When installing the first DirectFlash Shelf on a FlashArray//XR2/3, what mezzanine ports are used on...

When installing thefirst DirectFlash Shelf (DFS)on aFlashArray//XR2 or //XR3utilizing the onboard or default mezzanine connectivity, the correct ports to use areETH6 and ETH9.

Hardware Layout:The FlashArray//XR2 and //XR3 utilize a specificEthernet Mezzanine (EMEZZ)slot for backend connectivity to NVMe-oF shelves. This card typically enumerates its ports as ETH6 through ETH9 (a 4-port configuration).

Cabling Rule:To maximize physical separation and ensure redundancy across the internal ASIC lanes of the mezzanine card, standard cabling procedures for thefirstshelf dictate using the outer ports:ETH6(Port 0) andETH9(Port 3).

Redundancy:This configuration (Port 0 and Port 3) is preferred over using adjacent ports (like 6 and 7) to reduce the risk of a single lane cluster failure affecting both connections to the shelf. The second shelf, if added later, would typically utilize the remaining ports (ETH7 and ETH8).