Exam FlashArray-Implementation-Specialist Topic 3 Question 141 Discussion

The FlashArray//XL series (specifically the //XLR5 in this context) utilizes a 100 Gigabit Ethernet-based back-end fabric to communicate with DirectFlash Shelves (DFS). This connection relies on the RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet) protocol to ensure low-latency access to the external NVMe modules.
The specific PCIe interface card validated for this connectivity is often labeled in the Bill of Materials (BOM) or configuration guides as the 2-Port 100GbE iSCSI/RoCE card (or simply the 100GbE Ethernet/RoCE card depending on the specific firmware/labeling revision). Crucially, it must be a 100GbE capability card.
The //XL platform standardized on 100GbE for its shelf interconnects, moving away from the 50GbE used in some previous generations of the //X series. The 200GbE cards are typically reserved for high-speed host connectivity or clustering, not the standard shelf loop. Therefore, ensuring the BOM includes the correct 100GbE RoCE-capable cards is essential for successful shelf detection and operation during installation.