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Spectra T950 User Manual

Spectra T950
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Spectra T950 Library
User Guide

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Spectra T950

Questions and Answers:

Spectra T950 Specifications

General IconGeneral
CategoryTape Library
Transfer Rate (Native)Up to 400 MB/s (LTO-9)
Part NumberVaries by configuration
Tape TechnologyLTO-9, LTO-8, LTO-7
Interface12 Gb/s SAS
Form FactorRack-mounted
Drive TypeLTO
Transfer Rate (Compressed)Up to 1000 MB/s (LTO-9, 2.5:1)
Media TypeLTO Ultrium

Summary

About This Guide

Intended Audience

Identifies the target audience for this guide, assuming familiarity with networking and technical tasks.

Product Status

Information on supported and discontinued products available via the Technical Support portal.

Related Information

Information about this document and other related documents for the T950 and T950B libraries.

CHAPTER 1 Library Overview

LIBRARY FEATURES

Overview of the T950 library's features, highlighting its modular design and expandability.

Library Components

Description of major front panel, internal, and rear panel components of the library's frames.

Front Panel Components

Details on the front panel components of the T950 and T950B libraries.

Interior Components

Overview of the library's interior components, shown for reference and not accessible during normal operation.

Main and Drive Expansion Frame Rear Components

Description of rear panel components for the main and drive expansion frames.

Bulk TAP Media Expansion Frame Components

Description of the components of the bulk TeraPack Access Port (TAP) media expansion frame.

Operator Panel and Touch Screen

Description of the operator panel's touch screen interface for local library access.

TeraPack Access Ports (TAPs)

Explanation of TAPs as entry/exit ports for importing or exporting magazines.

Spectra Library Control Modules (LCM and RCM)

Description of the Spectra LS and Spectra PC modules controlling the library.

Spectra PC and Spectra LS Components

Details on the external components of the Spectra PC and Spectra LS.

Exporting Controllers

Information on devices required to provide the robotic control path for partitions.

Tape Drives

Specifications for supported LTO and TS11x0 technology tape drives.

BlueScale Vision Camera

Information about viewing the library interior using BlueScale Vision cameras.

TeraPack Cartridge Handling

Best practices for handling and storing media in TeraPack magazines.

Library Expansion and Upgrades

Information on expanding capacity and upgrading the library.

Discontinued Components

Information about components no longer available for purchase.

CHAPTER 2 Architecture Overview

Media Pools

Explanation of logical groupings of magazines and cartridges into free, entry/exit, and storage pools.

Library Partitions

How partitions divide the library logically into virtual libraries for storage consolidation.

Storage Partitions

Details on the default configuration requiring at least one storage partition.

Cleaning Partitions and Auto Drive Clean

Information on cleaning partitions for Auto Drive Clean and manual cleaning operations.

Drive and Media Frames

How expansion frames increase media capacity or drive count in the library.

Component Identifiers

Explanation of component identifiers based on location relative to frame and drive bay assembly (DBA).

Fibre Channel Connectivity

Description of how the library's robotics and drives connect to the host over Fibre Channel.

Robotic Controller Connectivity

Information on devices required to provide the robotic control path for partitions.

Drive Connectivity

Details on how drives connect via Fibre Channel or SCSI bus interface.

High-Availability Configurations

Description of features ensuring library operation during network or component failures.

Redundant Connectivity

Maintaining communications during connection failures in a Fibre Channel environment.

Controller Failover

How the BlueScale Controller Failover feature uses two RIMs or F-QIPs as a failover pair.

Global Spare Drives

Feature allowing remote substitution of a working drive for a failed drive.

Redundant Power Supplies

Requirement for N+1 power supplies for redundancy and failover protection.

CHAPTER 3 Introducing the BlueScale User Interface

OVERVIEW OF THE BLUESCALE USER INTERFACE

Description of the BlueScale UI for configuration, monitoring, and maintenance.

Access Options

Methods to access the BlueScale UI: touch screen or web interface.

User Interface Features

Description of common features appearing in all user interface screens.

Toolbars

Explanation of the toolbar panel along the left edge for navigation and option selection.

Status Bar

Information and icons displayed along the bottom edge of screens.

Library Management

Overview of library management features for configurability and ease of use.

AutoSupport

Guidance on sending email for library problems and logs to support.

User Security

Information on user groups, privileges, and configuring library security.

USING THE BLUESCALE USER INTERFACE

Instructions on how to use the BlueScale UI for library operations.

Log Into the User Interface

Steps to log into the BlueScale UI before managing or configuring the library.

Log Off or Switch Users

Procedures for logging out the current user or switching to a different user.

Enter Information on Screens

Methods for entering information on user interface screens.

CHAPTER 4 Configuring the Library

Configuring Library Users

Overview of assigning library users to groups with predefined privileges.

Understanding User Groups and Security

Explanation of user groups and their associated privileges.

Add a New User

Steps to add a new library user and assign them to a user group.

Modify an Existing User

Steps to change settings for an existing user.

Delete an Existing User

Steps to delete an existing user.

ACCESSING THE SYSTEM SETUP SCREEN

How to access general configuration options for the library.

ENABLING BLUESCALE SOFTWARE SUPPORT, OPTIONS, AND UPGRADES

Procedures for enabling software support, options, and upgrades using activation keys.

Enter Activation Keys

Steps to enter new BlueScale Software Support keys or activation keys for options.

Add Options

How to determine Hardware ID and obtain activation keys for new options.

CONFIGURING THE GLOBAL SYSTEM SETTINGS

How to modify the library’s general configuration settings.

Configure the System Settings

Table of system settings, how to change them, and default values.

Configure Network Settings

Steps to configure the library for network access via DHCP or static IP.

Configure Mail Users

How to configure recipients for email messages containing system data.

Enable Email for the Auto Configuration Save File

Steps to configure automatic email for the Auto Configuration Save backup file.

Set the Date and Time

Procedures for setting the library's date and time, including NTP configuration.

CONFIGURING OPTIONAL LIBRARY SETTINGS

Optional configuration settings for library and operating environment.

Install a Security Certificate and Authentication Key

Steps to obtain and install a security certificate and authentication key for SSL.

Configure Routine Maintenance

Configuration for automatic LCM reset (reboot) once a week.

Enable and Configure SNMP

Configuration for monitoring library health using SNMP agent and settings.

Configure Controller Failover

Steps to enable and configure controller failover using two RIMs or F-QIPs.

Configure Emulation

Procedure to configure the library to emulate another type of library.

Configure Barcode Reporting

Configuration for how the library handles barcode labels.

Configure a Package Server

Optional configuration for a local server to store BlueScale packages for updates.

Modify Auto Download Options

Configuration for when the library notifies about or stages package/firmware updates.

Configure Rotation Manager

Option to simplify identifying tapes moved off site via email notifications.

BACKING UP THE LIBRARY CONFIGURATION

Importance and methods for backing up library configuration, MLM, and DLM databases.

SETTING THE CAMERA IP ADDRESS

Procedure to set the IP address for BlueScale Vision cameras.

CHAPTER 5 Operating the Library

CONTROLLING THE LIBRARY POWER

How library power is controlled via operator panel or Soft Power feature.

Power On the Library

Steps to power on the library, ensuring cables are plugged in and breakers are set.

Power Off the Library

Steps to prepare for and power off the library using the front panel or Soft Power.

MONITORING YOUR LIBRARY

Tools for monitoring library health, performance, components, and media.

Check and Respond to Messages

Procedure to check and respond to library system messages.

Use Performance Metrics

Metrics for monitoring library and drive performance, including drive stats and power usage.

View Robot Utilization Information

Monitoring the percentage of time robotics are actively operating over the last 24 hours.

View Drive Status Information

Reviewing drive status, firmware, and cleaning status via the Drives screen.

View a Partition’s World Wide Name

Identifying a particular library using the WWN for a storage partition.

Use the BlueScale Vision Camera

Using the Vision camera and viewer to observe library interior operations in real time.

USING A USB DEVICE

Information on using USB ports for data transfer, backups, and software updates.

Connecting a USB Device to the Library

Steps to connect a USB device to the library's operator panel or LCM.

CONTROLLING THE INTERIOR LIGHTS

Procedure to power off the LED light panels inside the library.

CHAPTER 6 Configuring and Managing Partitions

Partition Configuration Overview

Overview of partition configuration, including media pools and library partitions.

Partition Types and Requirements

Explanation of storage and cleaning partition types and their requirements.

Preparing to Configure Partitions

Information to gather before configuring partitions.

Creating a Cleaning Partition

Steps to create a cleaning partition using the BlueScale partition wizard.

Creating a Storage Partition

Steps to create a new storage partition using the BlueScale partition wizard.

Select the Robotic Control Path

Deciding which controller provides the robotic control path for the partition.

Assign Global Spare Drives

Designating drives as Global Spares for temporary replacement of failed drives.

Allocate Chambers and Drives

Information for chambers and drives in the Chambers and Drives screen.

Enable and Configure MLM PreScan and PostScan

Configuring MLM PreScan and PostScan features for a partition.

Select the Encryption Mode

Selecting the encryption type for the partition.

Configure the Drive Fibre Channel Addressing

Configuring Fibre Channel addressing used by each drive in the partition.

Specify the Partition Users

Selecting users allowed access to this partition.

Configure the Robotic Path Visibility

Determining if Fibre Channel ports provide the robotic control path.

Configure Drive Visibility

Identifying ports through which hosts communicate with drives connected to F-QIP.

Configure the Port Addressing for the Controllers

Configuring port addresses for RIM or F-QIP for robotic control path and drive connectivity.

Confirming and Saving the Partition Settings

Confirming and saving partition settings to complete the creation process.

Modifying an Existing Partition

Procedures to edit or modify an existing partition for various reasons.

Deleting a Partition

Steps to delete a partition and reassign drives and chambers.

CHAPTER 7 Importing and Exporting Cartridges

Preparing Cartridges for Use

Guidelines and requirements for preparing cartridges for loading into the library.

IMPORT AND EXPORT OVERVIEW

Overview of importing and exporting cartridges, primary interactions with the library.

Importing into a Storage or Cleaning Partition

Procedures for importing magazines into storage or cleaning partitions.

Exporting or Exchanging Magazines and Cartridges

Instructions for exporting or exchanging magazines/cartridges from storage or cleaning partitions.

Using the Advanced Import/Export Options

Using the Advanced option to import/export magazines into specific chambers or from partitions.

CHAPTER 9 Configuring and Using Media Lifecycle Management

BlueScale Media Lifecycle Management

Overview of MLM features for proactively monitoring and reporting cartridge health.

Spectra Certified MLM-Enabled Media

Information on Spectra Certified MLM-enabled media and its certification process.

Automatic Media Discovery

Background process that loads MLM-enabled cartridges and records MLM information.

Media Tracking and Reporting

How MLM uses cartridge MAM information to maintain a database and generate reports.

MLM PreScan and PostScan

Configurable background processes for data cartridge verification.

Enabling MLM and Configuring Global Settings

Steps to enable MLM and configure global features affecting all partitions.

Using Media Lifecycle Management

Using MLM to track and monitor media in the library.

Add Cartridges to the MLM Database

How cartridges are added to the MLM database upon discovery.

Discover Cartridges Manually

Steps to start the manual media discovery process.

Stop the Discovery Process

Procedure to interrupt the discovery process before it is complete.

Using PreScan

Explanation of the MLM PreScan feature for data cartridge verification.

Using PostScan

Information on PostScan operation, prerequisites, and manual operations.

Operational Overview

Description of PostScan operation for data integrity verification.

Address Requirements for Use

Prerequisites to consider when configuring and using PostScan.

Enable PostScan

How PostScan is enabled and configured per partition.

Request a Manual PostScan

Steps to manually start the PostScan process for cartridges.

Pause the PostScan Process

Procedure to temporarily pause the PostScan process.

USING MLM REPORTING

Making use of MLM reports to manage, track, and report tape usage.

Generate MLM Reports

Steps to generate and display media health reports.

Save an MLM Report

Choosing options to save MLM reports to USB, email, or as a zip file.

Override a Poor Cartridge Health Report

Procedure to override reported poor cartridge health status.

Managing the MLM Database

Tools to manually manage tape records in the MLM database.

Delete an Individual Record

Steps to delete individual cartridge records from the MLM database.

Delete Multiple Records

Steps to delete multiple cartridge records from the MLM database.

Download the MLM Database for Analysis and Archival

Downloading the MLM database as a CSV file for analysis or archival.

CHAPTER 10 Using Drive Lifecycle Management

BlueScale Drive Lifecycle Management

Overview of DLM for identifying drives with errors or problems.

Monitoring Drive Health Using DLM

How to monitor drive health using the Drives screen and health icons.

Using the Drive Health Icons

Explanation of drive health icons and their meaning on various screens.

Viewing and Saving a Detailed Drive Health Report

Steps to view and save detailed drive information and DLM reports.

Downloading the DLM Database

Procedure to open and save the DLM database as an XML file.

CHAPTER 11 Configuring and Using AutoSupport

AUTOSUPPORT OVERVIEW

How AutoSupport notifies personnel of events and opens/updates support tickets.

Send Log Sets

Manually generating and emailing AutoSupport Log sets or saving to USB.

Configure AutoSupport Profiles

Steps to create or modify a profile for troubleshooting with Spectra Logic Support.

Configure Alarms

Setting up the library to generate ASL files for critical events.

Configure Log Set Forwarding

Configuration for forwarding monthly ASL files to Spectra Logic.

USING AUTOSUPPORT

How to open a support ticket or incident using AutoSupport.

Create New Support Tickets

Steps to open a new ticket with Spectra Logic Technical Support.

Update Existing Support Tickets

Steps to update a previously opened ticket, useful for mailing new logs.

CHAPTER 12 Library Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Library Problems

General procedures to help resolve library problems before opening a support ticket.

Troubleshooting Library Initialization Issues

Information about potential library initialization issues.

Troubleshooting BlueScale User Interface Issues

Information about potential issues with the BlueScale UI (operator panel or web).

Troubleshooting MLM Issues

Information about potential issues encountered while using MLM.

Troubleshooting Encryption Issues

Information to help resolve encryption-related problems.

Resolving Operational Issues

Information about potential issues encountered while operating the library.

Using BlueScale Hardware Health Monitoring

How HHM tracks maintenance thresholds for key library components.

Respond to HHM Notifications

Steps to send Hardware Health Monitoring notification and ASL file to support.

Capturing Traces

Procedure to capture traces for diagnosing library problems.

Resetting the Library

Steps to reboot the entire library by power-cycling it.

Restoring the Library Configuration

Procedures to restore library configuration from backup files.

CHAPTER 13 Drive Troubleshooting

Identify the Problem

Checking system messages, error codes, and documentation for drive issues.

Interpreting the Detailed Drive Information

Using Drive Details screen information to troubleshoot drive problems.

RESETTING A DRIVE

Steps to reset a drive using the Reset button or Power Drive On/Off utility.

Using a Global Spare Drive

Remotely replacing a failed drive using an installed spare drive.

RETRIEVING A DRIVE TRACE OR DRIVE DUMP FILE

Tools for collecting drive traces and dumps for problem diagnosis.

Using DLM to Test a Drive

Using the DLM Drive Health Verification wizard to test a drive.

CHAPTER 14 Maintaining the Library

UPDATING, SERVICING, OR MOVING THE LIBRARY

Procedures for updating, servicing, or moving the library hardware.

RENEWING THE BLUESCALE SOFTWARE SUPPORT KEY

Steps to renew and enter the BlueScale Software Support key for updates.

UPDATING THE BLUESCALE SOFTWARE AND LIBRARY FIRMWARE

Procedures for updating BlueScale software and library component firmware.

Check the Library BlueScale Software Version

Steps to determine the BlueScale software version currently running on the library.

Download the BlueScale Package

How to download the BlueScale package from the Spectra Logic server.

Prepare for the BlueScale Package Update

Prerequisites for updating the BlueScale software and library firmware.

Install the Update Package

Steps to select and install the BlueScale package and update options.

Manage Update Packages

Steps to delete unwanted BlueScale packages from the LCM memory card.

Replacing the Air Filter

Procedure for rotating or replacing the air filter.

Installing Cord Locks

Installing cord locks to prevent power cord disconnection from AC input connectors.

CALIBRATING THE TOUCH SCREEN

Procedure to recalibrate touch points if they do not align with user interface graphics.

CHAPTER 15 Maintaining the Drives

CLEANING A DRIVE

Overview of drive cleaning, when it's requested, and how it's performed.

Determine Whether Cleaning is Required

How to determine if a drive requires cleaning using the Drives screen.

Prepare the Library for Drive Cleaning

Addressing requirements before cleaning a drive.

Determine the Cleaning Method

Choosing the cleaning method based on partition configuration and software.

Manually Cleaning a Drive

Steps to manually clean a drive when a cleaning partition is present.

Track Cleaning Cartridge Use

How to track cleaning cartridge usage and remaining cleans.

UPDATING DRIVE FIRMWARE

Procedures for updating drive firmware to the correct version.

Prepare for the Update Process

Prerequisites before starting the drive firmware update procedure.

Determine the Drive Generation and Firmware Version

Steps to determine the generation and current firmware version for drives.

Determine Whether an Update is Available

How to check the Spectra Logic Technical Support portal for recommended firmware.

Update Using ITDT

Using IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool (ITDT) to update drive firmware.

Update Using Drive Update through Package Update

Updating drive firmware using the Package Update wizard.

Update Using the Drive Firmware Update Wizard

Using the wizard to update multiple drives within a partition.

Update Using the Update Drive Firmware Utility

Using the utility to update a single drive or all drives in a partition.

UPDATING DRIVE DEVICE DRIVERS

Instructions to locate and download IBM LTO drive device drivers.

ADDING OR REPLACING A DRIVE

Procedures for adding or replacing drives in the library.

Add a Drive to the Library

Steps to add additional drives from Spectra Logic to the library.

Replace a Drive

Instructions for replacing a failed drive.

CHAPTER 16 Technical Support

ACCESSING THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT PORTAL

How to access the support portal for Knowledge Base, software, and firmware.

Create an Account

Steps to create a user account on the Spectra Logic Technical Support portal.

Log Into the Portal

How to log into the Technical Support Portal using email address and password.

Opening a Support Ticket

Instructions to open a support incident through the portal or by telephone.

RETURNS

Procedures for returning a problem component for analysis and servicing.

APPENDIX A Best Practices

MLM BEST PRACTICES

Best practices for using MLM, protecting configuration data, and working with media.

Implementation Guidelines

Best practice guidelines for preparing to implement MLM in your environment.

Usage Policy Guidelines

Guidelines for establishing Media Lifecycle Management policies.

Disaster Recovery Planning

Recommendations for backing up MLM database for disaster recovery.

Back Up and Protect the Library Metadata

Procedures to protect library metadata including configuration, databases, and encryption keys.

Back Up the Library Metadata

Methods to create backup copies of library metadata.

Verify and Protect the Metadata Backup

Ensuring metadata is protected and available by checking exported backup files.

USING CARTRIDGES

Best practices for using cartridges and managing media inventory.

Labeling Cartridges

Guidelines for labeling cartridges with appropriate barcode labels.

Handling Cartridges

Guidelines to avoid damage to cartridges and ensure drive reliability.

Storing Cartridges

Guidelines for properly storing cartridges to maximize archival life and data integrity.

Using Cartridges in the Library

Best practices for using cartridges in the library.

Cartridge Rotation

Example of a media rotation schedule to manage tape rotation.

APPENDIX B SNMP MIB Listing

slT950MibModule MODULE-IDENTITY

Module identity definitions for the T950 Library MIB module.

slT950Events

Root for items related to events in the T950 Library.

slT950GeneralStatusObjs

Objects related to the T950 library's general status.

slT950MessageObjs

Objects related to system messages information.

APPENDIX C Media & Upgrades

MEDIA AND MEDIA ACCESSORIES

Description of media and media accessories offered by Spectra Logic.

Spectra Certified Media

Information on Spectra Certified Media, its formulations, and certification process.

LIBRARY SUPPORT AND UPGRADES

Information on service contracts, options, and library hardware upgrades.

Service Contract Extension

How to renew or extend the BlueScale Software Support key and service contract.

BlueScale Software Updates

Information on updating BlueScale software and library firmware.

Options

Description of available BlueScale software options.

Hardware Expansion and Upgrades

Options for expanding capacity and upgrading library hardware.

APPENDIX D Specifications

LIBRARY SPECIFICATIONS

Detailed specifications for the library including data capacity, size, and weight.

Data Storage Capacity

Specifications for data storage capacity based on frame type and configuration.

Size and Weight

Approximate dimensions and weights for library frames and components.

Service Access Requirements

Recommended clearance for airflow and service access to the library.

Shipping and Storage Size and Weight

Approximate dimensions and weights of pallets and boxes used to ship the library.

Power Specifications

Description of power specifications, including AC power modules and input requirements.

Environmental Specifications

Specifications for operating and storage temperature, humidity, and altitude.

Shock and Vibration Specifications

Operating and non-operating shock and vibration levels the library can withstand.

INTEROPERABILITY AND SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY

Information on software compatibility and interoperability listings.

INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS

Information about interfaces used to connect the library and tape drives to host systems.

TAPE DRIVE AND MEDIA SPECIFICATIONS

Basic specifications for tape drives and media supported by the library.

LTO Tape Drive Specifications

Specifications for the LTO drives supported by the library.

TS11x0 Technology Tape Drive Specifications

Specifications for the TS11x0 technology drives.

Tape Media Specifications

Specifications for the tape media supported by the library.

Barcode Label Specifications

Symbology, application, orientation, and data specifications for barcode labels.

APPENDIX E Regulatory & Safety Standards

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Declaration of conformity with EU directives for health, safety, and EMC.

EMISSION STANDARDS

Compliance with domestic and international emission standards.

SAFETY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

Compliance with product safety standards and relevant provisions.

Laser Warning

Warning regarding Class 1 laser assembly in IBM tape drives and QIP/RIM controllers.

NEMKO ACCREDITATION

Evaluation of safety issues against International Standard IEC/EN 60950-1.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

Compliance with domestic and international environmental regulations and directives.

Waste of Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive

Information on product disposal and special collection systems in EU countries.

Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)

Indication of product compliance with RoHS directive on hazardous substances.

Measures for the Administration of the Control of Pollution by Electronic Information Products (China)

China's regulations on controlling pollution from electronic information products.

CONFLICT MINERALS POLICY

Spectra Logic's commitment to complying with regulations on conflict minerals.

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