How software-based disk ownership works

Software-based disk ownership is stored on the disk rather than determined by the topology of the storage system's physical connections. It gives you increased flexibility and control over disk use.

Software-based disk ownership requires that you take a more active role in disk ownership. For example, if you add disks or disk shelves to an existing storage system that uses software-based disk ownership, you might need to explicitly assign ownership of the new disks if Data ONTAP is unable to do so. Otherwise, the new disks might not be immediately recognized by Data ONTAP. In addition, you might need to assign ownership for some of your disks when you configure a new storage system.

• How disk ownership autoassignment works
  If your configuration follows some basic rules to avoid ambiguity, Data ONTAP can automatically assign disk ownership and pool membership.
• Software-based disk ownership guidelines
  When you assign disk ownership, follow these guidelines to keep autoassignment working and to maximize fault isolation.
• When a storage system uses software-based disk ownership
  Some storage systems can use either software-based or hardware-based disk ownership.