How to Build a NetApp ONTAP Lab... For Free!

Build a complete NetApp lab on your laptop
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This course walks you through how to build a fully ready and complete NetApp simulator lab from scratch, using NetApp’s latest operating system ONTAP 9.

The lab features two NetApp simulator clusters with VMware, Windows and Linux clients in separate IP subnets to make it as close to a real world environment as possible… and best of all you can build and run the lab completely for free, all you need is a PC to run it on.

We cover step by step where to find all the software for free, how to build the NetApp simulators, the Windows and Linux clients, the VMware setup and how to configure the networking.

Almost all NetApp features can be practised and tested using the lab. You can use it as a study tool or for testing features before deploying them in your production environment.

The lab build outlined in the book is the same one I use for the hands-on demonstrations in my NetApp training videos. You can use the instructions in this course to build your own lab and follow along with me.

I hope you can make use of this course to expand your storage knowledge and further your career.

Thanks for taking the time to read about the course. Click the green ‘Enroll in Course for FREE’ button to get started!

This course has achieved a stellar 4.8 out of 5 average rating from over 1000 public reviews.

Dawit Taye

“The instructions are very detailed, the explanations are operational and overall this free course is a fantastic gift for anyone who wants to learn about Netapp’s technology.”

– Dawit Taye

What Are The Requirements?

  • A basic knowledge of computer networks
  • No previous NetApp experience is necessary

What will you be able to do after taking this course?

  • Practice configuring and testing almost all NetApp features using your own free lab.

You can take ‘How to Build a NetApp Lab… For Free’ from home or anywhere in the world.

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You have permanent lifetime access to all the course material so you can go at your own pace and do the lessons on your schedule. You can work through the entire program from start to finish, or pick and choose individual tutorials and configuration demos as and when you need them. 
Neil Anderson

Your Instructor

Hi, I’m Neil Anderson. My main focus since 2007 has been development and delivery of technical training for large enterprise and service provider customers such as NetApp, Cisco, Verizon and IBM. I train the engineers who design and implement the largest Cloud and Data Center deployments throughout Asia Pacific and the rest of the world. 

Prior to focusing on training I worked in the field for over 10 years in a variety of systems engineering roles. I love sharing my knowledge and can’t wait to help you take your career to the next level.

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Some of the companies who’ve chosen me to train their engineers:

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Course Curriculum


  • How to Build a NetApp ONTAP Lab... For Free!

     Lab Overview
     VMware and Network Configuration
     VyOS Router Install and Configuration
     NetApp Simulator: Cluster 1 Node 1
     NetApp Simulator: Cluster 1 Node 2
     NetApp Simulator: Cluster 2 Node 1
     NetApp ONTAP Simulator Upgrade
     Windows Host and Domain Controller Install and Configuration
     Linux Host Install and Configuration
     VMware ESXi1 and VCSA Install and Configuration
     VMware ESXi2 Install and Configuration
     CentOS 'API' Host Install and Configuration
     SuperPutty Install and Configuration
     SPECIAL OFFER - NetApp Complete Course

Frequently Asked Questions


  • When does the course start and finish?

    It's self-paced training -- you can watch the videos and do the lab exercises whenever and wherever is best for you.

  • How long does it take to complete the course?

    The course is an hour long, students typically complete it in one sitting.

  • How long do I have access to the course for?

    Your enrollment never expires. You have permanent and unlimited access across all devices you own.

  • Can I access the course material offline?

    Yes, you can install the Teachable app on your tablet or mobile (or using an emulator on your PC) to download the videos and quizzes and watch them offline. All of the study notes and lab exercise guides are provided as downloadable PDFs.

  • Is a course certificate provided?

    Yes, you will receive a verifiable course certificate upon course completion.

  • Can I ask questions about the course lessons?

    Yes, I'm always happy to help with any questions about the course content. You can email me at

  • Do you offer a consultancy service?

    I'd love to be able to provide consultancy for individual production environments but I'm unable to take on new clients right now sorry.

  • What if I'm unhappy with the course?

    I go above and beyond to make sure you are more than happy with the course. If however you are unsatisfied with any purchase, contact me in the first 30 days and I will give you a full refund.

Money Back Guarantee

All flackbox.com courses come with an unconditional risk-free 30 day money-back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with any course then email me within 30 days and I will issue a full refund – that’s my personal promise of your success.

Ready to Get Started?

Any questions? Drop me a line, I’m here to help: neil@flackbox.com