Spectra Logic Spectra nTier300 Installation Manual

Spectra nTier300

Virtual Tape Library Appliance

Installation Guide

PN 90990034 Revision B

Notices

Notices

Except as expressly stated herein, Spectra Logic Corporation makes its products and associated documentation on an “AS IS”
BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, BOTH OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.
In no event shall Spectra Logic be liable for any loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use or data, interruption of business, or
for indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages of any kind, even if Spectra Logic has been advised of the possibility of
such damages arising from any defect or error.

Information furnished in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by
Spectra Logic for its use. Due to continuing research and development, Spectra Logic may revise this publication from time
to time without notice, and reserves the right to change any product specification at any time without notice.

If you do not agree to the above, do not use the Spectra nTier300; instead, promptly contact Spectra Logic for instructions
on how to return the Spectra nTier300 for a refund.

BlueScale, Spectra, SpectraGuard, TeraPack, and the Spectra Logic logo are registered trademarks and RXT is a trademark
of Spectra Logic Corporation. All rights reserved worldwide. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.

Spectra nTier300 Virtual Tape Library Appliance Installation Guide
Revision B, July 2008

Copyright © 2008 Spectra Logic Corporation. All rights reserved.

License

You have acquired a Spectra product that includes software owned or licensed by Spectra Logic from one or more
software licensors (“Software Suppliers”). Such software products, as well as associated media, printed materials
and “online” or electronic documentation (“SOFTWARE”) are protected by copyright laws and international
copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties.

If you do not agree to this end user license agreement (EULA), do not use the Spectra Product; instead, promptly contact
Spectra Logic for instructions on return of the Spectra Product for a refund. Any use of the Software, including but not
limited to use on the Spectra Product, will constitute your agreement to this EULA (or ratification of any previous consent).

Grant of License. The Software is licensed on a non-exclusive basis, not sold. This EULA grants you the following rights to
the Software:

 You may use the Software only on the Spectra Product.
 Not Fault Tolerant. The Software is not fault tolerant. Spectra Logic has independently determined how to use the

Software in the Spectra Product, and suppliers have relied upon Spectra Logic to conduct sufficient testing to determine
that the Software is suitable for such use.

 No Warranties for the SOFTWARE. The Software is provided “AS IS” and with all faults. The entire risk as to

satisfactory quality, performance, accuracy, and effort (including lack of negligence) is with you. Also, there is no
warranty against interference with your enjoyment of the Software or against infringement. If you have received any
warranties regarding the SOFTWARE, those warranties do not originate from, and are not binding on Software suppliers.

 Note on Java Support. The Software may contain support for programs written in Java. Java technology is not fault

tolerant and is not designed, manufactured, or intended for use of resale as online control equipment in hazardous
environments requiring fail-safe performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or
communications systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems, in which the failure of
Java technology could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage.

 No Liability for Certain Damages. Except as prohibited by law, Software suppliers shall have no liability for any

indirect, special, consequential or incidental damages arising from or in connection with the use or performance of the
Software. This limitation shall apply even if any remedy fails of its essential purpose. In no event shall Software
suppliers, individually, be liable for any amount in excess of U.S. two hundred fifty dollars (U.S. $250.00).

 Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or

disassemble the Software, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law
notwithstanding this limitation.

 Software Transfer Allowed with Restrictions. You may permanently transfer rights under this EULA only as part of a

permanent sale or transfer of the Spectra nTier300, and only if the recipient agrees to this EULA. If the Software is an
upgrade, any transfer must also include all prior versions of the Software.

 Export Restrictions. Export of the Software from the United States is regulated by the Export Administration

Regulations (EAR, 15 CFR 730-744) of the U.S. Commerce Department, Bureau of Export Administration. You agree to
comply with the EAR in the export or re-export of the Software: (i) to any country to which the U.S. has embargoed or
restricted the export of goods or services, which as May 1999 include, but are not necessarily limited to Cuba, Iran, Iraq,
Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (including Serbia, but not Montenegro), or to
any national or any such country, wherever located, who intends to transit or transport the Software back to such
country; (ii) to any person or entity who you know or have reason to know will utilize the Software or portion thereof
in the design, development or production of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons; or (iii) to any person or entity
who has been prohibited from participating in U.S. export transactions by any federal agency of the U.S. government.
You warrant and represent that neither the BXA nor any other U.S. federal agency has suspended, revoked or denied
your export privileges. For additional information see http://www.microsoft.com/exporting/.

2

Warnings

AC Power

Warning: Risk of electrical shock. To remove AC power from the Spectra nTier300 VTL,

Warnung: Gefahr eines elektrischen Schlages. Um den Wechselstrom des Spectra

High Voltage

Warning: The Spectra nTier300 VTL contains high-voltage components that can cause

Warnung: Das Spectra nTier300 VTL enthält Hochspannungskomponenten, die

Warnings

unplug all three of the power cords from the power inlets.

nTier300 VTL abzuschalten, ziehen Sie alle Drei Netzkabel aus den
Eingangsbuchsen.

injury or death. Only service personnel should replace or install high-voltage
components.

erhebliche Verletzungen oder tödliche Wirkung haben können. Nur
geschultes Personal sollte die Hochspannungskomponenten warten oder
installieren.

Moving the nTier300 VTL

Warning: The nTier300 VTL weighs approximately 54 lb. (25 kg) without drives

installed. Use extreme caution when moving it. Always use two people, one
on each side, when lifting or moving it.

Warnung: Die nTier300 VTL wiegt ca 25 kg., ohne Laufwerke installiert. Verwenden Sie

extreme Vorsicht walten lassen, wenn sie abwandern. Benutzen Sie immer
zwei Personen, eine auf jeder Seite, beim Heben oder Fortbewegen.

Warning: The nTier300 VTL is very heavy, especially with drives installed. Always use

two people, one on each side, when lifting or moving it.

Warnung: Die nTier300 VTL ist sehr schwer, vor allem mit Laufwerken installiert

werden. Benutzen Sie immer zwei Personen, eine auf jeder Seite, beim
Heben oder Fortbewegen.

3

Contacting Spectra Logic

Contacting Spectra Logic

To obtain general information

Spectra Logic web Site: www.spectralogic.com

United States Headquarters European Office

Spectra Logic Corporation
1700 North 55th Street
Boulder, CO 80301
USA

Phone: [phone] or [phone]
International: 00 (1) 303 449 6400
Fax: [phone]

Spectra Logic Europe Ltd.
Magdalen Centre
Robert Robinson Avenue
Oxford Science Park
OXFORD
OX4 4GA
United Kingdom

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

SpectraGuard Technical Support

web Site: www.spectralogic.com/support/index.cfm/

Knowledge Base: www.spectralogic.com/support/kbase/index.cfm/

United States and Canada
Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Mexico, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand
Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Europe, Middle East, Africa Phone
Phone: [phone] (UK only)

49 (0) 6028 9796 507

E-mail: [e-mail]

Spectra Logic Sales

web Site: www.SpectraLogic.com

United States and Canada
Phone: [phone] or [phone]
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Media Sales
E-mail: [e-mail]

4

European Office
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Contents

About This Guide 9

Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Related Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Conventions Used in This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Chapter 1 – Spectra nTier300 VTL Overview 11

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Integrated Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

The nTier300 VTL Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

FalconStor Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Spectra BlueScale Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter 2 – Installing the nTier300 VTL 17

Preparing for the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Unpacking the nTier300 VTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Prepare the Unpacking Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Unpack the Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Inventory the Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Rackmounting the nTier300 VTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Prepare the Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Install the Sliders on the Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Adjust the Length of the Outer Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Install the Outer Rail in the Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Install the nTier300 VTL into the Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5

Contents

Installing the Data Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connecting Cables and Powering On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Install the Front Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Chapter 3 – Using the nTier300 VTL BlueScale

Web Interface 37

Powering On the Spectra nTier300 VTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Accessing the BlueScale Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Using the BlueScale Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

BlueScale Status Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Viewing Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Monitoring the Status of Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Viewing and Configuring IP Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Restarting or Shutting Down the nTier300 VTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Chapter 4 – Maintenance 53

Replacing a Data Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Preparing for Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Identify the Malfunctioning Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Replace the Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Appendix A – Technical Support 59

About SpectraGuard Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

If You Have a Problem With Your nTier300 VTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Opening a Support Ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

RMA Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Repair Policy: Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

6

Contents

Service Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

SpectraGuard Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

SpectraGuard Classic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

SpectraGuard Premier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Requirements for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Coverage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

On-site Service Considerations for Parts Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Support Activation Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Product Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Appendix B – Specifications 67

RAID Storage Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Integrated Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Size and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Input Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Power Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Appendix C – Regulatory and Safety Standards 71

EU Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

FCC Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Safety Standards and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

WEEE Directive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Glossary of Terms 75

Index 85

7

Contents

Notes

8

About This Guide

This guide is a supplement to the “Getting Started” chapter in the Implementing nTier
Deduplication guide and describes the following:

 Installing the Spectra® nTier300™ Deduplication VTL (referred to as the Spectra

nTier300 VTL or the nTier300 VTL).

 Configuring the initial IP address.

 Using the BlueScale web interface to monitor the status of the hardware

components.

After you finish installing the nTier300 VTL as described in this guide, read the
Implementing nTier Deduplication guide, which is included as a PDF on the nTier
Deduplication CD included with the nTier300 VTL, for detailed information about
configuring and using one or more virtual tape libraries using the FalconStor VTL
Console (referred to as the VTL Console).

Intended Audience

This guide is intended for data center administrators and operators who maintain and
operate backup systems. The information in this guide assumes a familiarity with RAID
technology, SCSI and Fibre Channel communication protocols, and network
connectivity protocols such as Fibre Channel, Ethernet, and iSCSI (Gigabit Ethernet). It
also assumes a knowledge of technical tasks such as configuring a Windows Server
operating system, installing drivers, and configuring network connections and that you
are familiar with installing, configuring, and using data backup and archival software.

9

About This Guide

Related Publications

The following publications related to the Spectra nTier300 VTL and nTier FalconStor
Deduplication are available from the Spectra Logic web site at www.spectralogic.com/

documents.

 The Spectra nTier300 Virtual Tape Library Appliance Release Notes—available on

Spectra Logic’s web site—provide the most up-to date information about the
nTier300, including information about the latest firmware releases.

 The Implementing nTier Deduplication guide, which is included as a PDF on the

nTier Deduplication CD included with the nTier300 VTL, provides detailed
information and instructions for using the Falcon for configuring, managing, and
troubleshooting the Virtual Tape Library (VTL) and Single Instance Repository (SIR)
functionality for the Spectra nTier300 VTL.

Conventions Used in This Guide

This manual uses the following conventions to highlight important information:

Note: Provides additional information or suggestions about the current

topic.

Caution: Provides information you must know to avoid damage to the

Spectra nTier300 VTL or to avoid losing data.

Warning: Provides information you must know to avoid personal injury.

10

1 Spectra nTier300 VTL

Overview

The Spectra® nTier300 Deduplication VTL (referred to as the nTier300 VTL) uses
appliance uses FalconStor® Virtual Tape Library (VTL) software provide to VTL and
Single Instance Repository (SIR) functionality in a single, preconfigured appliance.

This chapter provides an overview of the nTier300 VTL appliance features and
components.

Features

The energy-efficient Spectra nTier300 VTL includes the following features:

 nTier FalconStor

Virtual Tape Library (VTL) and FalconStor Single Instance Repository (SIR)
deduplication functionality for the nTier300 VTL. The Implementing nTier
Deduplication guide provides complete installation, configuration, and use
instructions for the FalconStor VTL software.

The FalconStor VTL Console (referred to as the VTL Console) is a Windows-based
administration tool that runs on a computer connected to the same network as the
nTier300 VTL. The VTL Console lets you configure, manage, monitor the virtual
tape libraries and deduplication on the nTier300 VTL.

®

VTL software. The included FalconStor VTL software provides

11

Chapter 1 – Spectra nTier300 VTL Overview

 RAID-protected data disks. The nTier300 VTL includes from two to twelve high-

performance 1 TB disk drives mounted on individual drive sleds. Depending on the
number of drives installed, the disk drives provide the RAID-protected storage
capacity used by the operating system, VTL, and SIR, including the VTL database,
SIR index, and SIR repository.

 RAID write caching. Cache memory on the nTier300 VTL RAID controller stores

data from the host before it is written to the disk drives. Because writing data to
memory is typically faster than writing to disk, using write caching improves the
overall performance of the RAID storage. Once the data is written to the cache
memory, the host can move on to another operation while the data is written to
disk.

®

 BlueScale

web interface. The BlueScale web interface is used to configure the

nTier300 VTL IP addresses, monitor the hardware status, and view hardware system
messages.

 Integrated server. The powerful, integrated server uses a high-performance, dual-

core CPU running the FalconStor VTL software.

 Gigabit (1000BaseT) Ethernet connectivity. Two on-board Gigabit Ethernet ports

provide connections to Ethernet networks. These ports provide iSCSI network
connectivity to the RAID storage, as well as connectivity for the FalconStor VTL
Console and the Spectra BlueScale web interface.

 Optional 10-Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, or SCSI connectivity. An optional

host bus adaptor (HBA) can be installed to provide Fibre Channel, or SCSI
connectivity to a tape library. The optional 10-Gigabit Ethernet NIC or Fibre
Channel HBA can be used to connect a backup server to the VTL.

 High availability. In addition to the RAID-protected data storage, batteries provide

power to protect the data in the RAID write cache memory for up to 72 hours in the
event of a power failure. The N+1 redundant power supplies and the disk drives in
the nTier300 VTL are hot-swappable for uninterrupted operation.

 Rack-mount hardware. The nTier300 VTL is designed to mount in a standard

4-post, 19-inch rack using just 4U (7 inches) of rack space. Rack-mounting
hardware is included with the nTier300 VTL. Alternatively, the nTier300 VTL can be
placed on a level tabletop or other horizontal surface.

12

Components

Status

LEDs Power

USB port

Data drives

Drive blanks

Components

The following sections show the locations of and briefly describe the nTier300 VTL’s
major front and rear panel components.

Front Panel

Figure 1-2 shows the major components on the front panel of the nTier300 VTL.

o

Figure 1-1 The front view of the nTier300 VTL (nTier300 VTL V80 shown, front cover removed).

 RAID-protected data drives. The nTier300 VTL includes up to twelve high-

performance disk drives mounted on individual drive sleds. The drive sleds slide
into bays in the front of the nTier300 VTL enclosure and lock in place. The front of
each drive sled has a handle for removing the sled from the enclosure and a latch
for locking the drive sled in place. LEDs on each drive sled indicate the status of the
drive.

 Drive blanks. When fewer than twelve data drives are installed, the bottom rows of

drive bays have drive blanks installed to prevent contaminates for entering the
enclosure and to maintain proper air flow. The drive blanks do not contain drives.

 Status LEDs. The four status LED indicate the operating status of the drives and

chassis.

 Power button. The recessed power button controls the main AC power for the

nTier300 VTL.

 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. The USB port can be used to connect a USB key

to the nTier300 VTL for saving configurations and uploading firmware packages.

13

Chapter 1 – Spectra nTier300 VTL Overview

Power supply LEDs

N+1 power supplies

Integrated server

Power alarm

silence button

Rear Panel

Figure 1-2 shows the major components on the rear panel of the nTier300 VTL.

Note: Depending on the options you purchased, the rear panel of your

nTier300 VTL chassis may differ from the one shown in Figure 1-2.

o

Figure 1-2 The rear view of the nTier300 VTL (N+1 redundant power configuration
shown).

 Integrated server. The powerful, integrated server uses a high-performance, dual-

core CPU running the FalconStor VTL software on the nTier300 VTL. See Integrated
Server on page 15 for a detailed description of the server components.

 Power supplies. The standard nTier300 VTL configuration includes three power

supplies. The third power supply provides N+1 redundancy and fail-over
protection.

 Each power supply has its own AC power connector. Cord locks on each power

cord secure the cord to prevent it from being inadvertently disconnected.

 Each power supply has a single LED that lights to indicate when the power is on

and functioning normally.

 Alarm silence button. If one of the three power supply fails or is not present, an

audible alarm sounds. To silence the alarm, press the red alarm silence button.
Pressing the button does not silence the alarm if two power supplies have failed or
if two power supplies are not connected to a power source. After the nTier300 VTL
has two working power supplies installed and connected to a power source, you
can use alarm silence button to silence the alarm.

14

Integrated Server

Gigabit Ethernet

Monitor

connector

USB

port 1

Fans

Expansion slots

Mouse

Keyboard

Serial port

(COM2)

ports (4)

Gigabit Ethernet

port 2

Integrated Server

Figure 1-3 shows the rear panel components of the nTier300 VTL integrated server.

Figure 1-3 The nTier300 VTL integrated server rear panel components.

 Keyboard, mouse, and monitor connectors. Used by SpectraGuard Support for

diagnostics and troubleshooting.

 Serial port (COM2). Not currently used.

 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The standard nTier300 VTL configuration includes two

1-Gigabit Ethernet ports. The Gigabit Ethernet ports can be used for iSCSI network
connections to the VTL, as well as for network connectivity for the FalconStor VTL
Console and BlueScale web interface used to configure, manage, and monitor the
nTier300 VTL.

 USB ports. The USB ports can be used to connect a USB storage device to the

nTier300 VTL for saving configurations and uploading firmware packages. If
desired, you can use these ports to connect a USB mouse and a USB keyboard to
the nTier300 VTL integrated server.

 Expansion slots. Two expansion slots accommodate one or two optional interface

cards to provide additional connectivity. You can install one 10GbE network
interface card (NIC) or up to two Fibre Channel or SCSI host bus adaptors (HBA),
which can be used to connect the nTier300 VTL to a tape library. The Fibre Channel
HBA can also be used to provide Fibre Channel network connectivity to the VTL.

 Fans. The enclosure fans circulate air through the integrated server and the

nTier300 VTL enclosure.

15

Chapter 1 – Spectra nTier300 VTL Overview

The nTier300 VTL Software

In addition to the operating system, the following software applications are installed
on the nTier300 VTL server:

 FalconStor software
 Spectra Logic BlueScale web interface

FalconStor Software

The FalconStor software provides the Virtual Tape Library (VTL) and Single Instance
Repository (SIR) deduplication functionality for the Spectra nTier300 Deduplication
VTL. For detailed configuration and use information, read the Implementing nTier
Deduplication guide, which is included as a PDF on the nTier Deduplication CD.

Spectra BlueScale Web Interface

The BlueScale web interface (shown in Figure 1-4) provides an interface for monitoring
the operational status of nTier300 VTL system components, including the drives and
the RAID controller battery backup. You can also configure IP network connections
and prepare disks for maintenance. The BlueScale web interface supports the
following standard web browsers.

 Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6.0 and 7.0
 Mozilla FireFox 2.0

To learn more, see Using the BlueScale Web Interface on page 40.

Figure 1-4 The Overview page of the BlueScale web interface.

16

2 Installing the nTier300 VTL

This chapter covers the following information:

 Preparing for the Installation

 Unpacking the nTier300 VTL on page 18

 Rackmounting the nTier300 VTL on page 22

 Installing the Data Drives on page 30

 Connecting Cables and Powering On on page 32

 Install the Front Cover on page 34

Preparing for the Installation

Before unpacking and installing the Spectra nTier300 VTL, confirm the following:

 The installation location has adequate clearance for ventilation, minimal dust and

debris, and proximity to an appropriate AC power source.

 The appropriate network connections are available. The nTier300 VTL requires a

minimum of one Ethernet connection to provide the FalconStor VTL Console access
to the nTier300 VTL and for accessing the BlueScale web interface. It also requires
network connections to the backup servers that will be accessing the nTier300 VTL
for data storage.

 Ethernet port 1 is preconfigured to use DHCP addressing. Identify a network

with a properly configured DHCP/DNS server.

 Ethernet port 2 is preconfigured with an IP address of 192.168.1.2. If your

network does not have a DHCP/DNS server, identify a network connection that
is compatible with this IP address.

Note: The Ethernet port used for accessing the BlueScale web interface

and the VTL Console can also be used to provide network
connectivity to the VTL from the backup server for data storage.

17

Chapter 2 – Installing the nTier300 VTL

 An appropriate rack is assembled and placed near the AC power outlets and

network connections.

The nTier300 VTL chassis occupies 3U (5.25 inches) of rack space. It is designed to
fit in a standard 19-inch rack. An additional 3 inches to the depth may be required
to allow for cable clearance. Using a 4-post rack that is at least 47 inches (120 cm)
deep is recommended.

Note: The use of two-post “telco” racks is not supported.

Caution: The rack must be located on a level, hard-surfaced floor such as

cement or tile. Do not place the rack on a carpeted floor or
anywhere else that poses risk for static discharge that could
damage your appliance and its drives.

Unpacking the nTier300 VTL

The Spectra nTier300 VTL and its drives are shipped in a cardboard box attached to a
pallet. The only tool needed to unpack the box is a pair of scissors.

Prepare the Unpacking Location

Note: Make sure that you have a work space area prepared before you

remove the nTier300 VTL from its shipping box.

Set the pallet with the box in a location that gives you adequate clearance around and
above the Spectra nTier300 VTL box so that you can safely unpack it. Make sure that
you have a sturdy work surface near where you will install it. The work surface should
be large enough to accommodate the nTier300 VTL chassis and other components.

18

Unpacking the nTier300 VTL

Tip n Tell

Shockwatch

Outer lid

Unpack the Components

Save all the original packing materials in case it is necessary to ship or move the
nTier300 VTL later.

1. Use scissors to cut away the plastic wrap surrounding the nTier300 VTL shipping

box.

2. Check the Tip N Tell™ and Shockwatch® indicators to ensure that the nTier300 VTL

has not been improperly handled, before proceeding (Figure 2-5).

Figure 2-5 Check Tip n Tell and Shockwatch.

Caution: Do not unpack the nTier300 VTL or its drives if the Tip N Tell or

Shockwatch indicator has been tripped. Contact both the
shipping company and Spectra Logic to report the problem.

3. Use scissors to cut the straps securing the nTier300 VTL box to the shipping pallet.

4. Remove the outer lid from the shipping box (Figure 2-6).

Figure 2-6 Remove the outer lid.

19

Chapter 2 – Installing the nTier300 VTL

1. Remove top foam insert.

3. Remove the foam tray holding
the front cover, rack-mount kit,
power cables, anti-static kit, and
documentation.

4. Lift the nTier300 VTL
chassis (bagged) from the
internal box. Leave the
bottom foam insert in the
box.

2. Remove two foam inserts holding
the drives. The number of drives
depends on the configuration
ordered.

5. Refer to Figure 2-7 to remove the drives, accessories, and nTier300 VTL chassis

from the shipping box. Place the chassis and the drives on your work surface.

Warning: The nTier300 VTL weighs approximately 54 lb. (25 kg) without

drives installed. Use extreme caution when moving it. Always
use two people, one on each side, when lifting or moving it.

Warnung: Die nTier300 VTL wiegt ca 25 kg., ohne Laufwerke installiert.

Verwenden Sie extreme Vorsicht walten lassen, wenn sie
abwandern. Benutzen Sie immer zwei Personen, eine auf jeder
Seite, beim Heben oder Fortbewegen.

Caution: Leave the drives in their anti-static bags until you have

unpacked and installed the chassis in a rack. Always wear an
anti-static wristband attached to an unpainted metallic surface
when handling the drives. An anti-static wristband is included
with the accessories.

Figure 2-7 Unpacking the nTier300 VTL.

6. Save the box, anti-static bags, and foam packaging in case you need to re-ship the

nTier300 VTL for any reason.

20

Unpacking the nTier300 VTL

Inventory the Components

Unpack and identify the components that shipped with the nTier300 VTL using the
following table for reference.

Component Description

Rack mounting kit Included in the accessory box. The rack mounting kit includes all the

components required to mount the nTier300 VTL in a standard 4-post,
19-inch rack.

Antistatic
wristband

Power cords Included in the accessory box. Three power cords are provided with the

Drives The number of drives depends on the configuration you ordered. Each

Front cover and
keys

Software licenses,
software activation
keys, and
documentation

Included in the accessory box. An antistatic wristband to be worn when
handling the disk drives.

standard nTier300 VTL configuration (for either 110 VAC or 220 VAC
operation). See Power Cord Specifications on page 69 for information
about the power cords.

drive is mounted on a drive sled.
Note: Any drive blanks are shipped pre-installed.

The front cover protects the drives and prevents unauthorized access.

The following documentation, licenses, and Spectra license keys are
included in the accessory box:

 A license key for the nTier Deduplication VTL software
 Spectra nTier300 VTL Deduplication VTL documentation:

 Implementing nTier Deduplication
 Spectra nTier300 Virtual Tape Library Appliance Installation Guide

(this guide)

21

Chapter 2 – Installing the nTier300 VTL

Rail assemblies

Small screws

Rackmounting the nTier300 VTL

Install the nTier300 VTL in a standard 4-post, 19-inch rack using 3 units (3U) of rack
space.

Warning: If you are not installing any other equipment in the rack, install

the nTier300 VTL near the bottom of the rack to prevent the
rack from being top-heavy.

Warnung: Wenn Sie nicht die Installation ein anderes Gerät im Rack,

installieren Sie die nTier300 VTL in der Nähe der Unterseite des
Schranks zu verhindern, dass der Schrank von der kopflastigen.

Before You Begin

 Obtain the following tools and equipment:

 #2 Phillips screwdriver, magnetic if available
 Measuring tape (recommended)
 Level (recommended)

 Identify the location where you will install the nTier300 VTL.

 Assemble the rack, if necessary.

 Unpack the rack mount kit and identify the components:

Component # Required Use

2 rail assemblies Mount chassis in rack.

Bag labeled
6 or more screws

1 RAIL.

Each assembly includes:

 Rail
 Slider
 Extender plate

Attach rail sliders to
chassis.

22

Rackmounting the nTier300 VTL

Small nut plates
and screws

Large nut plates
and screws

Clip nuts
and screws

Component # Required Use

Bag labeled 2

 4 small nut plates
 12 (or more) screws

Bag labeled

 4 large nut plates
 12 (or more) screws

3

Attach rail assemblies to
rack.

Attach rail assemblies to
rack.

Bag labeled

 4 clip nuts
 4 screws

4

Secure nTier300 VTL to
rack.

23

Chapter 2 – Installing the nTier300 VTL

Press up to release safety latchSlider Outer rail

Latch

Rear of chassis

Prepare the Rails

Disassemble the rail assemblies. Each assembly consists of an outer rail and an inner
slider.

1. Extend the slider from the outer rail until the safety latch is visible, as shown in

Figure 2-8.

Figure 2-8 The safety latch and mounting holes.

2. Press up on the latch as shown in Figure 2-8 to release the latch.

3. Pull the slider completely out of the outer rail.

4. Repeat steps 1–3 for the second rail assembly.

Install the Sliders on the Chassis

1. Remove the nTier300 VTL chassis from its bag and place it on a sturdy work surface

where you can reach both sides of the chassis. Having two people for this task
simplifies lifting and moving the chassis.

2. Position a slider against one side of the chassis with the latch toward the rear of the

chassis, as shown in Figure 2-9. Make sure the safety latch is visible.

o

Figure 2-9 Position the latch toward the rear.

24

Rackmounting the nTier300 VTL

Tab

Front of chassis

Screws

3. Slide the end of the slider (furthest from the latch) under the tab near the front of

the chassis so that the tab fits into the notch on the end of the slider, as shown in
Figure 2-10.

o

Figure 2-10 Insert the slider under the tab.

4. With the screw holes in the slider aligned with the chassis screw holes, use a #2

Phillips screwdriver to install the screws from bag 1.

Screw one screw into each of the circled three holes, as shown in Figure 2-11. This
secures the slider to the chassis. Tighten the screws snugly. (If the circled holes
don’t align properly with chassis screw holes, install the three screws from bag 1
into other screw holes in the slider.)

Note: There are extra screw holes in the slider. Only three of them are

needed to attach it to the chassis.

o

5. Repeat Steps 2–4 to attach the second slider to the other side of the chassis.

Figure 2-11 Attach the slider to the chassis.

25

Chapter 2 – Installing the nTier300 VTL

Adjust the Length of the Outer Rails

1. Make sure the extender on the outer rail can slide a little to extend the length of the

rail. If necessary, loosen or tighten the screws attaching the extender to the rail.
Refer to Figure 2-12 to see a close-up of the rail with the extender attached.

Note: Using a measuring tape simplifies determining the length required

for the rails to fit inside the rack.

o

Figure 2-12 Extender screwed into rail end.

2. Hold one of the remaining rails against the rack side, with the extender nearest the

back of the rack.

3. Adjust the extender so that it just fits in the inside distance from the front mounting

holes of your rack to the back mounting holes.

4. Tighten the four screws holding the extender to the rail.

5. Repeat for the other rail.

Install the Outer Rail in the Rack

1. Examine the mounting holes in your rack and select either bag 2 or bag 3, that has

the set of nut plates and screws that best match these holes.

2. Determine where to install the nut plates on the rack. The plates must be

positioned to provide at least 2 inches of clearance below the bottom edge of the
plate.

26

Rackmounting the nTier300 VTL

2 inches

Nut Plate

Screws

3. Position a nut plate behind one rack post at the desired position, then use a

#2 Phillips screwdriver to screw three ½-inch screws into the plate, as shown in
Figure 2-13. Tighten the screws only enough to hold the plate in place.

o

Figure 2-13 Loosely attach the nut
plate to the rack.

4. Repeat Step 3 to install the nut plates on the each of the other three posts of the

rack.

Note: Make sure that the nut plates are installed at the same level on all

four posts. Otherwise the rails will not be level when they are
installed. Using a level simplifies positioning the nut plates so that
the rails will be level.

27