HP StoreEver MSL6480 Tape Library User and Service Guide

The library has a mini-SAS connector on each tape drive. The connector is keyed in location 4,
which is the standard location for end devices. If you use a cable other than the one recommended
for use with the product, verify that it is keyed in location 4.
CAUTION: Mini-SAS connectors are keyed. Do not force a SAS cable's mini-SAS connector into
the tape drive mini-SAS connector because it might be keyed differently.
SAS signal rates require clean connections and a minimum number of connections between the
HBA and the device. Do not use adapters or converters between the HBA and the device. HP
recommends a maximum SAS cable length of six meters.For proper operation, use a maximum
SAS cable length of six meters.
CAUTION: High quality SAS cables rated at the transfer rate of the SAS components are required.
Always verify that the SAS cable you are using is rated for the data transfer speed of the interface
of your components. SAS cables described as "equalized" or “active” are not supported. For
optimum performance, only use HP cables of the length specified as qualified for your products.
Planning partitioning into logical libraries
You can partition a tape library with multiple tape drives into logical libraries. Each logical library
must contain at least one tape drive. Each logical library is configured independently, allowing
use by different backup applications and with different backup policies. For example, one logical
library could perform a backup operation for one department while the second logical library
restores data for another department. Data cartridges in one logical library cannot be shared with
other logical libraries.
The library partitioning scheme is very flexible. Slots can be assigned in five-slot groups, and the
groups do not need to be in contiguous locations. One or more tape drives can be assigned to
each logical library and the drives do not need to be contiguous or even installed in the same
module. The mailslot on each module can either be assigned to a logical library or shared.
For ease of use and optimal performance, HP recommends that the logical libraries be configured
as simply as possible, and that the flexibility be used to adjust logical library capacity as the
organization requirements change.
• Assign groups of contiguous slots to each logical library.
• Locate the slots and drives for a logical library near each other, ideally within the same module.
If a logical library will span modules, locating the slots and elements as close together as
possible will improve performance.
Preparing the host
IMPORTANT: Use proper procedures to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) (see Appendix:
Electrostatic discharge). Use wrist-grounding straps and anti-static mats when handling internal
components.
Follow these general steps:
• Check with the system administrator before powering off the host computer.
• For a SAS library, install a SAS HBA with an external SAS connector that supports multiple
LUNs. Refer to the manuals for the host computer and the HBA for installation information.
See “Planning the SAS configuration” (page 21) for configuration requirements.
• For a Fibre Channel library, install an FC HBA or verify that you have sufficient ports available
on a compatible Fibre Channel switch. See “Planning the Fibre Channel
configuration” (page 20) for configuration requirements.
• Install application software and compatible drivers on the host computer. See the application
software manuals for installation and configuration information.
22 Installing the library