F5 8900, Platform Manual

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Returned Material Data Security Statement
About returned material data security
Follow these data security guidelines when returning equipment to F5
®
Networks for reprocessing or repair.
The guidelines include reprocessing procedures and optional customer-end procedures.
About memory technologies used in F5 equipment
F5
®
Networks equipment contains volatile, battery-backed volatile, and non-volatile memory. Volatile
memory loses all traces of data on power down. Battery-backed volatile memory retains data as long as
battery charge is maintained. Non-volatile memory retains data indefinitely.
Volatile memory
Volatile memory loses all traces of data on power down; therefore, customer data that is stored in volatile
memory is secure when power is removed from the platform. No further action is required by customers
for equipment that includes volatile memory.
Battery-backed volatile memory
This F5
®
platform contains a coin battery for maintaining BIOS settings and the system clock. All data
maintained by the coin battery is used only for system specific tasks. No customer data is maintained by
the battery-backed volatile memory. No further action is required by customers for equipment that includes
volatile memory.
Non-volatile memory
F5
®
platforms include various non-volatile memory components. These non-volatile memory components
can be categorized as either user inaccessible or user accessible.
Inaccessible non-volatile memory components are programmed during manufacture or software installation.
The data stored in user inaccessible non-volatile memory is used for setting voltage levels, determining the
sequence of operational events, and the managing appliance operational condition. Data held within user
inaccessible, non-volatile memory represents no data security risk to customers. User inaccessible, non-volatile
memory cannot be modified by appliance users, and therefore, contains no customer data.
Inaccessible non-volatile memory
This table lists the inaccessible non-volatile memory in this system.