For FlashArray//XL, which 2 PCIe slots should be used for DFS connectivity?

On theFlashArray//XL, the designated PCIe slots forDirectFlash Shelf (DFS)connectivity areSlot 0 and Slot 6.

The FlashArray//XL features a high-density, high-performance architecture that utilizes100GbE RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet)for backend connectivity to expansion shelves, replacing the SAS protocols used in previous generations.

Slot Assignment:To ensure maximum throughput and redundancy, these backend I/O modules must be balanced across the controller's PCIe bus. The hardware guide and slot map for the //XL explicitly assignSlot 0(typically on the lower riser) andSlot 6(on the upper riser) for the installation of the 2-port 100GbE NVMe-oF cards used to connect DirectFlash Shelves.

Configuration:If a customer orders a FlashArray//XL with external capacity, these cards will be pre-installed or must be seated in these specific slots by the engineer. Using other slots (like 1 or 7, which are often reserved for host I/O or other expansion cards) would result in an invalid configuration or lack of connectivity to the backend storage media.