Which feature allows network access to continue by moving a network endpoint to another node during failures?

• A. LIF failover allows network endpoints to move to another node to maintain access during failures.
• B. LIF failover schedules maintenance downtime.
• C. LIF failover permanently removes a LIF.
• D. LIF failover duplicates LIFs across nodes.

Answer: (A)

LIF failover is the feature that allows a network endpoint to move to another node to maintain access during failures. In a clustered ONTAP environment, a LIF (logical interface) can fail over to a partner LIF on a different node when the current node or its network path fails, preserving the same IP address so clients stay connected. This minimizes downtime for services like NFS or SMB because applications don’t have to reconnect to a new address or service endpoint. When the issue on the original node is resolved, the LIF can fail back to its home node with little or no manual intervention. The other options describe maintenance scheduling, permanent removal, or duplication, none of which provide the seamless continuity of network access that LIF failover delivers.