IBM TS3500 User Manual

Introduction
This topic describes the IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library, a highly scalable, stand-
alone device that provides reliable, automated tape handling and storage for both
mainframe and Open Systems environments.
Figure 1 shows a 6-frame version of the TS3500 Tape Library. The library consists of one
base frame and up to 15 expansion frames and can include up to 192 tape drives and more
than 20 000 tape cartridges. In addition to scalability, the TS3500 Tape Library also offers
the following enhancements:
• Enhanced data accessibility through dual accessors that increase speed and provide
failover protection
• Enhanced data security through support for tape drive encryption and Write Once
Read Many (WORM) cartridges
• Increased storage capacity with high-density frames that greatly increase capacity
without requiring more floor space
These features are explained in greater detail throughout this information center.
Figure 1. The TS3500 Tape Library
The TS3500 Tape Library comes with several tape drive, frame model, and feature options
in order to meet your specific needs. Some additional features of the TS3500 Tape Library
are listed below:
• Ability to attach multiple simultaneous heterogeneous servers
• Remote management using a Web browser or the TS3500 Command Line Interface

IBM TS3500 Specifications

General

Type	Tape Library
Model	TS3500
Max. drives	Up to 192
Interface	Fibre Channel, SAS
Encryption	Yes
Tape Technology	LTO, IBM TS11xx
Drive support	IBM TS1160

Summary

Introduction to the TS3500 Tape Library

Library Structure and Components

Library Structure Overview

Defines base and expansion frames and describes TS3500 Tape Library models.

Main Components of the TS3500 Tape Library

Provides an illustration of the main components of the TS3500 Tape Library.

TS3500 Tape Library Frames

Describes the library frames of the TS3500 Tape Library.

Operator Panel Functions

Describes the operator panel of the TS3500 Tape Library.

Tape Drives and Cartridges

Supported Tape Drive Models

Introduces the types of drives that can be installed in the TS3500 Tape Library.

Supported Tape Cartridge Types

Gives information about the tape cartridges that can be used in the TS3500 Tape Library.

IBM LTO Ultrium Tape Drives

Describes the Ultrium tape drives supported by the TS3500 Tape Library.

IBM 3592 Tape Drives

Describes the 3592 tape drives supported by the TS3500 Tape Library.

Library Configuration and Management

Drive Compatibility in Physical Frames

Contains a matrix of drives compatible in a physical frame (model) of the TS3500 Tape Library.

TS3500 Multi-Path Architecture

Explains Multi-Path Architecture, allowing Open Systems apps to share robotics.

Advanced Library Management System (ALMS)

Explains ALMS, which virtualizes cartridge locations in the TS3500 Tape Library.

Benefits of Virtual I/O Slots

Describes the benefits of using virtual input/output (I/O) slots.

Operating Procedures

Powering On the TS3500 Tape Library

Explains the procedure for turning on the power to the TS3500 Tape Library.

Powering Off the TS3500 Tape Library

Explains the procedure for turning off the power to the TS3500 Tape Library.

Inserting Data or Scratch Cartridges

Describes cartridges and introduces two ways to insert them.

Automatic Tape Drive Cleaning

Describes automatic cleaning of tape drives in the TS3500 Tape Library.

Performance, Connectivity, and Support

Fibre Channel Interface Overview

Describes Fibre Channel technology and where to find additional information.

SCSI Interface Specifications

Sets forth conditions for drives in the TS3500 Tape Library using a SCSI interface.

TS3500 Tape Library Remote Support Options

Describes types of remote support for detecting and solving problems.

TS3500 Tape Drive Performance Data

Gives performance data for Ultrium and 3592 tape drives.

TS3500 Tape Library Performance Metrics

Explains how performance values are obtained for the TS3500 Tape Library.