NetApp Usable Space Calculator - new version 2.1

March 15, 2014

-Updated the current version 2.1 with few changes in right sized disks.
Thanks to Cor van der Hulst - a blog visitor who gave some tips on right sized disk values.
- Added some new disks released by NetApp

Same link holds good for the above changes

Download NetApp Usable Space Calculator ver 2.1 (Current Version)

September 5, 2013

NetApp Usable Space Calculator 2.1 - New Version Released (Minor Updates)

Updates in this version are
- Added 2 new disk sizes ( 1.2 TB SAS & 4 TB SATA )

Download NetApp Usable Space Calculator ver 2.1 (Current Version)

NetApp Usable Space Calculator - new version 2.0

August 8, 2013
NetApp Usable Space Calculator 2.0 - New Version Released

Updates in this version are

- A new feature called Raid Group Size Estimator where you key in disks values, raid type and disk type - the software will attempt to provide the best RG size values either based on NetApp recommendations or Optimal Capacity.
(Please note: The Raid group size input in the calculator is only for disk space calculations and this is ignored for the raid group estimator)
- Fixed a few disk calculation bugs
- A few UI changes
- Misc bug fixes on informational error messages


Download NetApp Usable Space Calculator ver 2.0 (Current Version)

Download NetApp Usable Space Calculator ver 1.2

Download NetApp Usable Space Calculator ver 1.1

NetApp Usable Space Calculator - new version 1.2

NetApp Usable Space Calculator - new version 1.2

July 15, 2013
NetApp Usable Space Calculator 1.2 - New Version Released

Updates in this version are

- Choice of display the output in TB/GB
- Included more different capacity disks and disk types
- Informational message for recommended values of Raid Group Sizes

Download NetApp Usable Space Calculator ver 2.0 (Current Version)

Download NetApp Usable Space Calculator ver 1.2 

Download NetApp Usable Space Calculator ver 1.1


Future Updates: Working on right now is a Raid Group Size Calculator where the software will recommend the raid group size values for a given disk configuration.

As usual please provide feedback and comments

NetApp Cluster, HA Pair Difference and Confusion

Personally I always get confused over these terms and with the Cluster Mode of NetApp it becomes even more confusing. This post is just to clarify the basics on the terminology used.

What is a NetApp HA Pair

 An HA pair consists of 2 identical controllers; each controller actively provides data services and has redundant cabled paths to the other controller’s disk storage. If either controller is down for any planned or unplanned reason, its HA partner can take over its storage and maintain access to the data. When the downed system rejoins the cluster, the partner will give back the storage resources.

Olden day meaning of Cluster: The term cluster has been used historically to refer to an HA pair running Data ONTAP 7G or 7-Mode. But not anymore.

What is a NetApp Cluster then:

The term cluster now refers only to a configuration of one or more HA pairs running clustered Data ONTAP.

7- Mode, Cluster Mode and Clustered Data ONTAP:

There are 2 variants of NetApp ONTAP operating systems.

1) 7-mode
2) Cluster Mode or C-Mode or the new name Clustered Data ONTAP.