In a basic ONTAP HA configuration, what happens to data access when the active node fails over to the passive node?

In a basic ONTAP HA configuration, what happens to data access when the active node fails over to the passive node?

• A. Data access ceases until manual failover
• B. Data access continues through the passive node
• C. Data is lost
• D. The system restarts the cluster

Answer: (B)

In ONTAP HA, two controllers operate as an active/passive pair that shares the same disks, so data remains accessible even if one controller fails. When the active controller encounters a failure, the passive controller quickly takes over the I/O path and becomes the new active node. Because the volumes are maintained on shared storage and the network interfaces (LIFs) can failover to the surviving controller, clients keep accessing data without manual intervention. This failover is designed to be non-disruptive, with minimal impact and no data loss. The other outcomes—requiring manual failover, data loss, or a cluster restart—do not align with how ONTAP HA provides continuity of access.

In ONTAP HA, two controllers operate as an active/passive pair that shares the same disks, so data remains accessible even if one controller fails. When the active controller encounters a failure, the passive controller quickly takes over the I/O path and becomes the new active node. Because the volumes are maintained on shared storage and the network interfaces (LIFs) can failover to the surviving controller, clients keep accessing data without manual intervention. This failover is designed to be non-disruptive, with minimal impact and no data loss. The other outcomes—requiring manual failover, data loss, or a cluster restart—do not align with how ONTAP HA provides continuity of access.