The process of integrating a new Network Interface Card (NIC) within an Open Technology Solutions (OTS) NetApp storage system expands its network connectivity capabilities. This typically involves hardware installation and subsequent software configuration to properly recognize and utilize the added interface. Correct execution ensures the system can leverage the new port for data transfer, management, or other network-dependent operations. For example, a system experiencing bandwidth limitations might benefit from adding an additional NIC to increase network throughput.
Increased network capacity through the addition of a NIC offers several advantages. It can improve application performance by providing more bandwidth, enhance redundancy through network path diversification, and enable the segregation of network traffic for security or management purposes. Historically, adding network interfaces was a common method to scale network performance as systems outgrew their initial configurations. This practice continues to be relevant in environments where optimizing network resources is critical for efficiency and resilience.