Spectra Logic T-Series Spectra T950 User Manual

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Spectra

User Guide

T950 Library

PN 90940000 Revision E

Notices

Except as expressly stated herein, Spectra Logic Corporation makes available this Spectra® library 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 library; instead, promptly contact Spectra Logic for instructions on how to return the library for a refund.

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

License

You have acquired a Spectra library 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 library; instead, promptly contact Spectra Logic for instructions on return of the Spectra library for a refund. Any use of the Software, including but not limited to use on the Spectra library, 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 library.

• Not Fault Tolerant. The Software is not fault tolerant. Spectra Logic has independently determined how to use the Software in the Spectra library, 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 library, 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/.

Notices

Warnings and Cautions

AC Power

Warning: Risk of electrical shock. Use caution when removing the

library’s side panels. Spectra Logic recommends turning off the power to the library before removing the side panels.

Warnung:Es besteht das Risiko eines Stromschlags. Gehen Sie äußerst

vorsichtig vor, wenn Sie die seitlichen Panels der Library entfernen. Spectra Logic empfiehlt die Stromversorgung zu unterbrechen, bevor die Panels entfernt werden.

Moving the Library

Caution: If the library is loaded with RXT® media packs or media in

TeraPack® cases, it is possible that the RXT media packs or TeraPack containers may move within their chambers when the library is moved. Check to make sure that all RXT media packs and TeraPack containers are flush in their chambers before restarting the library. Failure to do so may cause damage to the robotics when the robotics move.

Warning: The library is very heavy; use at least two people to move it and

take care not to tip it.

Warnung:Die Library hat ein sehr hohes Gewicht. Bewegen Sie sie nur

mit Hilfe weiterer Personen und vermeiden Sie, die Library zu kippen.

Media

Caution: Use only the media approved for use in the particular drives

installed in your library. Improper media will result in damage to the drives, library, and media.

Notices

Spectra Logic Contact Information

United States Headquarters European Office

Mailing Address

Phone Fax

Web Site http://www.SpectraLogic.com

Spectra Logic Corporation 1700 N 55th Street Boulder CO 80301 USA

(800) 833-1132 or (303) 449-6400 (303) 939-8844

Mailing Address

Phone Fax

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

+44 (0) 870 112 2150 +44 (0) 870 112 2175

Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction 11

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview 13

Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

QIP and Drive Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

QIP and Drive Naming Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

TeraPack Cases for Tape Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Integration of Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

TAPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Entry/Exit Pools and Storage Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Library Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Partition Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Modular Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Expansion and Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Chapter 3. Initial Configuration 31

Library Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Logging in for the First Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Interpreting the Library Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Enabling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Chapter 4. AutoSupport 37

Configuring AutoSupport Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Using AutoSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Contents

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning 49

Creating a New Library Partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Editing an Existing Partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Deleting a Partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Chapter 6. Loading Media for the First Time 75

Loading a New Partition with Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Inventorying the Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library 79

System Configuration Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Configuring Library Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Configuring General Library Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Chapter 8. Best Practices for Using the Library 89

Entering Information in Library Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Checking Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Refreshing the LC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Logging On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Media Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Viewing Library Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Storage and EE Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Configuring the EE Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Contents

Chapter 9. Best Practices for Tape Media 97

Handling Tape Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Handling Tape Media in Bulk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Tape Media Rotation Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Chapter 10. Best Practices for RXT Media 103

RAID Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Optimizing Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Maintaining RXT Drives and Media Packs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Using in Daily Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Chapter 11. Loading and Unloading Media 107

Displaying Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Bulk Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Bulk Exports/Unloading a Partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Handling Individual Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Chapter 12. Maintaining the Library & Drives 113

Tips on Getting Library Information Quickly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Cleaning Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Replacing the Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Library Firmware Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Contents

Chapter 13. Library Troubleshooting 125

Checking Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Checking Firmware Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Capturing Traces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Resetting Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Robotics Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Operating in Gigabit Ethernet Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Chapter 14. Drive Troubleshooting 137

Updating Drive Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

LTO Tape Drive Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

SAIT Tape Drive Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

SDLT Tape Drive Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

RXT Drive Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Chapter 15. Advanced Configuration & Use 159

Setting Up Firmware Package Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Advanced Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Using the LC to Access Individual Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Appendix A. Media & Upgrades 165

Media and Media Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Contacting Spectra Logic Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Contents

Appendix B. Service and Support 171

SpectraGuard Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

If You Have a Problem With Your Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

RMA Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Repair Policy: Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Appendix C. Regulatory & Safety Standards 179

Safety Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

FCC Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

EU Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180

Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

WEEE Directive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

Appendix D. Specifications 185

Library Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

Bar Code Specifications for Half-Inch Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193

Tape Drive Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

RXT Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

Glossary of Terms 203

Index 215

Contents

1 Introduction

About This Guide

This guide describes the configuration and use of the Spectra® T950 library, including troubleshooting information.

Intended Audience

This guide addresses data center administrators who maintain and operate backup systems. This guide assumes a familiarity with Fibre Channel connectivity, as well as a knowledge of technical tasks such as configuring operating systems and installing drivers.

Related Publications

These publications are also available from Spectra Logic:

•The Spectra T950 Library Release Notes (P.N. 90940002) provides the most

up-to-date information about the library, drives, and media.

•The Spectra T-Series Library Developer Guide (P.N. 90940001) provides detailed

information about the SCSI and Fibre Channel commands used in the library.

•The BlueScale® Encryption User Guide (P.N. 90940012) provides information

pertinent to BlueScale Encryption, including Spectra Logic’s encryption-enabled hardware and BlueScale library software, and the configuration and use of library-based and LTO-drive-based encryption.

Conventions Used in This Manual

This manual uses the following conventions to highlight important information:

Note: Provides additional points or suggestions. Caution: Provides information about how to avoid damage to the library,

drives, or other equipment.

Warning: Describes ways to avoid personal injury.

Chapter 1. Introduction

Library Hardware Configuration

The Spectra T950 library is installed at your site by Spectra-Logic-certified engineers.

Caution: The library should always be installed on a hard flooring, such

as tile—never on carpeted flooring.

Once the library has been installed, do not alter its component or drive configuration, unless you either:

• Have been directed to do so by Spectra Logic, or

• Have a support contract such as Assisted Self-Maintenance (ASM)

and you have documentation instructing you on the hardware or component reconfiguration procedure.

If you do not have a current support agreement and related documentation, contact Spectra Logic Technical Support before altering your library hardware. This way you can make sure that internal components, including drive covers, are re-installed correctly to ensure proper thermal control, air flow, and dust filtering.

Note: The power cord included with this unit is considered part of this

unit and cannot be used with any other equipment.

2 Architecture Overview

Python architecture in the Spectra T950 library provides maximum configurability and ease of use in an enterprise-class system. To take full advantage of the library’s versatility, read this overview of the library’s technology and features:

• Partitions on page 14

• QIP and Drive Architecture on page 15

• QIP and Drive Naming Conventions on page 17

• TeraPack Cases for Tape Media on page 18

• Integration of Disk on page 20

• TAPs on page 21

• Entry/Exit Pools and Storage Pools on page 22

• Library Management on page 24

• Partition Configuration on page 25

• Modular Design on page 28

• Expansion and Upgrades on page 29

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Partitions

Partitions divide the library logically, so that the partitioned Spectra T950 library looks to the enterprise environment like one or more physical libraries—one library per configured partition. The Spectra T950 library is partitioned using Shared Library Services (SLS) technology that simplifies storage consolidation through the creation of virtual libraries, each with its own drives and media. With this, no external software or hardware is needed to manage mixed media within the library.

The library can be configured as a single partition or in multiple partitions. When the library is configured into more than one partition, each partition exclusively controls the drives and slots assigned to it. The Spectra T950 library requires, at a minimum, one partition. Some of the advantages to running the library as a single partition include:

• Increased drive availability due to the fact that all drives are available to all backup processes. For example, if a library has 10 drives and one partition, data can be shared across all drives, speeding data backup. If the same library has been split into two partitions, some drives may be left idle in one partition, while the others are used for a backup process running in another partition.

• No extra costs incurred by software licensing, server requirements, or cabling complexities.

In some environments, partitioning into multiple virtual libraries is crucial to data center efficiency and growth. For example, multiple partitions are extremely useful in the following situations:

• If the environment uses multiple backup software packages, each software package requires its own dedicated library. Instead of maintaining multiple physical libraries—one per backup package—the data center can use a single Spectra T950 library with multiple partitions, in which each partition appears to the software as a dedicated library.

• If a company uses multiple databases, partitioning the library preserves the backup processes associated with each type of database. If departments within a company must keep their data segregated, partitioning supplies this segregation as well as the subsequent integrity of the data set. Each partition has access only to its own dedicated drives and media locations, and doesn’t mix media from other partitions into its inventory.

• If multiple protocols are running, such as Fibre Channel and iSCSI, then each protocol attaches to its own library partition in the same physical library.

• If a site is using multiple types of media, such as LTO and SAIT, or such as LTO and RXT media disk, then each media type must have its own partition in the same physical library.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

QIP and Drive Architecture

The Spectra T950 library uses Quad Interface Processors (QIPs) to provide connectivity between the library’s drives—typically SCSI devices—and the enterprise environment, which uses Fibre Channel or Gigabit Ethernet. Each QIP is essentially a bridge, but with additional features and intelligence built into it.

With QIP architecture, no external bridges are needed to handle data stream translation, nor are any other specialized devices required to support other protocols.

QIPs provide additional functions along with connectivity:

• Each QIP defines a drive serial number for every one of its drives. This serial number remains constant even if the physical drive is replaced. The new drive simply retains the designated serial number, so drive replacement is completely transparent to the backup software.

• Each QIP has its own World Wide Name (WWN) based on its physical location in the library and a unique identifier for the library. This WWN remains constant even if the physical QIP is replaced. The new QIP simply retains the designated WWN, so QIP replacement is completely transparent to the backup software.

Drives

Drives, such as LTO and SAIT, ship on sleds that permit the drives to be easily added or replaced. The drives must be on sleds to work in the Spectra Library, and are available only from Spectra Logic. Theses drives can be connected to the library using QIP, or using direct-connect.

With direct-attach Fibre Channel drives, you can attach the Spectra T950 library’s drives directly to a Fibre Channel SAN, ensuring a simple fit with your storage environment, along with fast performance. A minimum of one QIP is still required in the library for the purpose of exporting robotic commands, but the setup is very easy, and expense is minimized.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Drive 4

Drive 3

Drive 2

Drive 1

Port B

Port A

Figure 2-1 The F-QIP architecture.

Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet QIPs

Each Fibre Channel QIP (F-QIP) and Gigabit Ethernet QIP (E-QIP) provides connections to four drives and has two external ports. The QIP also provides any-to-any connectivity, so that every drive (target) is potentially visible to servers through both ports. This permits flexibility in configuring target visibility: that is, which servers can see which drives.

For example, a QIP can be configured so that Drives 1 and 2 are visible through Port A, and Drives 3 and 4 are visible through Port B. Or, to consolidate port usage on a switch, all four drives can be accessed through a single port. In a more complex configuration, a QIP can be configured so that all drives are visible through both ports; such a configuration is typically used in a shared storage environment or an environment with failover capabilities. Note that if drives are visible to multiple servers, your backup software must support this visibility; otherwise server contention for a single drive can create network and system problems.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

QIP

Drive 4

Drive 3

Drive 1 Drive 2

Drive 4

Drive 3

Drive 1 Drive 2

Drive 4

Drive 3

Drive 1 Drive 2

Drive 4

Drive 3

Drive 1 Drive 2

Drive 4

Drive 3

Drive 1 Drive 2

Drive 4

Drive 3

Drive 1 Drive 2

Drive Bay 6

Drive Bay 5

Drive Bay 4

Drive Bay 3

Drive Bay 2

Drive Bay 1

Frame 1

QIP and Drive Naming Conventions

The library’s LC uses the following naming conventions to describe QIPs and drives.

QIP Identifiers

QIP identifiers appear as FRx/DBAx/Y-QIP1, where x is a number and Y is the QIP type.

• FR is the library frame in which the QIP is installed.

• DBA is the Drive Bay Assembly (DBA) containing the QIP.

• Y is the QIP type (F for Fibre Channel or E for Gigabit Ethernet).

Drive Identifiers

Drive identifiers appear as FRx/DBAx/Y-DRVx, where Y is a drive type and x is a number.

• FR is the library frame in which the drive is installed.

• DBA is the DBA containing the drive.

• LTO, SAIT, SDLT, or RXT is the drive type; the number is the position in the DBA.

Figure 2-2 Designations as viewed from the back of the library (doors opened).

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Figure 2-3 A TeraPack case.

TeraPack Cases for Tape Media

The Spectra T950 library uses grouped media: that is, multiple tape cartridges are grouped in their own container, which is used throughout the library and beyond. The packs of cartridges are called TeraPack case (shown in Figure 2-3). Each TeraPack case holds 10 LTO or SAIT tape cartridges, or 9 SDLT cartridges. Each cartridge in the TeraPack case is bar-coded, along with each TeraPack case itself, so that all cartridges and TeraPack cases are unique and able to be rapidly scanned and identified.

The library’s robotic mechanism, the transporter, handles media in two ways: a macro movement grasps and moves an entire TeraPack case, while a micro movement manipulates individual tapes—moving cartridges in and out of TeraPack cases, and into and out of tape drives.

Storage Density

TeraPack cases and RXT media packs take advantage of space within the library that traditional libraries don’t. Because of this, the library’s storage capacity is enormous.

The T950 library uses space in an innovative fashion, permitting very high density by using space within the library, rather than accepting the limits of tape storage on the vertical library walls. This space use is optimized through the use of horizontal shelves divided into semi-enclosed chambers. Each chamber is designed to accept a bar-coded TeraPack case.

The patented TeraPack case lets you import multiple tapes (e.g., ten LTO tapes) at a time per access port. With LTO TeraPack magazines, twenty tapes at a time can be imported, ten through each TAP. The transporter (that is, the robotics) moves the entire pack, ten tapes at a time. The RXT media pack matches the footprint of the TeraPack case and the robotics move the entire RXT media pack, as well.

This unique design requires the use of the bar-coded TeraPack case, only available from Spectra Logic. The TeraPack case lets you track tapes in the case through the case bar code; you can also track individual tapes, since each tape is also bar-coded.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Data Protection

The leading cause of tape damage is human error. Cartridges in TeraPack cases are exempt from errors that can be induced by an operator’s manipulation of individual tapes. Using Spectra Logic Certified Media, TeraPack cases can be purchased preloaded with bar-coded media. These cartridges are secure in a case before, during, and after import and export. They are even secured in TeraPack cases during off-site or vaulted storage, protected with the TeraPack case’s clear plastic snap-fit dust cover.

To ensure ready access to the elements in the library, the library stores inventory data in non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). Even after a power-down and restart, the library retains its inventory.

Import/Export Efficiency

No library EE port is large enough to handle importing and exporting tape cartridges in bulk. To export many tape cartridges, the library operator typically has to perform multiple iterations of tape ejection and removal. These steps include removing data cartridges one by one from the EE port, then closing the port and waiting while the library robotics gather and eject tape cartridges one by one into the EE port again. At this point, the operator has to remove data cartridges again, one by one.

Along with requiring multiple steps to remove tapes, the tapes may remain in a traditional library’s EE port for some time following an unattended backup, which is a potential backup integrity and security issue.

Similarly, to import tapes, the library operator has to insert cartridges one by one into the EE port, then wait while the library imports each cartridge. Only then can the operator again insert cartridges one by one, repeating this series of tasks until all tape cartridges are imported. TeraPack cases eliminate at least 90 percent of operator time spent on these types of tasks.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Integration of Disk

The Spectra T950 library’s TeraPack architecture allows for the addition of RAID eXchangeable TeraPack (RXT) drives and media.

RXT drives use an internal RAID controller to write to RXT media packs, each made up of multiple Serial ATA (SATA) disks sealed in a sturdy protective enclosure. media packs dock in the RXT drive just like tapes dock in a tape drive, and can be easily moved off-line and off-site. The media pack is configured with the RAID level you specify when ordering the media. And the data automatically written using RAID supplies redundancy to ensure the availability of your data. Using RAID 1, 5, and 1+0 (10) one of the disks in the media pack can fail without any data loss; the failed disk can be replaced and the data on it rebuilt.

Figure 2-4 An RXT media pack with an illustration of its internal components.

No changes to backup strategy are necessary, because backup software automatically sees and writes to the disk, recognizing it as an LTO tape drive. This solution lets you add disk without adding complexity to your backup environment. RXT media packs can be removed and stored as appropriate for your backup strategy, while still providing the reliability of disk and the redundancy of RAID.

RXT drives match the size of a standard LTO (other half-inch tape) drive, so it fits into the library in a drive sled much like the ones used for tape drives in the Spectra T950 library. RXT media packs have the same form factor as the TeraPack cases used to transport tapes inside the Spectra T950 library, so the library’s transporter moves disk packs the same way that it moves tape media.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

TAP 2

TAP 1

Loaded TeraPack container

TAPs

The Spectra T950 library provides two TeraPack Access Ports (TAPs). You can use both TAPs when importing or exporting TeraPack containers or media packs.

Figure 2-5 The two TAPs; TAP 2 is open.

The function of each TAP, like that of an EE port, is to permit the operator to load and unload media. However, the TAP provides these additional key advantages:

Security The TAP is simply an access point, so media is never stored in the TAP.

Newly inserted TeraPack containers and media packs are automatically pulled into the library, and TeraPack cases and media packs ready to be exported are not moved to a TAP unless an operator requests the export move using the library’s front panel. Since TeraPack cases and media packs are never left unattended and accessible, this provides added security for data, and helps to further ensure the integrity of data backups.

Convenience for Tape Media Operators always handle a pack of tapes at a time rather

than individual cartridges, greatly reducing the time spent on import and export tasks.

Requesting Specific Tape Cartridges

Library operators and administrators can readily access a requested tape or tapes, even though the library presents the requested item or items in a TeraPack case. When an operator requests a specific tape, the library delivers the cartridge, in a TeraPack case, to the TAP. The requested tape cartridge may be presented to the operator in a TeraPack case that contains other cartridges; in that case, the operator simply removes the requested cartridge from the pack and leaves the rest. When the TAP is closed, the TeraPack case with the remaining cartridges is inventoried and moved back into the library.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Entry/Exit Pools and Storage Pools

Inside the library, media is logically grouped through the use of pools. Just like the library is logically partitioned, media is logically grouped. The grouping depends on the state of the media—whether it is available for storing data, or whether it is newly imported or ready to be exported from the library.

When the library is configured, each partition is assigned a certain number of slots (i.e., assigned chambers, one per TeraPack case) within the library for each pool— either the EE pool or the storage pool.

• The storage pool is used by the backup software for backups and restores.

• The EE pool is used for newly imported media, and for media ready to be exported.

In this way, exported media isn’t stored in a physical EE port; rather, it’s stored in an internal EE pool. When it is time to remove media from a library, all the operator has to do is use the library’s front panel (LC) to eject media in a TeraPack case or RXT media pack, rather than open a loaded EE port. Together, the EE pool and the TAP function as a configurable EE port.

For example, assume a typical backup needs to export 300 cartridges or 30 media packs. To handle this, you can assign 30 chambers to the EE pool. With this, all 300 cartridges or 30 media packs can be handled with a single export command from the backup software. This is impossible in a traditional library; typically, backup software issues a delay or error when it needs to export more cartridges than the EE port handles.

This greatly speeds tape cartridge exports, since the library exports one TeraPack case per TAP—that is, 20 LTO or SAIT tapes at a time, 18 SDLT tapes at a time, or two RXT media packs at a time—with the doors opening alternately. This way, the operator does not have to handle individual cartridges. Similarly, imports are greatly sped up. Instead of loading each tape into individual slots in the EE port, the library user logs onto the physical library’s front panel, then inserts one TeraPack case per TAP until all TeraPack cases are accepted, importing multiple cartridges per TeraPack case.

In addition, the use of EE pools keeps TeraPack cases secure; no one can access the media until a library user logs on to the physical library.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Partition 1 - Tape:

• 1 QIP and 4 LTO drives (four drives per QIP)

• 25 Storage Pool chambers (each with a loaded TeraPack case)

• 6 EE Pool chambers (each with an empty TeraPack case)

Partition 2 - Disk:

• 1 QIP and 4 RXT drives (four drives per QIP)

• 15 Storage Pool chambers (each with an RXT media pack for writing data)

• 4 EE Pool chambers (each one empty, awaiting an RXT media pack for import or export)

An example of two partitions of a fully configured library unit is shown in Figure 2-6.

• Partition 1, a tape partition, has a 25-chamber storage pool, an EE pool with 6 empty TeraPack cases, and 4 LTO drives running on one QIP.

• Partition 2, a disk partition, has a 15-chamber storage pool, an EE pool with 4 empty chambers, and 4 RXT drives running on one QIP.

Figure 2-6 A partitioned library, shown with two partitions highlighted.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Library Management

User Security

Library users are configured by groups, each with its own level of privileges:

• The superuser group has full permissions.

• The administrator group has all permissions except to create or edit library users.

• The operator group has media handling permissions only.

• The encryption user group has encryption permissions. (This user group is only present if BlueScale Encryption has been installed in the library; see BlueScale Encryption documentation for more information.)

The Library Controller

On the front of the library, the Library Controller (LC) is a 10.4-inch color touch screen with an intuitive graphical user interface. With the LC, you can configure and maintain the library and handle all daily operations.

Figure 2-7 The General Status screen of the LC.

Remote Library Controller

The LC supplies a built-in Web server so that the LC can be displayed and operated remotely in a Web-browser; this remote interface is called the Remote Library Controller (RLC). RLC allows an operator to access the same features and functions that are available through the LC, excluding only functions involving direct use of the physical library (for example, the use of the TAPs).

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

F-QIP 3

F-QIP 2

F-QIP 1

Port B

Port A

Port B

Port A

Port B

Port A

Drive

DBA 2

DBA 3

DBA 1

Fibre Channel

Robotic Path

Switch or Hub

Partition Configuration

Before configuring your library, review the following examples and diagrams. These are only a few examples of a partition configuration; an incredible number of configurations are possible.

Partitions Using QIP-Attached Drives

Figure 2-8 is a simple representation of how one QIP-based library partition is connected to a SAN, and how the QIPs in the partition connect to the drives assigned to that partition.

Figure 2-8 A diagram of a QIP-based partition connected to a SAN.

This example partition is configured to use 12 drives, which are controlled by three Fibre Channel QIPs (F-QIPs). F-QIP 3 receives and processes the robotics commands for the partition. All drives on each F-QIP are visible through each QIP’s Port B. This partition looks like a unique library to the server on the other side of the Fibre Channel hub or switch, as would any partition configured in a Spectra T950 library.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

F-QIP

Port B

Port A

Drive

DBA 2

DBA 3

DBA 1

Fibre Channel

Robotic Path

Switch or Hub

Partitions Using Direct-Attached Drives

Figure 2-9 is a simple representation of how one library partition using direct-attached drives is connected to a SAN, and how the QIP in the partition is present for the control of the robotic path.

Figure 2-9 A diagram of partitions using direct-attached drives connected to a SAN.

This example partition is configured to use 8 drives, which are attached directly to the Fibre Channel switch or hub. The F-QIP, also attached to the switch or hub, receives and processes the robotics commands for the partition. This partition looks like a unique library to the server on the other side of the Fibre Channel hub or switch, as would any partition configured in a Spectra T950 library.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Partition Configuration Checklist

Before you start, make sure that you have identified the numbers of slots, drives, and QIPs to use in each partition, the robotic pathway, as well as network information.

Component

Media Type

EE Pool: Number of Chambers

Storage Pool: Number of Chambers

Drives Assigned to this Partition

Robotic Control: QIP

Each QIP has two ports; the robotic path can be visible through one or both.

Drive Visibility

Exporting E-QIP Ports

Exporting F-QIP Ports

Description Action

Only one media type can be used in each partition. Choose the partition’s media type from the list of media types.

The size of the partition’s EE pool handles a typical partition export. This pool and the TAPs combined are the same as a configurable EE door.

The size of the partition’s storage pool is the number of available licensed chambers MINUS the number of chambers reserved for the partition’s EE pool.

Drives are assigned per partition. Select drives from the list of available drives;

Each partition uses one QIP and either or both of the QIP’s ports for robotic control. Note that selecting both ports provides failover, but requires software that supports two control paths.

Each drive is visible to external servers through either one or both of the QIP’s ports.

Each E-QIP port is identified using a network address. Depending on your environment, the E-QIP may use digests, CHAP authentication, and iSNS.

Each F-QIP port is identified using a worldwide name (WWN) on a SAN.

Choose the partition’s media type. For example, you may select LTO for one partition and RXT for another partition.

Enter a number of chambers. Each chamber holds a single TeraPack case or media pack. A TeraPack case holds 10 LTO or 10 SAIT slots, 9 SDLT slots.

Enter a number of chambers. Each chamber holds a single TeraPack case or media pack. A TeraPack case holds 10 LTO or 10 SAIT slots, or 9 SDLT slots.

if you only have one partition, select all.

A list displays available QIPs; select one as robotic path controller, and select one or both ports. If you select both ports, make sure that the software accessing it can handle multiple control paths, and that the ports are correctly cabled to support this.

Select one or both ports through which the drives are visible. If you select both, make sure that the backup software can handle server contention over drive use resulting from multiple paths to a drive.

Select either DHCP or Static Address. For static addressing, you must provide the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Note: Settings for digests, CHAP, and iSNS are set in Exporting iSCSI Settings.

Select one of these combinations:

Use Soft Address and Fabric. Use Loop ID (enter a value between 0-125) and Loop/Point-to-Point. Use Soft Address or Use Loop ID (enter a

value between 0-125), then select Auto-negotiate.

a. If you are configuring only one partition in your library, use all remaining licensed chambers. If you are creating multiple

partitions, be sure to reserve enough chambers to configure the other partitions.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Fan Assembly

TAP s

Chambers

Power Bay Assembly

TAP s

Transporter

Transporter Pathway

Electronics Bay Assembly

Covered by Air Filter

Chambers

Drive Bay Assembly

Modular Design

The library is made up of multiple modules, which simplifies maintenance and upgrades.

Figure 2-10 The Spectra T950 library: viewed from front (left), side (middle), and rear (right).

Some components are extremely easy to remove and install; they are classified as customer-replaceable units (CRUs), and they are available to you based on your service contract with SpectraGuard® Technical Support (see page 171). CRUs include:

•Drives

• QIPs

•LCM and RCM

• Power supplies

•Transporter

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

Expansion and Upgrades

The Spectra T950 library is designed to expand to meet a data center’s changing storage requirements, as well as to achieve storage consolidation goals.

Make sure to plan ahead and take the library’s expansion capabilities into consideration when you install and configure the library. Use its capabilities as appropriate to implement long-term strategic storage plans.

Capacity

CoD is the library’s capacity-on-demand feature. You can purchase a library that suits your current needs, and then purchase additional capacity later as required. This reduces up-front costs, because you only pay for what you currently need. As more capacity is required, add it in increments— purchase key codes to activate chambers in the library and purchase additional TeraPack cases or RXT media packs to fill the added chambers. These purchases can be made through a sales representative or directly through the Spectra Logic Web site.

The CoD feature lets operators use all available physical chambers in that physical library unit, also referred to as a frame; then, once all existing chambers are in use, add another frame increase capacity. Additional frames can support either of these configurations:

• A combination of media and drives for greater throughput and capacity.

• Media-only for greater capacity.

Throughput and Connectivity

If the library frame’s Drive Bay Assemblies (DBAs) are not already filled to capacity with drives, or if the library has room for additional Quad-Interface Processors (QIPs), additional drives or QIPs can be easily installed to increase the library’s throughput.

The library’s QIPs can be switched out at any time to change the library’s connectivity type. Additional QIPs also increase the library’s drive throughput.

Drives and QIPs are sled-mounted and install in under two minutes.

Power Supplies and USB Storage Devices

You may order and install additional power supplies for fail-over and redundancy.

You may elect to purchase additional USB storage devices that you can use when upgrading the Spectra T950 library’s firmware package, or as a troubleshooting tool for use as instructed by Technical Support.

Chapter 2. Architecture Overview

3 Initial Configuration

The following sections describe steps involved in configuring the library:

• Library Power, below

• Logging in for the First Time on page 32

• Interpreting the Library Controller on page 33

• Enabling Options on page 36

Library Power

Note: The library must be set up so that the power socket-outlet is

installed near the equipment and is easily accessible.

Powering On

With the library’s power cable plugged in and the breakers switched to the ON position, press and hold the soft power button (shown at right) for two to three seconds or until the blue light behind the button changes state.

The power-on sequence takes about five minutes (depending on the library configuration), while the library initializes all components.

Note: An Ethernet connection to the network is optional. If you are

going to connect the library to the network, make sure to do so prior to powering the library on.

Note: The Spectra T950 library must have a unique IP address. The

default setting for the LCM Ethernet port is DHCP. You may, however, configure the IP address if needed; see Network Settings on page 85.

Chapter 3. Initial Configuration

Powering Off

Press and hold the soft power button (shown on page 31) for two to three seconds or until the blue light behind the button changes state. The power-down sequence takes just over one minute, while the library allows applications to shut down gracefully.

Note: If you intend to leave the library powered down for an extended

length of time, switch the breakers to the off position.

Logging in for the First Time

As the library initializes, the LC’s main login screen appears (Figure 3-1).

Figure 3-1 The LC’s main login screen.

1. Select the screen’s keyboard icon (in the lower right corner of the screen).

2. Select the User field; a cursor appears.

3. Use the keyboard to type su.

Note: Until a password is set, no password is required.

4. Select Login. The library displays the General Status screen, shown in Figure 3-2

on page 33.

Chapter 3. Initial Configuration

Current

toolbar

Other

toolbars

Interpreting the Library Controller

After you log in and the library finishes initializing, the LC displays the library’s General Status screen (Figure 3-2).

The LC on the library’s front panel is a touch screen. When accessed using the Remote Library Controller (RLC), you can select the toolbars and icons using the mouse and keyboard attached to your computer.

Toolbars

Use the interface toolbars to navigate the LC. After you have logged on, the LC displays a toolbar on the left at all times—either the General toolbar (shown in Figure 3-2), the Configuration toolbar, the Maintenance toolbar, or the Security toolbar. By selecting from the list at the top or bottom of the toolbar, you can change toolbars at any time.

Figure 3-2 The General Status screen.

More advanced functions are accessed through the Configuration, Maintenance, and Security toolbars and their respective options. The full suite of LC functions are available after the library has been configured.

The General toolbar provides access to the most commonly used screens and

functions: General Status, Inventory and Import/Export.

Chapter 3. Initial Configuration

Messages Time and date of last refresh

IP address (or name)Current user User’s group

Refresh

Status Bar

In addition to providing a screen refresh button, the status bar (Figure 3-3) at the bottom of the LC provides the following information:

• Whether there are any System Messages

• When the screen was last refreshed

• The currently logged-in user and the group to which the user belongs

• The library’s IP address (on the LC) or library name (on the RLC)

Figure 3-3 The status bar as it is displayed on the LC.

Last Refresh

The date and time shown after Valid as of indicate the last time that the screen was refreshed. The screen can be set to refresh at designated intervals (see Refresh Rate on page 83), or the user can refresh it as needed by selecting the Refresh button.

Messages Icons

The Messages icon shows the status of library components, using these designations:

Symbol Description Meaning

A check mark in green Component is functioning correctly.

i in blue Check messages for information.

An exclamation point in yellow Check messages for component status.

An X in red Check messages for component error.

Library Name or IP Address

The status bar on the LC shows the library’s IP address; the status bar on the RLC shows the library’s name (see Library Name on page 84).

User and Group

The status bar shows the name of the user currently logged in, and, next to it in parentheses, the user’s security group (see Group Privileges/Security on page 80).

Chapter 3. Initial Configuration

Progress Bars

If a horizontal progress bar displays along the bottom third of the screen (Figure 3-4), the library is busy processing a command. Do not use the touch screen or initiate any library action until the progress bar disappears.

Figure 3-4 Progress bar indicating that the library is busy.

Chapter 3. Initial Configuration

Enabling Options

When you purchased the Spectra T950 library, you may have received some options. Enable these options so that you can configure the entire library.

1. Make sure that you have logged in as a superuser or administrator.

To change user types, select Security > Switch User; then log in as a new user.

2. Have on hand the activation code that you received for the option. This code is

included in the information you received about the library purchase.

3. Select Configuration > System. The System Setup screen displays (Figure 3-5).

Figure 3-5 The System Setup screen.

4. Enter your activation key in the Key field (note that keys are not case-sensitive).

5. Select Save.

The new option key and its description appear in the list below the Key field. This list can be referenced at any time to view all options currently enabled.

Note: Keep a record of all activation keys that you receive; you will have

to re-enter them if ever the library is reset to factory defaults.

4 AutoSupport

The following sections describe steps involved in configuring and using AutoSupport for the library:

• Configuring AutoSupport Profiles, below

• Using AutoSupport on page 41

Configuring AutoSupport Profiles

Before Using AutoSupport

AutoSupport Level 1—included with your library purchase—can be configured to automatically contact library users with messages from the library, or to automatically contact SpectraGuard™ support staff to open or update a support ticket. When you use AutoSupport to open or update a support ticket, information is automatically sent to that includes Library Control Module (LCM) logs, LCM configuration (including current physical configuration), EC data from all components, firmware information, and contact information for data center staff, as well as any other library information that you have saved in AutoSupport user profiles.

Before you configure AutoSupport, Spectra Logic recommends that the library has access to an e-mail gateway, which is set up using the following:

• A 10BaseT/100BaseT Ethernet cable connected to the library through the LCM.

• A system setup that includes the library’s IP address, subnet, proxy server, etc.

Note that the field technician who installed your library has already walked you or someone on your staff through the process of configuring your system setup.

Note: Spectra Logic recommends using the RLC to configure and use

AutoSupport; this way you have full use of a regular keyboard for the many text fields.

If you have any questions on configuring AutoSupport, contact Spectra Logic Technical Support.

Note: Some fields may display that cannot be selected; these are reserved

for AutoSupport Level II.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

Configuring Mail Users

You must create mail recipients to receive AutoSupport information. The first one you’ll want to configure is SpectraGuard Support; you can then follow that with any others you wish. See Mail Recipients on page 86.

Note: You can still use AutoSupport without e-mail access by saving the

information generated by AutoSupport to a USB key.

Creating AutoSupport Profiles

Follow these steps to create profiles for data center staff who attend to the library— more specifically, for anyone assigned to work with SpectraGuard support staff to troubleshoot problems.

1. Log in as a superuser.

To change user types, select Security > Switch User; then log in as a new user.

2. Use the toolbar menu to select Maintenance > AutoSupport; the AutoSupport

Profiles screen appears (Figure 4-1).

Figure 4-1 The AutoSupport Profiles screen.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

3. Select Manage Profiles, then select New Profile. Fill out the Company Information

screen appears (Figure 4-2); complete the information in this screen.

Select Next, and the Contact Information screen appears (Figure 4-3); enter the information for your contact person in the fields provided; this information determines how Spectra Logic contacts this person.

Note: Make sure to fill in all of the required fields; you cannot advance

beyond these screen if required information is missing.

Figure 4-2 Company Information. Figure 4-3 Contact Information.

Note: The Customer/Contract Number must be six (6) characters.

4. Select Next; the System and Mail Information screen appears (Figure 4-4).

Figure 4-4 System and Mail Information.

5. Enter the information for your library’s system in the fields provided.

6. Select this user’s mail recipient(s) from the choices presented.

Note: You must select autosupport@spectralogic.com for Spectra Logic to

receive your ticket request.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

7. Select Next, and the Save Profile screen appears; verify that all of the

information shown is correct for this contact person

If any information needs to be changed, select Previous to display the screen in which the changes need to be made.

If it is correct, select Save; the AutoSupport Profiles screen appears, displaying the newly completed profile (Figure 4-5).

Figure 4-5 The AutoSupport Profiles screen.

If you need to create another profile, repeat this process. Note that when you create multiple profiles, they are listed in the order in which they are created, not alphabetically or numerically.

Editing AutoSupport Profiles

Follow these steps to edit profiles that you have already created.

1. Log in as a superuser.

2. Use the toolbar menu to select Maintenance > AutoSupport; the AutoSupport

Profiles screen appears (Figure 4-6).

Figure 4-6 The AutoSupport Profiles screen.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

3. Select Edit Profile corresponding to the contact you want to edit.

4. Edit the information in the Company Information, Contact Information, and

System and Mail Information screens as necessary, then select Next.

5. In the Save Profiles screen, verify that the information you changed has been

updated.

6. Select Save; the AutoSupport profiles screen appears, displaying the updated

profile.

Deleting AutoSupport Profiles

Follow these steps to delete profiles that you have already created.

1. Log in as a superuser.

2. Use the toolbar menu to select Maintenance > AutoSupport; the AutoSupport

Profiles screen appears (Figure 4-6, above).

3. Select Remove corresponding to the contact you want to delete; the Remove

Profiles screen appears, asking you to confirm the deletion.

4. Select Remove; the AutoSupport profiles screen appears, no longer displaying

the profile you deleted.

Using AutoSupport

This section covers the following aspects of using AutoSupport:

• Creating New Support Tickets on page 42

• Updating Existing Support Tickets on page 45

Note: Before using AutoSupport, it must be configured. For instructions

on configuring AutoSupport, see Configuring AutoSupport Profiles on page 37.

Note that the default AutoSupport user cannot be selected to receive auto-generated messages, as this user is dedicated to opening support tickets.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

Creating New Support Tickets

Follow these steps to open a new ticket with SpectraGuard support staff.

Note: SpectraGuard opens tickets during regular business hours—from

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. If your problem needs attention outside of those hours, and you

have an advanced service contract granting you 24-hour telephone support (see Advanced Service Options on page 177), call Technical Support after submitting the AutoSupport ticket.

1. If you plan to save the ticket information to USB, insert the USB device into the

LCM’s USB port.

2. Log in as a super user.

3. Use the toolbar menu to select Maintenance > AutoSupport; the AutoSupport

Profiles screen appears (Figure 4-7).

Figure 4-7 The AutoSupport Profiles screen.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

4. Select Submit Ticket corresponding to the main contact person for the issue; the

Ticket Type and Problem Description screen appears (Figure 4-8).

Figure 4-8 The Ticket Type and Problem Description screen.

If you do not need to make any changes to the contact person’s information for this support ticket, proceed to Step 5.

If you need to temporarily change the contact person’s information for this ticket, select Profile Data. The Profile Summary screen appears (Figure 4-9).

Figure 4-9 The Profile Summary screen.

Make any necessary changes in the Profile Summary screen, then select Use Settings. The Ticket Type and Problem Description screen reappears.

Note: It is important to change any contact information before typing the

problem description. Once you select Profile Data, any problem description disappears, and you must retype the description when you return to the Ticket Type and Problem Description screen.

5. Select Create new support ticket.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

6. Fill in detailed information about the issue in the Problem Description field,

including what happened just before the failure occurred.

7. Select Next; the Confirm and Submit Ticket screen appears (Figure 4-10).

Figure 4-10 The Confirm and Submit Ticket screen.

8. Verify that all information is correct.

If it is all correct, proceed to Step 10.

If something needs to be changed, select Previous.

• If you need to change the problem description, do so in the Ticket Type and Problem Description screen.

• If you need to change the contact person’s information, select Profile Data from the Ticket Type and Problem Description screen.

Note: Once you select Profile Data, the problem description disappears.

You mus t retype the description when you return to this screen.

Make any necessary changes in the Profile Summary screen, then select Use Settings. The Ticket Type and Problem Description screen reappears; retype the problem description, then select Next to return to the Confirm and Submit Ticket screen.

9. To save the ticket information to USB instead of e-mailing from the library,

check the box at the top of the screen (shown in Figure 4-10).

Note: The USB option only appears if you plugged a USB device in to the

LCM’s USB port prior to starting the ticket-opening process.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

10. Select Submit.

A progress screen indicates that the ticket request (with log information) is being sent. When completed, the AutoSupport Profiles screen appears.

When Spectra Logic receives the request, a ticket is opened and an e-mail response is sent to the user with a ticket number. A support technician evaluates the ticket’s urgency as well as the level of the user’s service agreement, then telephones the user promptly.

Updating Existing Support Tickets

Follow these steps to update a ticket that you have already opened with SpectraGuard support staff; this is particularly useful for mailing new logs to Technical Support.

Note: You must have the reference number for the existing ticket—which

you receive when you open the ticket—and the information you are sending must be related to that ticket.

If you have a new issue with your library, open a new ticket to address that issue separately.

1. If you plan to save the ticket information to USB, insert the USB device into the

LCM’s USB port.

2. Log in as a super user.

3. Use the toolbar menu to select Maintenance > AutoSupport; the AutoSupport

Profiles screen appears (Figure 4-7 on page 42).

4. Select Submit Ticket corresponding to the main contact person for the issue; the

Ticket Type and Problem Description screen appears (Figure 4-8 on page 43).

If you do not need to make any changes to the contact person’s information for this ticket, proceed to Step 5.

If you need to temporarily change any of the contact person’s information, select Profile Data. The Profile Summary screen appears (Figure 4-9 on page 43).

Make any necessary changes in the Profile Summary screen, then select Use

Settings. The Ticket Type and Problem Description screen reappears.

Note: It is important to change any contact information before typing the

ticket number or problem description. This is due to the fact that once you select Profile Data, the ticket number and problem description disappear. You must retype the ticket number and description when you return to the Ticket Type and Problem Description screen.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

5. Select Use existing support ticket.

6. Type the five-digit or six-digit ticket number in the Number field; this is the

number you received when you originally opened the ticket.

7. Add any updated information in the Problem Description field.

8. Select Next; the Confirm and Submit Ticket screen appears (Figure 4-11).

Figure 4-11 The Confirm and Submit Ticket screen.

9. Verify that all information is correct.

If it is all correct, proceed to Step 10.

If something needs to be changed, select Previous.

• If you need to change the ticket number or problem description, do so in the Ticket Type and Problem Description screen.

• If you need to change the contact person’s information, select Profile Data from the Ticket Type and Problem Description screen.

Note: Once you select Profile Data, the ticket number and problem

description disappear. You will have to retype the ticket number and problem description when you return to the Ticket Type and Problem Description screen.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

10. To save the ticket information to USB instead of e-mailing from the library,

check the box at the top of the screen.

Note: The USB option only appears if you plugged a USB device in to the

LCM’s USB port prior to starting the ticket-opening process.

11. Select Submit.

A progress screen indicates that the ticket request (along with log information) is being sent. When completed, the AutoSupport Profiles screen appears.

When Spectra Logic receives the request, the support technician handling that ticket re-evaluates the ticket, then telephones the user.

Note: SpectraGuard Technical Support updates support tickets and

contacts customers during regular business hours—from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.

If your problem needs attention outside of those hours, and you have an Advanced Service contract granting you 24-hour telephone support (see Advanced Service Options on page 177), then you need to telephone Technical Support in addition to submitting the AutoSupport ticket.

Chapter 4. AutoSupport

5 Library Partitioning

The following sections describe steps involved in partitioning the library:

• Creating a New Library Partition on page 50

• Editing an Existing Partition on page 71

• Deleting a Partition on page 73

General information about Python architecture and concepts—including chambers, pools, QIPs, drive visibility, and more—is discussed in Chapter 2. Architecture Overview.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Creating a New Library Partition

Partition Auto-Creation

The first time that the library starts up after installation, the LC presents the opportunity to automatically configure the library into a single partition, using all of the library’s available resources. If you plan to create more than one partition, you can cancel the partition auto-creation and create multiple customized partitions later.

Initial Partition Settings

1. Log in as a user with superuser or administrator privileges.

To change user types, select Security > Switch User; then log in as a new user.

2. Select Configuration > Partitions. The Shared Library Services screen appears

(Figure 5-1).

Figure 5-1 The Shared Library Services screen.

Already configured partitions, if any, are shown in this screen.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Note: Partition names are displayed alphabetically; this includes ordering

numbers alphabetically. As a result, partitions named numerically do not display in numerical order.

For example, if you name partitions for numbered departments, then the partition list would display:

Department 11 Department 223 Department 37 Department 4 ... etc.

3. Select New. The Name and Media Type screen (Figure 5-2) appears.

Figure 5-2 The Name and Media Type screen.

4. Enter a unique name for this partition in the Name field.

5. Select the media type for this partition.

Note that only the media types that are installed in the library appear on this screen; the other media types are grayed out.

Note: As necessary or as directed by Technical Support, you can create

your own emulation and device ID setting. Although not recommended, this option is available and described in Advanced Configuration Settings on page 161.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

6. Proceed according to the type of connectivity you’ll be using for this partition:

• Configuring a Gigabit Ethernet Partition on page 52

• Configuring a QIP-Attached Fibre Channel Partition on page 61

• Configuring a Direct-Attached Fibre Channel Partition on page 65

Configuring a Gigabit Ethernet Partition

1. Select Next; the Robotic Control Path screen appears (Figure 5-3).

2. Review the Robotic Control Path screen, and select the E-QIP to receive and

process robotic commands.

Figure 5-3 The Robotic Control Path screen.

3. Select Next; the Ethernet Protocol screen appears (Figure 5-4); select iSCSI.

Figure 5-4 The Ethernet Protocol screen.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

4. Select Next. The Chambers and Drives screen appears (Figure 5-5).

Figure 5-5 The Chambers and Drives screen.

5. Use the Chambers and Drives screen to:

• Enter the number of storage chambers to assign to this Storage Pool.

• Enter the number of entry/exit (EE) chambers to assign to this EE Pool.

• Select the drives to be dedicated to this partition.

Note: You cannot configure QIP-attached drives and direct-attached

drives together in one partition.

6. Select Next. The Partition Users screen appears (Figure 5-6).

Figure 5-6 The Partition Users screen.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

7. Select the users who are allowed access to this partition.

8. Select Next. The Robotic Path Visibility screen appears (Figure 5-7).

Figure 5-7 The Robotic Path Visibility screen.

9. Select the port(s) to activate for robotic control on the QIP you just selected.

Note: Both ports can be selected for failover purposes as long as the

backup software can handle multiple robotic control paths.

10. Proceed to Defining Drive Visibility on page 55.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Defining Drive Visibility

1. Select Next. The Drive Visibility screen appears (Figure 5-8).

The QIP has an any-to-any relationship between the QIP’s drives and the QIP’s two ports. For each drive on the QIP, identify the port(s) through which the outside world communicates with each drive.

Figure 5-8 The Drive Visibility screen.

2. Review the Drive Visibility screen. For each drive, you have the option to select

one port or select both ports.

Note: Drives can be visible through both ports for failover or drive

sharing. If they are visible through both ports, make sure that the software accessing this partition can handle any server contention over drive use that can result from multiple paths to a single drive.

If you have already configured a partition...

You have already configured all ports, so you can skip port configuration for this partition. Simply select Skip Ports, then proceed directly to Confirm and Save Partition Settings on page 69.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

E-QIP Configuration

1. Select Next. The Exporting E-QIP Settings screen appears (Figure 5-9).

Figure 5-9 The Exporting E-QIP Settings screen.

2. Enter the hostname; it must be less than 64 alphanumeric and hyphen

characters.

3. Select either DHCP or Static Address.

If you select DHCP, and your environment uses iSNS, be sure to read Configuration Note: Using DHCP in iSNS Environments on page 57.

If you select Static Address, enter the host’s correct information in the Static Address, Subnet and Gateway fields.

• The IP address and gateway must be valid Class A, B, or C addresses (the gateway may be 0.0.0.0 if not needed).

• The subnet mask must be a valid octet.

4. Proceed to Exporting iSCSI Settings on page 58.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Configuration Note: Using DHCP in iSNS Environments

Use of any of these options requires communication to an external server over the network. If this server is unavailable or cannot be reached when the library powers up, the QIP may be unusable and may need to be reset after the server becomes ready.

Using DHCP. DHCP provides all the Ethernet setup information necessary to

communicate on a network. An external DHCP server on the network provides the Ethernet setup information to the library. If the DHCP server is not present or cannot be reached when the library powers up, the library will not be able to communicate with any host on the network. On power up, when DHCP is enabled, the library searches for a DHCP server indefinitely. If a DHCP server does not respond within three minutes, a warning message is sent to the LC. The QIP may need to be reset to re-initiate the DHCP server scan.

During the creation of a partition, you are asked to enter a host name for the ports on the E-QIP. This hostname is not registered with the DHCP server. Therefore, the only way to address the iSCSI port on the QIP is by IP address. If you are using DHCP, you must get the DHCP-assigned IP address directly from the DHCP server.

An alternative to knowing the DHCP IP address of the QIP is to enable and configure iSNS for the DHCP port. The iSNS server can discover and identify the QIP. The iSNS server tracks the DHCP IP address and iSCSI name, and reports that information to any iSNS-aware iSCSI initiator.

Using iSNS. The iSCSI Storage Name Service (iSNS) server maintains a list of iSCSI

target names and associated IP addresses for the iSCSI devices on the network. When iSNS is enabled, the QIP registers its iSCSI name and IP address with the iSNS server. The list of iSCSI devices on the network is made available to initiators for use in establishing a connection without knowing the host name or IP address of the iSCSI device.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Exporting iSCSI Settings

1. Select Next. The Exporting iSCSI Settings screen appears (Figure 5-10).

Figure 5-10 The Exporting iSCSI Settings screen.

2. Enter the Listen Port for the E-QIP; it must be an integer between 1 and 65535

(the default setting is 3260).

3. If desired, select Enable Header Digests and/or Enable Data Digests.

Note: With digests disabled, any attempted connection that requires

digests fails. With digests enabled, the digest option is considered preferred.

With a preferred digest connection, any initiator connection (with or without digests) succeeds.

Currently, the only way to determine if any single iSCSI connection has digests enabled or disabled is if the initiator can report the connection type to the user.

4. If desired, select CHAP as an authentication method.

5. If desired, select Use iSNS.

If you select to use iSNS, enter the iSNS IP Address and the iSNS Port. iSNS IP addresses must be valid Class A, B or C address and the iSNS Port setting must be integer between 1 and 65535.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

6. If you did not select to use CHAP authentication, skip to Step 10 on page 60.

If you selected to use CHAP authentication, select Next. The Exporting CHAP Settings screen appears (Figure 5-11).

Figure 5-11 The Exporting CHAP Settings screen.

7. Enter the Remote Device Name and Remote Secret; these are used when the

iSCSI initiator attempts to authenticate to the QIP port.

The Name must be less than 255 alphanumeric (plus hyphen, period, and colon) characters, and the Secret must be less than 101 characters; note, however, that some iSCSI initiators have their own imposed limits.

8. If you are using bi-directional (dual) CHAP, enter the Local Device Name and

Local Secret; these are used by the QIP to authenticate with the iSCSI initiator.

Note: Both the Local Device Name and Local Secret must have values, or

else neither of them can have values.

Note: You only need to enable dual CHAP if the iSCSI initiator requires

bi-directional CHAP authentication. If the iSCSI initiator is configured to use uni-directional CHAP, then only uni-directional CHAP is used, even if the QIP port is configured with dual CHAP.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

9. Select Save.

Note: Do not select Next before selecting Save, or you will lose the

information you have typed.

After selecting Save, the first CHAP entry appears at the top of the screen.

Add as many CHAP entries as necessary, selecting Save after each. If necessary, you may also edit entries in this screen; otherwise proceed to Step 10.

10. If you selected both E-QIP ports for drive visibility, return to E-QIP

Configuration on page 56 and follow these steps again to configure the E-QIP’s

Port B.

If you only selected one E-QIP port for drive visibility, or if you have already configured both E-QIP ports, proceed to Confirm and Save Partition Settings on page 69.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Configuring a QIP-Attached Fibre Channel Partition

1. Select Next; the Robotic Control Path screen appears (Figure 5-12).

2. Review the Robotic Control Path screen, and select the F-QIP to receive and

process robotic commands.

Figure 5-12 The Robotic Control Path screen.

3. Select Next. The Chambers and Drives screen appears (Figure 5-13).

Figure 5-13 The Chambers and Drives screen.

4. Use the Chambers and Drives screen to:

• Enter the number of storage chambers to assign to this Storage Pool.

• Enter the number of entry/exit (EE) chambers to assign to this EE Pool.

• Select the drives to be dedicated to this partition.

Note: You cannot configure QIP-attached drives and direct-attached

drives together in one partition.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

5. Select Next. The Partition Users screen appears (Figure 5-14).

Figure 5-14 The Partition Users screen.

6. Select the users who are allowed access to this partition.

7. Select Next. The Robotic Path Visibility screen appears (Figure 5-15).

Figure 5-15 The Robotic Path Visibility screen.

8. Select the port(s) to activate for robotic control on the QIP you just selected.

Note: Both ports can be selected for failover purposes as long as the

backup software can handle multiple robotic control paths.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Defining Drive Visibility

1. Select Next. The Drive Visibility screen appears (Figure 5-16).

Figure 5-16 The Drive Visibility screen.

2. Review the Drive Visibility screen. For each drive, you have the option to select

one port or select both ports.

Note: Drives can be visible through both ports for failover or drive

If you have already configured a partition...

You have already configured all ports, so you can skip port configuration for this partition. Simply select Skip Ports, then proceed directly to Confirm and Save Partition Settings on page 69.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

F-QIP Configuration

1. Select Next. The Exporting F-QIP Configuration screen appears (Figure 5-17).

Figure 5-17 The Exporting F-QIP Configuration screen.

2. Choose one of these combinations:

•Select Use Soft Address and Fabric.

•Select Use Loop ID and enter the loop ID hard address value between 0 and 125; then select Loop/Point-to-Point.

•Select Use Soft Address and Auto-negotiate.

•Select Use Loop ID and enter the loop ID hard address value between 0 and 125; then select Auto-negotiate.

Note: If Loop/Point-to-Point is set, it may be overridden by the switch to

which the F-QIP is connected.

3. Select Next as applicable to continue to set ports for the drives on each QIP.

4. When you finish defining ports, proceed to Confirm and Save Partition Settings

on page 69.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Configuring a Direct-Attached Fibre Channel Partition

1. Select Next; the Robotic Control Path screen appears (Figure 5-18).

2. Review the Robotic Control Path screen, and select the F-QIP to receive and

process robotic commands.

Figure 5-18 The Robotic Control Path screen.

3. Select Next. The Chambers and Drives screen appears (Figure 5-19).

Figure 5-19 The Chambers and Drives screen.

4. Use the Chambers and Drives screen to:

• Enter the number of storage chambers to assign to this Storage Pool.

• Enter the number of entry/exit (EE) chambers to assign to this EE Pool.

• Select the drives to be dedicated to this partition.

Note: You cannot configure QIP-attached drives and direct-attached

drives together in one partition.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

5. Select Next. The Fibre Channel Loop ID’s screen appears (Figure 5-20).

Figure 5-20 The Fibre Channel Loop ID’s screen.

6. Select Soft Addressing or Hard Addressing for each of the drives shown.

If you select Hard Addressing, also enter the loop ID.

7. Select Next. The Partition Users screen appears (Figure 5-21).

Figure 5-21 The Partition Users screen.

8. Select the users who are allowed access to this partition.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

9. Select Next. The Robotic Path Visibility screen appears (Figure 5-22).

Figure 5-22 The Robotic Path Visibility screen.

10. Select the port(s) to activate for robotic control on the QIP you just selected.

Note: Both ports can be selected for failover purposes as long as the

backup software can handle multiple robotic control paths.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

F-QIP Configuration for Direct-Attached Drives

1. Select Next. The Exporting F-QIP Configuration screen appears (Figure 5-23).

Figure 5-23 The Exporting F-QIP Configuration screen.

2. Choose one of these combinations:

•Select Use Soft Address and Fabric.

•Select Use Loop ID and enter the loop ID hard address value between 0 and 125; then select Loop.

•Select Use Soft Address and Auto-negotiate.

•Select Use Loop ID and enter the loop ID hard address value between 0 and 125; then select Auto-negotiate.

Note: If the Loop is set, it may be overridden by the switch to which the

F-QIP is connected.

3. Proceed to Confirm and Save Partition Settings on page 69.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Confirm and Save Partition Settings

1. Select Next. The Save Library Configuration screen appears (Figure 5-24).

Figure 5-24 The Save Library Configuration screen.

2. Select whether to save the current library configuration.

If you select to save it, choose whether to save it to USB or to e-mail it to an already-configured mail recipient. Then select Next.

3. The Save Partition screen appears (Figure 5-25).

Figure 5-25 The Save Partition screen.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

4. Review the data and confirm that all settings are correct for this partition’s

configuration.

• If the configuration is correct, proceed to Step 5.

• If the configuration is not correct, either:

•Select Cancel to configure the partition again from the beginning.

•Select Previous to go backwards through the configuration screens and

edit specific aspects of the partition.

Note: If you use Previous to edit your settings, note your configuration

data, so that you can re-enter the data as you move forward again through the screens.

5. Select Save. The library requires several minutes to store the configuration

information, after which the Shared Library Services screen displays (Figure 5-26 on page 71). It now shows the new partition.

6. To configure another partition, follow the directions in this section again,

starting with Creating a New Library Partition on page 50.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Editing an Existing Partition

Caution: If reducing the number of slots (TeraPack chambers) in the

partition, physically export the TeraPack containers or RXT media packs before reducing the slots allotted to the partition. Reducing slots deletes chambers from the partition. The library knows to delete the empty chambers first, but if all chambers are full, the library is forced to delete populated chambers; therefore, some TeraPack containers or RXT media packs are no longer accessible.

To export TeraPack containers or RXT media packs, see Bulk Exports/Unloading a Partition on page 111.

To edit an existing library partition, follow these steps.

1. From the toolbar menu, select Configuration > Partitions. The Shared Library

Services screen appears (Figure 5-1).

Figure 5-26 The Shared Library Services screen.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

2. Select either Summary or Edit; this procedure illustrates both, starting with Summary.

i. Select Summary next to the partition that you want to edit. The Partition

Settings screen appears (Figure 5-27), showing all information related to the selected partition.

Figure 5-27 The Partition Settings screen.

ii. Select Edit from either the Partition Settings screen (above) or the Shared

Library Services screen (Figure 5-26 on page 71). The Name and Media Type screen displays (Figure 5-2 on page 51). This

is the beginning of the series of configuration screens. Using information that displays in each screen about the existing partition, edit the settings as necessary.

Note that the sequence of steps and screens matches those described in Creating a New Library Partition on page 50, except that you cannot edit the drive type.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

Deleting a Partition

After you delete a partition, the drives and chambers used by that partition can be reassigned to an existing partition, or used in a new partition.

Caution: Before deleting a partition, either physically export the TeraPack

containers or RXT media packs in that partition or have a plan to add those chambers to another partition. You have no access to the TeraPack containers or RXT media packs after the partition has been deleted.

Make sure that you are not violating the integrity of the data by merging data from multiple partitions.

To export TeraPack containers or RXT media packs, see Bulk Exports/Unloading a Partition on page 111.

To delete an existing partition, follow these steps.

1. From the toolbar menu, select Configuration > Partitions. The Shared Library Services screen appears (Figure 5-28).

Figure 5-28 The Shared Library Services screen.

2. Select Delete corresponding to the partition you want to delete. A confirmation

request displays; confirm that you want to delete.

The screen refreshes, and the partition is no longer listed on the Shared Library Services screen.

Chapter 5. Library Partitioning

6 Loading Media for the First Time

The following sections describe steps involved in loading media into the library:

• Loading a New Partition with Media, below

• Inventorying the Library on page 78

General information about Python architecture and concepts—including chambers, pools, QIPs, drive visibility, and more—is discussed in Chapter 2. Architecture Overview.

Loading a New Partition with Media

Have on hand the number of TeraPack containers or RXT media packs corresponding to the values entered in the Chambers and Drives screen (Figure 6-1) when you partitioned the library.

• For example, if you have 3 chambers reserved for the EE pool and 12 for storage, then you should have 3 empty TeraPack containers and 12 full TeraPack containers ready to load into the library.

Note: Every partition has a minimum EE pool of one chamber, and a

minimum storage pool of one chamber.

• If you are importing RXT media packs, then have on hand as many RXT media packs as you reserved for storage.

Figure 6-1 The Chambers and Drives screen.

Chapter 6. Loading Media for the First Time

Filling the Storage Pool

Once the library is in use, you typically use only the backup software to move media within the library. However, when you first install the library and create a partition, you may want to quickly fill the storage pool.

Note: If your backup software requires that it control media imports into

a new partition, proceed to Filling the EE Pool (for Tape Media Only) on page 78. Follow the instructions there, then use your backup software to move the media from the EE pool into the storage pool.

Follow these steps to fill the storage pool.

1. Have on hand the full TeraPack containers or RXT media packs for the storage

pool. These tapes are available for immediate use by the backup software.

2. From the toolbar menu, select General > Import/Export. The Import/Export

TeraPacks screen displays (Figure 6-2).

Figure 6-2 The Import/Export TeraPacks screen.

3. From the Partition drop-down menu, select the partition into which the tapes

are to be imported, then select Go.

Chapter 6. Loading Media for the First Time

Arrows

Tabs

Handle

Tabs

4. Select Import Storage TeraPacks.

Note: Import for Storage is used for initial library load; after this, you

should typically use Import for Entry/Exit, and then move media into the storage pool through the backup software. Alternately, if your backup software needs to control all initial media imports, select Import for Entry/Exit here.

After making your selection, the TAP opens and a Feedback Required screen appears.

5. Insert a loaded TeraPack container or a RXT media pack into the open TAP,

making sure that the TeraPack container or RXT media pack is facing the correct direction (Figure 6-3).

• The TeraPack container or RXT media pack slips easily onto the tabs on the front of the lowered TAP door.

• The arrows on the sides of a TeraPack container point inward, toward the library.

• The handle on the front of the RXT media pack faces outward, towards you.

Figure 6-3 Correct insertion of a TeraPack container (left) and RXT media pack (right).

6. Select Continue in the Feedback Required screen.

The bulk loading process continues automatically as long as there are empty chambers to fill; simply continue to load the TAPs and select Continue each time.

If all chambers become full, the process stops automatically and the LC displays the Import/Export TeraPacks screen.

If you finish importing before all chambers are full, select Stop Importing.

Typically, you’ll load all storage chambers, so that the partition’s storage pool is full. If any chambers are empty, they are tagged as inaccessible; without a TeraPack container, the library has no slots to access.

Chapter 6. Loading Media for the First Time

Filling the EE Pool (for Tape Media Only)

Note: This following process is specific to the initial loading of media; it

does not address loading full EE TeraPacks to allow the software to perform the import process.

1. Have on hand one empty TeraPack container for each chamber in the EE pool;

the Import/Export TeraPacks screen still displays from the preceding step.

2. From the Import/Export TeraPacks screen, select Import EE TeraPacks; the TAP

opens and a Feedback Required screen appears.

Note: Import EE TeraPacks moves empty TeraPack containers into the EE

pool. When tapes are ready to be exported, the backup software directs the library to move media cartridges from the storage pool into these TeraPack containers.

3. Insert an empty TeraPack container into the open TAP, making sure that the

TeraPack container is facing the correct direction (see Figure 6-3 on page 77).

4. Select Continue in the Feedback Required screen.

The bulk loading process continues automatically as long as there are empty EE chambers left to fill; simply continue to load TeraPack containers in the TAPs and select Continue for each one.

If all EE chambers become full, the process stops automatically and the LC displays the Import/Export TeraPacks screen.

If you finish importing before all EE chambers are full, select Stop Importing.

Inventorying the Library

As the library imports TeraPack containers or RXT media packs, it automatically inventories media, reading the bar codes on media and TeraPack containers or RXT media packs, and storing the physical inventory in Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM). This ensures that the library retains its inventory data, even after a power cycle.

Once the library is loaded with tapes or RXT media packs, be sure to inventory the library using your backup software.

7 Configuring the Library

The following sections describe steps involved in configuring the library after it has been partitioned:

• System Configuration Checklist, below

• Configuring Library Users on page 80

• Configuring General Library Functions on page 83

System Configuration Checklist

You may want to complete this checklist so that you have, readily available, the information you need to complete the procedures in this chapter:

Component Description Value

Library Identifier

Library Users

E-mail Notifications

Network Address

The name used to identify the library, regardless of library size or subsequent expansion.

Superuser controls all aspects of library use and configuration.

Administrator configures and uses the library. Operator handles media. Encryption has encryption privileges (see

BlueScale Encryption documentation for more information).

The library is capable of sending out messages about the library to specified users. Identify the users to receive messages.

The messages are sent from the library. Supply a library identifier in the From field, so that, for example, the user receiving the message knows which library originated the message.

The network on which the library operates uses either DHCP addressing or static IP addressing.

Name of the library: _____________________

For each user:

- Select the type of user.

- Define the user name and password.

To: E-mail address of the party to receive email notifications.

Types: Which notification(s) to automatically send:

From: A library identifier.

IP Address: The SMTP server through which

library messages are to be sent.

If the network uses static addressing, determine:

IP address: __________________________

Subnet mask: ________________________

Network gateway: _____________________

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

Figure 7-1

Configuring Library Users

Every library user is assigned to a group with its own set of predefined library privileges. Refer to the definitions of the various user types in Group Privileges/Security, below.

Use the Security toolbar (shown in Figure 7-1) to configure library users; by assigning each user to one of the defined groups, you are also setting up library security.

Review the following information about managing library users:

• Group Privileges/Security, below

• Adding a New User on page 81

• Editing an Existing User on page 82

• Deleting an Existing User on page 82

• Logging In as a Different User on page 82

Group Privileges/Security

Assign each library user to one of the three groups, defined below. Each group has its own set of privileges, also referred to as permissions. One default user per group is already configured, as shown on page 81. No password is required for any of the three default users until the user and the user’s password have been configured, as outlined in this chapter.

The superuser, with a default user name of su, is the initial login used to configure other users and privileges.

To configure users, enter text using the keyboard icon.

Groups

Superuser

which includes defining other library users and their groups. The default user name in this group is su. Note that the library requires at least one Superuser for a library; you are not allowed to delete the last member of the Superuser group.

Administrator Users assigned to the Administrator group control the library, but

cannot access the Security toolbar’s Library Users screen (Figure 7-2). The default user in this group is Administrator.

Users assigned to the Superuser group have total control of the library,

Operator Users assigned to the Operator group move, import, and export media, but

cannot gain access to more sensitive library operations such as Configuration, Utilities, and Security. The default user in this group is Operator.

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

Adding a New User

To add a new user, follow these steps.

1. Make sure you are logged in as a member of the superuser group, such as su. If you are not logged in as a member of the superuser group, select Security >

Switch User; then log in as a superuser.

2. From the toolbar menu, select Security > Edit Users. The Library Users screen

appears (Figure 7-2).

Figure 7-2 The Library Users screen.

3. Enter the user’s name in the User field.

4. Enter the user’s password in the Password field, then again in the Retype

Password field.

5. Select the User Type for the user.

Note: For definitions of user types, see Groups on page 80.

6. Select Save. The user’s name and security setting displays in the list of users.

7. Repeat Step 3 through Step 6 for each library user.

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

Editing an Existing User

To change settings for an existing user, follow these steps.

1. Make sure that you are logged in as a superuser. If you are not logged in as a superuser, select Security > Switch User; then log in as a superuser.

2. Select Security > Edit Users. The Library Users screen appears (Figure 7-2 on page 81), showing a list of library user names.

3. Find the user’s name, then select Edit next to the name.

4. Change the user’s name, password, group, or any combination of these.

Deleting an Existing User

To delete an existing user, follow these steps.

Note: You must always have one superuser; you cannot delete the last

superuser in the list of users.

1. Make sure that you are logged in as a superuser. If you are not logged in as a superuser, select Security > Switch User; then log in as a superuser.

2. From the toolbar menu, select Security > Edit Users. The Library Users screen appears (Figure 7-2 on page 81), showing a list of library user names.

3. Locate the name of the user to delete, then select Delete next to that user’s name.

When the screen refreshes, the user list no longer includes the user name you just deleted.

Logging In as a Different User

To log off as one user and log in as another, follow these steps.

1. From the toolbar menu, select Security > Switch User. The LC’s main login screen appears (Figure 3-1 on page 32).

2. Type the name of the new user in the User field, and the user’s password in the Password field.

3. Select Login. The library’s General Status screen appears, providing access to the library functions permitted for this user.

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

Configuring General Library Functions

Use the Other Settings portion of the System Setup screen (Figure 7-3) to configure or re-configure the library’s system settings, described in the following sections:

• Library Name on page 84

• Web Server Port on page 84

• Refresh Rate on page 83

• Network Settings on page 85

• Mail Recipients on page 86

• Date and Time on page 83

• Rotation Manager on page 87

• Observatory on page 88

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is the rate at which the LC regularly refreshes information for viewing by the user. The default refresh rate is 60 seconds. To change the refresh rate for the LC, follow these steps.

1. Under Other Settings in the System Setup screen (Figure 7-3), use the Refresh drop-down menu to select a scheduled interval time.

2. Select Save.

Note: The LC can be refreshed as needed at any time by selecting the

refresh button located at the left end of the status bar (see Status Bar on page 34).

Date and Time

The date and time set on the library is used only for library system messages; it is not written to the tape or disk. To set the date and time displayed on the library, follow these steps.

1. From the System Setup screen (Figure 7-3 on page 84), use the Date and Time drop-down menus to select the month, day (date), year, hour, and minute of the hour to display.

2. Select Set Time.

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

Library Name

The library name is used to identify the library in library messages.

1. Log in as a user in either the superuser or administrator group. The General Status screen displays.

2. Select Configuration > System. The System Setup screen appears (Figure 7-3).

Figure 7-3 The System Setup screen.

3. Enter the library name in the Library Name field, then select Save.

Web Server Port

1. Log in as a user in either the superuser or administrator group. The General

Status screen displays.

2. Select Configuration > System. The System Setup screen appears (Figure 7-3).

3. Change the Web Server Port setting, then select Save.

4. Reboot the library so that this change can take effect.

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

Network Settings

Note: The LC automatically reboots when you save network settings.

By default, the library is configured to use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Follow these steps to change or edit the network protocol.

1. From the System Setup screen (Figure 7-3 on page 84), select Edit next to Network Settings.

This brings up the Network Settings screen (Figure 7-4).

Figure 7-4 The Network Settings screen.

2. Determine which type of addressing the library network uses, then either:

•Select DHCP

•Select Static (highly recommended):

• Enter the static address in the Address field.

• Enter the subnet mask in the Subnet field.

• Enter the network gateway in the Gateway field.

•Select Save to finish.

3. Select Save to finish.

The library is now configured to use the new settings.

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

Mail Recipients

The library can send, to selected recipients, e-mail messages with system messages, traces, and diagnostic results. Recipients can be set up to receive messages automatically as they are generated by the library or ad hoc when traces are run.

Note: Network settings must be configured before mail settings; see

Network Settings on page 85.

To configure mail recipients, follow these steps.

1. From the System Setup screen (Figure 7-3 on page 84), select Edit next to Mail Users. The Mail Recipients screen appears (Figure 7-5).

Figure 7-5 The Mail Recipients screen.

2. In the To field, enter the e-mail address of the party to receive messages. Be sure

to use the full address with the @ symbol, and do not use any spaces, colon characters, or ampersand characters within the e-mail address. To include multiple addresses, leave a space between each address.

Example: system.administrator@yourcompany.com

3. In the From field, enter a value, such as the name of the library; do not use any spaces with the library designator.

Example: SpectraT950Library1

4. In the SMTP IP Address field, enter the IP address of your SMTP server, using the standard IP format.

Example: 123.456.7.8

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

5. Select the type(s) of messages that the person in the To field should receive by selecting one or more of the message types listed.

Note: Selecting message types automatically sends those messages to

the recipient as messages are generated by the library. If no message type is selected, the recipient does not receive

messages automatically, but can be sent messages on an individual basis when traces or utilities are run.

Do not select any message type for autosupport@spectralogic.com.

6. Select Save. The screen refreshes to show the mail recipient added in the Recipients portion of the Mail Recipient screen (Figure 7-5 on page 86).

7. Select Previous to return to the System Setup screen.

Rotation Manager

If your site uses either NetBackup’s Vault Manager or Iron Mountain’s SecureSync, use the Rotation Manager to simplify identifying tapes moved offsite. Without this feature, administrators have to key in every tape bar code and its offsite location. With Rotation Manager, the library sends an e-mail with this information. Administrators can use this e-mail to automatically import into backup software identifying information for every bar-coded tape going off-site. Along with listing every bar-coded tape, the information also lists the bar code of the TeraPack case holding the tape; this simplifies finding groups of tapes with a single bar code.

To get to the Rotation Manager Configuration screen (shown below), use the LC to select General > Import Export > Rotation Manager.

Chapter 7. Configuring the Library

Observatory

This option provides remote monitoring and management functions for the library.

Centralized Remote Management with Observatory

Observatory, which uses EXtensible Markup Language (XML), allows users to see information remotely that is normally only available on the library’s General Status and System Messages screens. This is a step above the RLC. With XML, users can view this library’s functions along with those of multiple other Spectra Logic libraries.

BlueScale Observatory Application: SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a widely used protocol for monitoring the health and welfare of your library by using integrated alerts. Customers can download MIB files from the Spectra Logic Web site to begin monitoring the status of their library using SNMP.

Note: The MIB for SNMP is located at:

ftp://ftp.spectralogic.com/pub/t-series/

BlueScale Observatory Application: SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol created by Netscape that has become an international Internet standard for handling sensitive information. SSL encodes the information sent across the Ethernet connection to the user accessing the RLC. This is especially important when the user is accessing user passwords and other sensitive information.

SSL technology is embedded in all popular browsers and engages automatically when the user connects to a Web server that is SSL-enabled. Web sites using SSL indicate SSL security with an address that begins with HTTPS. The S indicates a secure connection.

When a browser connects to an SSL server, it automatically asks the server for a digital Certificate of Authority (CA). This digital certificate authenticates the server’s identity, making sure that the domain name matches the name on the CA, and that the CA has been generated by a trusted authority and bears a valid digital signature.

Note: Spectra Logic’s CA is self-signed. You may receive a warning

stating this fact when you initially connect a browser to the library.

8 Best Practices for Using the

Library

This chapter reviews best practices for using the library, including:

• Entering Information in Library Screens, below

• Checking Messages on page 92

• Refreshing the LC on page 92

• Logging On and Off on page 93

• Media Types on page 94

Entering Information in Library Screens

To enter information requested by the LC, you need access to a keyboard. The Spectra T950 library has three keyboard options, described on page 90.

Figure 8-1 The General Status screen of the LC (it is the same as the RLC).

For more detailed information on using the LC (or RLC), see Interpreting the Library Controller on page 33.

Chapter 8. Best Practices for Using the Library

Soft Keyboard

Bring up the LC’s soft keyboard by selecting the keyboard icon in the lower right corner of the front panel.

RLC

Use the optional Remote Library Controller (RLC) to manage the library from your computer. Before you try to use it, make sure of the following:

• The library is configured with an IP address.

• The LCM is attached to a network that is also accessible by a remote computer.

Note: For security reasons, some functions work only through the LC and

not the RLC. For example, importing or exporting TeraPack containers or RXT media packs requires the user to be in front of the library, handling these operations using the LC.

Chapter 8. Best Practices for Using the Library

RCM

LCM

Keyboard port

External Keyboard

You can plug a computer keyboard into the LCM, located on the back of the library. Make sure to run the cable up through the bottom of the back panel so that the library doors can remain closed for normal operation.

Note: Use a cord long enough to reach the keyboard around to the front

of the library; that way you can view the front panel while typing.

Figure 8-2 The LCM and RCM modules.

Caution: Do not plug the keyboard into the RCM or the mouse port.

Chapter 8. Best Practices for Using the Library

Messages icon

Checking Messages

The library’s messages provide important information about the library and its operation. To view messages:

1. Select the Messages icon on the status bar (Figure 8-3).

Figure 8-3 The System Messages icon on the status bar.

The System Messages screen appears (Figure 8-4).

Figure 8-4 The System Messages screen.

2. Read the message(s), and follow any recommended steps.

If you need assistance, contact Spectra Logic Technical Support.

Refreshing the LC

The LC refreshes different screens at different rates, depending on the type of data displayed. The time of the last refresh is shown as the valid as of time on the status bar. To refresh the screen manually, select the refresh button on the left end of the status bar (see Status Bar on page 34).

Chapter 8. Best Practices for Using the Library

Select Security from the tool bar.

Two icons display: Switch User and Edit Users.

Select Switch User to display the login screen.

Logging On and Off

Any library user in any group—Superuser, Administrator, or Operator—can use the LC to perform the functions described in this chapter.

Logging On

In the main login screen, enter your user name and password, then select Login.

If a screen other than Login displays, select Security > Switch User (Figure 8-6).

Logging Off

Select Switch User to log off. Logging off causes the login screen to display.

Figure 8-5 The LC’s main login screen.

Figure 8-6 The Security toolbar.

Chapter 8. Best Practices for Using the Library

Media Types

Each library partition contains its own set of media, stored in TeraPack containers or RXT media packs. Each TeraPack container or RXT media pack is stored in its own chamber.

Make sure that you import into a partition only the type of media for which the partition is configured. Each tape cartridge has a unique bar code, as does each TeraPack container or RXT media pack. If you try to import a TeraPack container or RXT media pack labeled with an incorrect media type for the partition, the library rejects the TeraPack container or RXT media pack.

Viewing Library Inventory

Once you have selected a partition, you can display all media in that partition, or you can filter the listing by selecting media in a specific location, such as in drives, the storage pool, or the EE pool.

Storage and EE Pools

When a partition is configured, the slots in the library are either:

• Assigned for importing and exporting media—these are assigned to the EE pool.

• Assigned for use by the backup software for backup—these are assigned to the storage pool.

The only other location for library media is in the partition’s drives.

Chapter 8. Best Practices for Using the Library

Traditional library:

The EE port has a fixed number of media elements

Spectra T950 library:

The EE port is

replaced with TAPs

and EE pools—

you define the size

of the EE port

TAP s + configured EE pool

Configuring the EE Pool

The EE pool, along with the TAP, takes the place of the EE port on a traditional library. The combination of the TAPs and the EE pool is the same as a traditional library’s EE port, except that this combination lets you specify the size of the EE port.

Note: Make sure that the RXT media packs and TeraPack containers have

readable bar code labels. If you try to import a TeraPack container or RXT media pack with an unreadable bar code, the library ejects the TeraPack container or RXT media pack.

Figure 8-7 A fixed EE port. Figure 8-8 The T950’s configurable EE port.

Caution: Do not manually insert media into drives.

SAIT drives calculate incoming force when a tape is inserted, then eject the tape with matching force. A manually fed tape

may be ejected with extra force, which may damage robotics.

Chapter 8. Best Practices for Using the Library

9 Best Practices for Tape Media

The information provided in this chapter is integral to understanding all aspects of media handling and inventory management. It includes very helpful information on:

• Handling Tape Media on page 98

• Handling Tape Media in Bulk on page 99

• Tape Media Rotation Example on page 100

Note on Media Types

Do not use any type of tape drive or media that has not been approved by Spectra Logic for use in the Spectra T950 library.

Caution: Spectra Logic only supports media produced by IBM, HP, Fuji,

Maxell, Sony, TDK, and Spectra Logic. Prior to using media other than those listed as supported above,

contact Spectra Logic technical support to understand the risk associated with use of unsupported media.

Check the Spectra Logic Web site for the most up-to-date media availability.

Chapter 9. Best Practices for Tape Media

Handling Tape Media

The following are best practices for handling tape media.

1. Make sure that empty TeraPack containers reside in the EE pool. This is

particularly important when first using the library. If slots for exported media aren’t available, then the backup software must wait for these slots. The simplest way to avoid this delay is to make sure that you put in empty (or full) TeraPack containers after you export media. If you import full TeraPack containers, use your backup software to import the new media into the storage pool.

2. Make the EE pool large enough to accommodate all media typically vaulted in a

single operation. For example, if you run a nightly backup that requires 48 tapes that are exported each morning, create an EE pool of 50 slots (five chambers).

3. Once your library has been in use, and at least one set of media has completed

a round trip (exported from the library, stored off-site, then re-imported), the following rule of thumb applies: if you remove a TeraPack container from the EE pool, replace it—either with an empty one to accommodate future eject operations, or a full one whose tapes are then imported into the storage pool.

4. During an import or export operation, don’t leave the library unattended for

more than a few minutes. If you do, it times out so the library can continue automated backup tasks; you must restart the operation when you are ready.

5. Make sure that media is stored in the following conditions; these conditions are

also maintained within the Spectra T950 library.

Factor

Temperature +50˚F to +113˚F

Relative Humidity 10% - 80% 20% - 80% 20% - 50% 5% - 80%

Wet Bulb Tem pe ra tu re

a. All specifications are subject to change without notice. b. The upper limit applies to the drive, not the library. Be sure there is adequate air flow around library at all times.

Operating

(+10˚C to +45˚C)

+79˚F (+26˚C) +79˚F (+26˚ C) +79˚ F (+26˚ C) +79˚F (+26˚C)

Operational Storage Archival Storage Shipping

+61˚F to +90˚F (+16˚C to +32˚C)

+61˚F to +77˚F (+16˚C to +25˚C)

-9˚F to +120˚F (-23˚C to +49˚C)

6. Use only approved media in the library. For a list of approved media, see Media

and Media Accessories on page 165.

7. Confirm the quality of your media and verify data integrity by occasionally

running restores on alternate drives.

8. Confirm the quality of both media and drives by running periodic disaster

recovery drills; this ensures the overall ability to recover all of your backups.

9. Read this chapter in its entirety.

Chapter 9. Best Practices for Tape Media

Handling Tape Media in Bulk

The Spectra T950 library lets you import and export tape media many times faster than traditional automated libraries, because it uses grouped media in TeraPack containers and has two TeraPack container Access Ports (TAPs) that can each handle an entire TeraPack container. A single TeraPack container holds 9 SDLT cartridges or 10 LTO or SAIT cartridges. This means that you can move up to 18 or 20 tapes at once, depending on the media type.

Importing Tape Media

In a traditional automated library, you use an EE port to import media. This typically requires that you load tapes one by one into the slots in the port. Then you close the EE port and wait while the backup software instructs the library to move cartridges into the library’s interior. When the EE port is empty, you may need to repeat this again, possibly multiple times, to get the rest of the tapes imported.

To import tapes into a Spectra T950 library, you put an already loaded TeraPack container into the library through a TAP. The library pulls in the TeraPack container and places it in a chamber in the library.

The imported tapes are moved into the EE pool, which has already been configured for this partition. To the library, this is like putting multiple tapes into an expanding or contracting EE port. The difference is that you do it all at once, instead of filling up individual slots and waiting until the library empties them, then filling the EE port again—a 90 percent time savings.

Importing tapes into the library’s EE pool appears to the backup software as loading the EE port. You then use the backup software to move tapes into the library’s storage pool, where the tapes are used for backup tasks.

Chapter 9. Best Practices for Tape Media

Tape Media Rotation Example

A simple example of the library’s media life cycle is described below and illustrated in the following pages. The example assumes:

• The library has a total of 17 licensed chambers.

• 2 chambers assigned as EE pool (20 slots, or 2 TeraPack containers).

• 15 chambers assigned as storage pool (150 slots, or 15 TeraPack containers).

• The library contains 15 full TeraPack containers and two empty TeraPack containers.

• Two TeraPack containers (20 tapes) of backed-up data are sent off-site every Friday.

• After the data has aged two weeks, the media is returned to the library and re-used.

• The site adheres to best practices, so that whenever a TeraPack container is removed, another (either full or empty) TeraPack container is inserted, and the library has enough empty TeraPack containers to fill the EE pool.

This example shows that, by Week 3, the backup plan has called for a full media rotation, in which the operator removes and stores two full TeraPack containers of media, and inserts two full TeraPack containers. To do this, the library operator has:

• Exported TeraPack containers from the EE pool to the TAP, emptying the EE pool.

• Imported two TeraPack containers from the TAP to the EE pool.

• Use your backup software to import the newly inserted media into the storage pool.

The EE pool has two empty TeraPack containers, ready to accept media as the backup software identifies media as ready to exit the library.

After a data center’s backup plan has been used with a library for some period of time, a media rotation schedule is in place.

This example is illustrated in the following pages.

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Spectra Logic T-Series Spectra T950 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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