All-Flash) | NetApp FAS (Hybrid) |
Storage Media | Exclusively SSDs | Combination of HDDs and SSDs |
Performance | Superior performance with low latency and high throughput | Balanced performance for cost-effective general-purpose use |
Capacity | Up to 2,880 SSDs (model-dependent) | Up to 1,440 drives (model-dependent) |
Use Cases | Databases, virtualization, AI/ML, analytics | File sharing, backup, archival |
Cost | Higher due to SSD-only architecture | Lower due to hybrid support |
NetApp AFF Models: High Performance for Critical Workloads
NetApp AFF systems deliver high performance and are optimized for flash technology. Here’s a breakdown of the key AFF models:
Model | Key Specifications | Technical Highlights |
AFF A200 | - Entry-level system supporting up to 576 SSDs - 2U chassis | Optimized for SMBs; improved performance and efficiency |
AFF A300 | - Mid-range model supporting up to 864 SSDs - 2U chassis | Enhanced scalability and performance |
AFF A700 | - High-end system supporting up to 2,880 SSDs - 4U chassis with 48 internal SSD slots | Superior performance for mission-critical workloads |
AFF A800 | - High-performance model with NVMe over Fabrics support - Up to 1TBps throughput | Significant latency reduction and throughput increase with NVMe |
AFF A250 | - Compact, cost-effective 2U system for SMBs | High performance in a smaller form factor |
AFF A400 | - Mid-range system with support for diverse workloads | Balanced capacity and performance |
AFF A900 | - Latest model with advanced AI integration - Supports up to 2,880 SSDs | State-of-the-art performance, scalability and AI optimization |
NetApp FAS Models: Versatility and Cost Efficiency
FAS systems are ideal for businesses looking for flexibility in storage media and cost. Here’s an overview of key FAS models:
Model | Key Specifications | Technical Highlights |
FAS2600 Series | - Entry-level hybrid system with support for 144 drives - 2U chassis | Improved scalability for SMBs |
FAS8200 | - Mid-range model with support for 480 drives - 3U chassis | Enhanced performance for growing enterprises |
FAS9000 | - High-end modular system supporting 1,440 drives - 8U chassis | Superior scalability for large enterprises |
FAS2700 Series | - Updated entry-level system supporting 144 drives | Enhanced support for modern workloads |
FAS8300 | - Balanced system supporting up to 720 drives - 3U chassis | Suitable for diverse workloads |
FAS8700 | - High-performance model supporting up to 1,200 drives - 4U chassis | Ideal for demanding enterprise applications |
FAS9500 | - Latest modular system with support for 1,440 drives - 8U chassis | Advanced management and seamless cloud integration |
What’s New in NetApp FAS and NetApp AFF?
Over time NetApp has continuously improved its FAS and AFF systems to meet the demands of modern IT environments. Key advancements include:
Protocol Support: Introduction of NVMe over Fabrics in AFF systems, dramatically reducing latency.
Scalability: Support for up to 24 nodes in clustered configurations, enabling large-scale deployments.
Data Efficiency: Improved deduplication, compression and tiering capabilities.
Cloud Integration: FabricPool for hybrid cloud tiering and seamless cloud data mobility.
Security Enhancements: Enterprise-grade encryption (NVE, NSE) and FIPS-certified drives.
Use Cases: NetApp AFF vs. NetApp FAS
Use Case | Best Option | Why? |
AI/ML Workloads | AFF | High IOPS and low latency for real-time data processing |
File Sharing | FAS | Hybrid support for cost-effective scalability |
Databases | AFF | Fast response times and consistent performance |
Backup and Archival | FAS | Cost-efficient storage for less frequently accessed data |
Virtualization | AFF | Optimized for high-throughput workloads and multiple virtual machines |
General-Purpose Storage | FAS | Flexibility in combining HDDs and SSDs for balanced performance and cost |
How to Choose Between NetApp FAS and NetApp AFF
When deciding between NetApp FAS and NetApp AFF, consider these factors:
Performance Requirements: If your workloads demand high IOPS and low latency, choose AFF.
Budget Constraints: For cost-effective storage, FAS provides hybrid flexibility.
Workload Type: Performance-critical applications benefit from AFF, while general-purpose workloads suit FAS.
Future Growth: Both systems are scalable, but AFF is better suited for rapid performance scaling.
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