HP StoreEver MSL6480 Tape Library User and Service Guide

2. Connect the drive end of the cable.
• If you are using a cable with a single connector on each end, attach the other end into
the connector on the tape drive.
• If you are using a SAS fanout cable, attach one mini-SAS connector into the connector
on each tape drive. The unused ends of the SAS fanout cable are single channel and not
suitable for use with disk arrays. Use the other ends to connect tape drives, or coil and
secure them to the rack to minimize stress on the connectors.
NOTE: Each of the tape drives uses one channel and the fanout cable recommended for
use with the library maps each of the four channels from the HBA to one channel on the drive
end.
You can plug any of the four drive connectors into any tape drive.
TIP: If you are not using a SAS cable specified for the library, do not force a SAS cable's
mini-SAS connector into the tape drive mini-SAS connector because it might be keyed differently.
NOTE: SAS signal rates require clean connections between the HBA and tape drive. Do not use
adapters or converters between the HBA and the tape drive. For reliable operation, use a maximum
SAS cable length of six meters.
Connecting the Fibre Channel cables
1. Remove the FC port caps if necessary. Attach one end of the FC cable to port A on the tape
drive.
2. Attach the other end of the FC cable to a switch or HBA.
NOTE: Using both ports on a dual-port drive requires multi-path capability in the host application.
Refer to the application documentation for information on configuring the second port.
Configuring the FC interface
If you are replacing an existing FC tape drive, skip this step.
HP recommends leaving the FC port at the default settings of Port Speed: Automatic and Port Type:
Auto Detect. With these settings, the tape drive will use the appropriate configuration. You can
change the settings from the Configuration > Drives screen. For instructions, see “Configuring tape
drives” (page 52).
Installing or replacing a tape drive 99