LIF (Logical Interface) failover is an automatic high-availability feature inherent to NetApp ONTAP. In an All SAN Array (ASA) environment, which is optimized for block storage resiliency, this feature is critical. If a network port, cable, or switch fails, the iSCSI LIF automatically and non-disruptively migrates to a healthy, pre-configured failover port on the same node or a partner node. This process maintains the iSCSI session and ensures continuous data access for connected hosts without requiring any manual administrator intervention.

B. LUN mapping: This is a required, but manual, provisioning step where an administrator explicitly associates a LUN with an initiator group (igroup).

C. CHAP authentication: This is a security feature that requires the manual configuration of user names and secrets on both the ONTAP system and the host initiator.

D. igroup creation: This is a manual configuration task where an administrator defines a group of host initiators (by their IQNs) to manage LUN access.

1. NetApp ONTAP 9.13.1 Documentation

Network management

"How LIF failover works": This section details the automatic nature of LIF migration. It states

"If a network port fails

a logical interface (LIF) on that port automatically migrates to a healthy port... This process is transparent to the client."

2. NetApp ONTAP 9.13.1 Documentation

SAN administration

"Workflow for configuring iSCSI": This guide presents the explicit

manual steps for iSCSI setup

which include creating igroups (Step 5) and mapping LUNs to igroups (Step 6)

demonstrating these are not automatic features.

3. NetApp Technical Report TR-4705

"NetApp All SAN Array (ASA) with ONTAP

" Section: High Availability: This document emphasizes that ASA systems are built on the foundation of ONTAP's high-availability features

including "nondisruptive operations (NDOs) for storage and network failovers

" which is directly enabled by automatic LIF failover.