When a NetApp node is not booting, the ONTAP software is not operational. Access is therefore limited to out-of-band management interfaces that function independently of the main operating system. The Service Processor (SP) is a remote management device that provides console access, power control, and sensor monitoring, even if the node is powered off or hung during boot. A direct serial console connection provides low-level access to the bootloader (LOADER) prompt and console messages, which is critical for diagnosing boot failures. Both methods are independent of the ONTAP network stack.

A. node management port: This is a logical interface (LIF) that requires the ONTAP software and network stack to be running on the node.

B. cluster management port: This is a cluster-wide logical interface (LIF) that requires cluster services to be operational and is not used for direct, low-level node access.

1. NetApp ONTAP 9 Documentation, System administration, "Use the Service Processor for node management": "The SP enables you to access a node remotely to diagnose and fix issues, even if the node is down or in the boot environment. You can connect to the SP by using a stand-alone SSH client or through the serial console." This confirms the SP's role in accessing a non-booting node.

2. NetApp ONTAP 9 Documentation, System administration, "Access the LOADER prompt": "You can access the LOADER prompt from the serial console or the Service Processor (SP) of the node." This explicitly states that the serial console and SP are the methods to access the pre-boot environment.

3. NetApp ONTAP 9 Documentation, Network and LIF management, "What a LIF is": "A logical interface (LIF) is an IP address or WWPN with associated characteristics... LIFs can be hosted on ports..." This establishes that management ports are LIFs, which are part of the ONTAP software configuration and require the system to be running.