Why Spectra T950 Storage library does not proactively discover new cartridges when they are imported?
The discovery process cannot begin while the hosts are actively loading cartridges. Either wait until the library is idle before beginning the import or manually start the discovery process for imported cartridges when the library is idle.
Why does an asterisk appear next to the barcode on Spectra T950 Storage MLM Details screen?
If an asterisk (*) appears next to the barcode on the MLM Details screen or an MLM report, and you do not intend to reimport the cartridge, you can delete it from the MLM database.
Why LTFS-formatted LTO-5 data cartridges are treated as non-MLM cartridges in Spectra Storage?
If LTFS-formatted LTO-5 data cartridges are treated as non-MLM cartridges, it is because the cartridge was formatted to use LTFS before the MLM data was moved. If you plan to reformat your LTO-5 data cartridges to use LTFS, load and then unload each cartridge into an LTO-5 drive that is using firmware version B6W0 or later before you reformat the cartridges.
Why did the media health reported by MLM for LTO-4 media change after loading into an LTO-5/6 drive in Spectra T950?
The algorithm used to determine MLM media health in LTO-5 and later generation drives differs from LTO-4 drives. Spectra Logic recommends that you configure LTO-4 and LTO-5 drives in separate partitions.
What to do if system message states that tape drive requires a specific moniker in Spectra Storage?
If you receive a system message stating that a tape drive requires a specific moniker, it means the cartridge was encrypted using an encryption key that is not currently available on the library. Depending on which BlueScale Encryption edition you are using, use the following steps to enable the cartridge to be read.
How to resolve library can not access the Spectra SKLM server?
If the library cannot access the Spectra SKLM server, the Spectra SKLM server’s operating system firewall may not allow the library to access the server. Create a firewall rule on the server to allow the library to access the server.
General| Category | Tape Library |
|---|---|
| Transfer Rate (Native) | Up to 400 MB/s (LTO-9) |
| Part Number | Varies by configuration |
| Tape Technology | LTO-9, LTO-8, LTO-7 |
| Interface | 12 Gb/s SAS |
| Form Factor | Rack-mounted |
| Drive Type | LTO |
| Transfer Rate (Compressed) | Up to 1000 MB/s (LTO-9, 2.5:1) |
| Media Type | LTO Ultrium |
Identifies the target audience for this guide, assuming familiarity with networking and technical tasks.
Information on supported and discontinued products available via the Technical Support portal.
Information about this document and other related documents for the T950 and T950B libraries.
Overview of the T950 library's features, highlighting its modular design and expandability.
Description of major front panel, internal, and rear panel components of the library's frames.
Details on the front panel components of the T950 and T950B libraries.
Overview of the library's interior components, shown for reference and not accessible during normal operation.
Description of rear panel components for the main and drive expansion frames.
Description of the components of the bulk TeraPack Access Port (TAP) media expansion frame.
Description of the operator panel's touch screen interface for local library access.
Explanation of TAPs as entry/exit ports for importing or exporting magazines.
Description of the Spectra LS and Spectra PC modules controlling the library.
Details on the external components of the Spectra PC and Spectra LS.
Information on devices required to provide the robotic control path for partitions.
Specifications for supported LTO and TS11x0 technology tape drives.
Information about viewing the library interior using BlueScale Vision cameras.
Best practices for handling and storing media in TeraPack magazines.
Information on expanding capacity and upgrading the library.
Information about components no longer available for purchase.
Explanation of logical groupings of magazines and cartridges into free, entry/exit, and storage pools.
How partitions divide the library logically into virtual libraries for storage consolidation.
Details on the default configuration requiring at least one storage partition.
Information on cleaning partitions for Auto Drive Clean and manual cleaning operations.
How expansion frames increase media capacity or drive count in the library.
Explanation of component identifiers based on location relative to frame and drive bay assembly (DBA).
Description of how the library's robotics and drives connect to the host over Fibre Channel.
Information on devices required to provide the robotic control path for partitions.
Details on how drives connect via Fibre Channel or SCSI bus interface.
Description of features ensuring library operation during network or component failures.
Maintaining communications during connection failures in a Fibre Channel environment.
How the BlueScale Controller Failover feature uses two RIMs or F-QIPs as a failover pair.
Feature allowing remote substitution of a working drive for a failed drive.
Requirement for N+1 power supplies for redundancy and failover protection.
Description of the BlueScale UI for configuration, monitoring, and maintenance.
Methods to access the BlueScale UI: touch screen or web interface.
Description of common features appearing in all user interface screens.
Explanation of the toolbar panel along the left edge for navigation and option selection.
Information and icons displayed along the bottom edge of screens.
Overview of library management features for configurability and ease of use.
Guidance on sending email for library problems and logs to support.
Information on user groups, privileges, and configuring library security.
Instructions on how to use the BlueScale UI for library operations.
Steps to log into the BlueScale UI before managing or configuring the library.
Procedures for logging out the current user or switching to a different user.
Methods for entering information on user interface screens.
Overview of assigning library users to groups with predefined privileges.
Explanation of user groups and their associated privileges.
Steps to add a new library user and assign them to a user group.
Steps to change settings for an existing user.
Steps to delete an existing user.
How to access general configuration options for the library.
Procedures for enabling software support, options, and upgrades using activation keys.
Steps to enter new BlueScale Software Support keys or activation keys for options.
How to determine Hardware ID and obtain activation keys for new options.
How to modify the library’s general configuration settings.
Table of system settings, how to change them, and default values.
Steps to configure the library for network access via DHCP or static IP.
How to configure recipients for email messages containing system data.
Steps to configure automatic email for the Auto Configuration Save backup file.
Procedures for setting the library's date and time, including NTP configuration.
Optional configuration settings for library and operating environment.
Steps to obtain and install a security certificate and authentication key for SSL.
Configuration for automatic LCM reset (reboot) once a week.
Configuration for monitoring library health using SNMP agent and settings.
Steps to enable and configure controller failover using two RIMs or F-QIPs.
Procedure to configure the library to emulate another type of library.
Configuration for how the library handles barcode labels.
Optional configuration for a local server to store BlueScale packages for updates.
Configuration for when the library notifies about or stages package/firmware updates.
Option to simplify identifying tapes moved off site via email notifications.
Importance and methods for backing up library configuration, MLM, and DLM databases.
Procedure to set the IP address for BlueScale Vision cameras.
How library power is controlled via operator panel or Soft Power feature.
Steps to power on the library, ensuring cables are plugged in and breakers are set.
Steps to prepare for and power off the library using the front panel or Soft Power.
Tools for monitoring library health, performance, components, and media.
Procedure to check and respond to library system messages.
Metrics for monitoring library and drive performance, including drive stats and power usage.
Monitoring the percentage of time robotics are actively operating over the last 24 hours.
Reviewing drive status, firmware, and cleaning status via the Drives screen.
Identifying a particular library using the WWN for a storage partition.
Using the Vision camera and viewer to observe library interior operations in real time.
Information on using USB ports for data transfer, backups, and software updates.
Steps to connect a USB device to the library's operator panel or LCM.
Procedure to power off the LED light panels inside the library.
Overview of partition configuration, including media pools and library partitions.
Explanation of storage and cleaning partition types and their requirements.
Information to gather before configuring partitions.
Steps to create a cleaning partition using the BlueScale partition wizard.
Steps to create a new storage partition using the BlueScale partition wizard.
Deciding which controller provides the robotic control path for the partition.
Designating drives as Global Spares for temporary replacement of failed drives.
Information for chambers and drives in the Chambers and Drives screen.
Configuring MLM PreScan and PostScan features for a partition.
Selecting the encryption type for the partition.
Configuring Fibre Channel addressing used by each drive in the partition.
Selecting users allowed access to this partition.
Determining if Fibre Channel ports provide the robotic control path.
Identifying ports through which hosts communicate with drives connected to F-QIP.
Configuring port addresses for RIM or F-QIP for robotic control path and drive connectivity.
Confirming and saving partition settings to complete the creation process.
Procedures to edit or modify an existing partition for various reasons.
Steps to delete a partition and reassign drives and chambers.
Guidelines and requirements for preparing cartridges for loading into the library.
Overview of importing and exporting cartridges, primary interactions with the library.
Procedures for importing magazines into storage or cleaning partitions.
Instructions for exporting or exchanging magazines/cartridges from storage or cleaning partitions.
Using the Advanced option to import/export magazines into specific chambers or from partitions.
Overview of MLM features for proactively monitoring and reporting cartridge health.
Information on Spectra Certified MLM-enabled media and its certification process.
Background process that loads MLM-enabled cartridges and records MLM information.
How MLM uses cartridge MAM information to maintain a database and generate reports.
Configurable background processes for data cartridge verification.
Steps to enable MLM and configure global features affecting all partitions.
Using MLM to track and monitor media in the library.
How cartridges are added to the MLM database upon discovery.
Steps to start the manual media discovery process.
Procedure to interrupt the discovery process before it is complete.
Explanation of the MLM PreScan feature for data cartridge verification.
Information on PostScan operation, prerequisites, and manual operations.
Description of PostScan operation for data integrity verification.
Prerequisites to consider when configuring and using PostScan.
How PostScan is enabled and configured per partition.
Steps to manually start the PostScan process for cartridges.
Procedure to temporarily pause the PostScan process.
Making use of MLM reports to manage, track, and report tape usage.
Steps to generate and display media health reports.
Choosing options to save MLM reports to USB, email, or as a zip file.
Procedure to override reported poor cartridge health status.
Tools to manually manage tape records in the MLM database.
Steps to delete individual cartridge records from the MLM database.
Steps to delete multiple cartridge records from the MLM database.
Downloading the MLM database as a CSV file for analysis or archival.
Overview of DLM for identifying drives with errors or problems.
How to monitor drive health using the Drives screen and health icons.
Explanation of drive health icons and their meaning on various screens.
Steps to view and save detailed drive information and DLM reports.
Procedure to open and save the DLM database as an XML file.
How AutoSupport notifies personnel of events and opens/updates support tickets.
Manually generating and emailing AutoSupport Log sets or saving to USB.
Steps to create or modify a profile for troubleshooting with Spectra Logic Support.
Setting up the library to generate ASL files for critical events.
Configuration for forwarding monthly ASL files to Spectra Logic.
How to open a support ticket or incident using AutoSupport.
Steps to open a new ticket with Spectra Logic Technical Support.
Steps to update a previously opened ticket, useful for mailing new logs.
General procedures to help resolve library problems before opening a support ticket.
Information about potential library initialization issues.
Information about potential issues with the BlueScale UI (operator panel or web).
Information about potential issues encountered while using MLM.
Information to help resolve encryption-related problems.
Information about potential issues encountered while operating the library.
How HHM tracks maintenance thresholds for key library components.
Steps to send Hardware Health Monitoring notification and ASL file to support.
Procedure to capture traces for diagnosing library problems.
Steps to reboot the entire library by power-cycling it.
Procedures to restore library configuration from backup files.
Checking system messages, error codes, and documentation for drive issues.
Using Drive Details screen information to troubleshoot drive problems.
Steps to reset a drive using the Reset button or Power Drive On/Off utility.
Remotely replacing a failed drive using an installed spare drive.
Tools for collecting drive traces and dumps for problem diagnosis.
Using the DLM Drive Health Verification wizard to test a drive.
Procedures for updating, servicing, or moving the library hardware.
Steps to renew and enter the BlueScale Software Support key for updates.
Procedures for updating BlueScale software and library component firmware.
Steps to determine the BlueScale software version currently running on the library.
How to download the BlueScale package from the Spectra Logic server.
Prerequisites for updating the BlueScale software and library firmware.
Steps to select and install the BlueScale package and update options.
Steps to delete unwanted BlueScale packages from the LCM memory card.
Procedure for rotating or replacing the air filter.
Installing cord locks to prevent power cord disconnection from AC input connectors.
Procedure to recalibrate touch points if they do not align with user interface graphics.
Overview of drive cleaning, when it's requested, and how it's performed.
How to determine if a drive requires cleaning using the Drives screen.
Addressing requirements before cleaning a drive.
Choosing the cleaning method based on partition configuration and software.
Steps to manually clean a drive when a cleaning partition is present.
How to track cleaning cartridge usage and remaining cleans.
Procedures for updating drive firmware to the correct version.
Prerequisites before starting the drive firmware update procedure.
Steps to determine the generation and current firmware version for drives.
How to check the Spectra Logic Technical Support portal for recommended firmware.
Using IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool (ITDT) to update drive firmware.
Updating drive firmware using the Package Update wizard.
Using the wizard to update multiple drives within a partition.
Using the utility to update a single drive or all drives in a partition.
Instructions to locate and download IBM LTO drive device drivers.
Procedures for adding or replacing drives in the library.
Steps to add additional drives from Spectra Logic to the library.
Instructions for replacing a failed drive.
How to access the support portal for Knowledge Base, software, and firmware.
Steps to create a user account on the Spectra Logic Technical Support portal.
How to log into the Technical Support Portal using email address and password.
Instructions to open a support incident through the portal or by telephone.
Procedures for returning a problem component for analysis and servicing.
Best practices for using MLM, protecting configuration data, and working with media.
Best practice guidelines for preparing to implement MLM in your environment.
Guidelines for establishing Media Lifecycle Management policies.
Recommendations for backing up MLM database for disaster recovery.
Procedures to protect library metadata including configuration, databases, and encryption keys.
Methods to create backup copies of library metadata.
Ensuring metadata is protected and available by checking exported backup files.
Best practices for using cartridges and managing media inventory.
Guidelines for labeling cartridges with appropriate barcode labels.
Guidelines to avoid damage to cartridges and ensure drive reliability.
Guidelines for properly storing cartridges to maximize archival life and data integrity.
Best practices for using cartridges in the library.
Example of a media rotation schedule to manage tape rotation.
Module identity definitions for the T950 Library MIB module.
Root for items related to events in the T950 Library.
Objects related to the T950 library's general status.
Objects related to system messages information.
Description of media and media accessories offered by Spectra Logic.
Information on Spectra Certified Media, its formulations, and certification process.
Information on service contracts, options, and library hardware upgrades.
How to renew or extend the BlueScale Software Support key and service contract.
Information on updating BlueScale software and library firmware.
Description of available BlueScale software options.
Options for expanding capacity and upgrading library hardware.
Detailed specifications for the library including data capacity, size, and weight.
Specifications for data storage capacity based on frame type and configuration.
Approximate dimensions and weights for library frames and components.
Recommended clearance for airflow and service access to the library.
Approximate dimensions and weights of pallets and boxes used to ship the library.
Description of power specifications, including AC power modules and input requirements.
Specifications for operating and storage temperature, humidity, and altitude.
Operating and non-operating shock and vibration levels the library can withstand.
Information on software compatibility and interoperability listings.
Information about interfaces used to connect the library and tape drives to host systems.
Basic specifications for tape drives and media supported by the library.
Specifications for the LTO drives supported by the library.
Specifications for the TS11x0 technology drives.
Specifications for the tape media supported by the library.
Symbology, application, orientation, and data specifications for barcode labels.
Declaration of conformity with EU directives for health, safety, and EMC.
Compliance with domestic and international emission standards.
Compliance with product safety standards and relevant provisions.
Warning regarding Class 1 laser assembly in IBM tape drives and QIP/RIM controllers.
Evaluation of safety issues against International Standard IEC/EN 60950-1.
Compliance with domestic and international environmental regulations and directives.
Information on product disposal and special collection systems in EU countries.
Indication of product compliance with RoHS directive on hazardous substances.
China's regulations on controlling pollution from electronic information products.
Spectra Logic's commitment to complying with regulations on conflict minerals.
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