NetApp AFF A1K
The NetApp AFF A1K is a high-end enterprise all-flash storage system powered by ONTAP. Featuring a dual-chassis modular architecture with active-active controllers, PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, and end-to-end NVMe/FC and NVMe/TCP protocols, it delivers extreme throughput and sub-millisecond latency for mission-critical enterprise databases and AI model pipelines.
Specifications
| Brand | NetApp |
|---|---|
| Family | AFF A-Series |
| Form factor | 4U modular rack |
| Released | May 2024 |
| Controller configuration | Dual active-active controllers in high-availability pair |
| Processor | Dual Intel Xeon Scalable processors per controller (multi-socket enterprise architecture) |
| Memory | 1024GB system memory per HA pair with non-volatile NVRAM cache |
| Drive bays | Connects to NS224 NVMe drive shelves supporting 24x 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs per 2U shelf |
| Supported drives | NVMe TLC SSDs (1.9TB, 3.8TB, 7.6TB, 15.3TB, 30.7TB) |
| Maximum raw capacity | Up to 367PB in a 24-node cluster |
| Host connectivity | PCIe Gen 5 slots supporting 100GbE, 25GbE, 10GbE, and 64Gb/32Gb Fibre Channel |
| Storage protocols | NVMe/FC, NVMe/TCP, FC, iSCSI, NFS, pNFS, SMB, S3 |
| Clustering | Up to 24 nodes (12 HA pairs) for unified SAN/NAS |
| Management | NetApp ONTAP 9, System Manager, Active IQ Unified Manager |
Generations
- Previous generation: NetApp AFF A900
Works together
How the NetApp AFF A1K connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
Cisco UCS C225 M8 1U rack
Cisco UCS C245 M8 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R HS7710 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R260 1U rack (short-depth)
Dell PowerEdge R670 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R6715 1U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Switches
Cisco MDS 9396V 2RU
Cisco MDS 9124V 1U rack
Cisco MDS 9148V 1RU
Dell Connectrix DS-7730B 2U switch
Optics
57-1000262-01 Brocade 16G FC SFP+ ELWL 25 km
57-1000333-01 Brocade 32G FC SFP+ SWL
57-1000487-01 Brocade 16G FC SFP+ SWL
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- What an hour of downtime costs outagecost.org
Check compatibility with NetApp
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that NetApp has tested with the NetApp AFF A1K.
- Compatibility NetApp Interoperability Matrix Tool (IMT) (free vendor sign-in)
- Specifications NetApp Hardware Universe (platform specs and supported parts)
- Support NetApp Support
Equivalent models from other brands
FAQ
What protocols does the NetApp AFF A1K support?
The AFF A1K supports NVMe/FC, NVMe/TCP, Fibre Channel, iSCSI, NFS, SMB, and S3 object storage through ONTAP.
What drive enclosure does the AFF A1K use?
The AFF A1K connects to external NS224 24-bay NVMe SSD expansion shelves via 100GbE RoCE.
Buying or selling AFF A1K?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- NetApp AFF A-Series Systems Overview, checked 2026-10-28
- NetApp Hardware Universe - AFF A1K Specifications, checked 2026-10-28