NetApp AFF A20
The NetApp AFF A20 is an entry-level all-flash storage system providing small businesses and edge sites with enterprise-grade unified storage. Operating on NetApp ONTAP, the AFF A20 delivers block and file data services, integrated hybrid cloud tiering, and hardware-accelerated encryption in a compact 2U platform.
Specifications
| Brand | NetApp |
|---|---|
| Family | AFF A-Series |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | Oct 2024 |
| Controller configuration | Dual active-active controllers in 2U chassis |
| Processor | Intel multi-core processors per controller |
| Memory | 64GB system memory per HA pair with NVRAM |
| Drive bays | Up to 24x internal 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs |
| Supported drives | NVMe TLC SSDs (960GB to 7.6TB) |
| Maximum raw capacity | Up to 15PB in a cluster |
| Host connectivity | Onboard 10GbE / 25GbE and optional 16Gb/32Gb FC host ports |
| Storage protocols | FC, iSCSI, NFS, SMB |
| Clustering | Up to 24 nodes (12 HA pairs) |
| Management | NetApp ONTAP 9 |
Works together
How the NetApp AFF A20 connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
File storage (NFS and SMB)
Front-end ports face the clients; back-end ports (on scale-out systems) connect the nodes to each other and need their own switch pair.
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
BCM957414A4142CC Broadcom NetXtreme-E BCM57414 Dual-Port 25GbE SFP28 PCIe 3.0 Ethernet Network Adapter
BCM957416A4160C Broadcom NetXtreme-E BCM57416 Dual-Port 10GBASE-T PCIe 3.0 Ethernet Network Adapter
BCM957504A5041CC Broadcom NetXtreme-E BCM57504 Quad-Port 100GbE QSFP56 PCIe 4.0 Ethernet Network Adapter
540-BBGN Dell Broadcom 57412 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ PCIe Adapter
Switches
Arista 7060X6-32D 1U fixed switch
Dell PowerSwitch Z9664F-ON 2U switch
HPE Aruba CX 8100 1U fixed switch
Cisco Nexus 9332D-GX2B 1U fixed switch
Optics
QSFP-100G-CWDM4-AR Arista 100GBASE-CWDM4 QSFP28 Optical Transceiver Module
QSFP-100G-LR4-AR Arista 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 Optical Transceiver Module
QSFP-100G-SR4 Arista 100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28 Optical Transceiver
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- NFS explained mrplanb.com
- Block vs object storage mrplanb.com
- Object storage Ledger mrplanb.com
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 A20.
- 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 workloads target the NetApp AFF A20?
The AFF A20 is optimized for entry server virtualization, edge data consolidation, and remote office file services.
Can the AFF A20 replicate data to other ONTAP systems?
Yes, SnapMirror allows native replication between the AFF A20 and any other ONTAP array or cloud instance.
Buying or selling AFF A20?
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 A20 Specifications, checked 2026-10-28