Which term provides a network access point to a storage VM?

The term that provides a network access point to a storage virtual machine (SVM), also known as a storage VM, is a Logical Interface (LIF). LIFs are essential components in storage systems as they allow communication between the SVM and clients or other networked components. Essentially, they serve as the point of entry for accessing the storage hosted by the SVM.

LIFs can be assigned different roles, such as data LIFs, which handle data traffic, or management LIFs, which handle access to management services. This versatility allows for efficient traffic management and resource allocation.

Understanding the function of a LIF is critical for network configurations within a storage environment. For instance, if a storage system needs to be accessed for data retrieval or management purposes, it utilizes the respective LIFs to provide that network access.

While management interfaces do serve as access points, their primary role is focused on administrative access rather than general data traffic. Network bridges and data interfaces, while relevant in networking and storage contexts, do not specifically define network access points to a storage VM. This specificity of the LIF’s role makes it the correct answer in the context of the question.