Implementing VLANs for NVMe/TCP configurations provides two primary benefits. First, it increases security by logically segmenting the storage traffic from other network traffic (e.g., management or client data). This isolation prevents hosts on other VLANs from accessing or sniffing the sensitive storage data packets. Second, this same isolation increases resiliency. By containing network issues such as broadcast storms or misconfigurations within a specific VLAN, it prevents them from impacting the critical NVMe/TCP traffic on its dedicated VLAN, thereby ensuring the stability and availability of the storage network.

B. Reduced number of broadcast domains: This is incorrect. VLANs work by partitioning a physical network into multiple logical networks, thereby increasing the number of broadcast domains, not reducing them.

D. Reduced number of IPspaces: This is incorrect. IPspaces are a logical routing and IP addressing construct within ONTAP at Layer 3. VLANs are a Layer 2 technology and operate independently of IPspaces.

1. NetApp

TR-4571

"ONTAP 9 Network Management Guide

" March 2022.

Section 3.1

"VLANs

" Page 10: "VLANs enable a single physical network to be partitioned into multiple logical networks. Each logical network is a separate broadcast domain

which provides isolation and improved security." The principle of isolation is the foundation for both security (preventing unauthorized access) and resiliency (containing faults).

2. NetApp

TR-4988

"NVMe/TCP Deployment and Configuration Guide

" February 2023.

Section "Network design considerations

" Page 10: "VLANs can be used to isolate NVMe/TCP traffic from other traffic on the network. This can improve security and performance." Improved performance and stability from isolating broadcast traffic contribute directly to overall system resiliency.