User Guide

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Library Administration: Dell™ PowerVault™ 128T Tape Library User and Service Guide

  Configuring the Library
  Using the Remote Management Card
  Configuring the Library for Fibre Channel (Optional Kit)
  Setting SCSI IDs
  Setting the Date and Time
  Retrieving Library Information
  Running Library or Service Diagnostic Tests

Configuring the Library

Main Menu -> Administration -> Change Configuration

You can change the following configuration options for the library:

Table 1. Configuration Options

NOTE: Service Personnel - SCSI Tracing and I2C Tracing share a buffer. Changing one affects the other, so use the "Both" function for dual tracing.

Factory default configuration settings are listed below.

Table 2. Factory Default Configuration Settings

Enabling and Changing the Password

NOTE: All service procedures are password protected, administration procedures can be password protected. These procedures include: diagnostic tests, configurations, online drive repair, and setting the date and time. A password is also required to perform these tasks through the remote management card.

Main Menu -> Administration -> Change Configuration -> Password

For Service Personnel:

Main Menu -> Service -> Change Configuration -> Password

When the library is first installed, the password is inactive. To protect the system from unauthorized access, use the following procedure to set a password.

NOTE: The password is cleared when you install or download new code to the library controller card.

NOTE: If you enter more than eight digits, the ninth digit will become the first digit of the new password.

1. Enter the Password menu. A status screen will indicate if a password is enabled.
   • If the password is turned off, select [Set New Password] to enable the password.
   • If the password is turned on, select [Change Password] to enter the new password. It must be exactly eight digits.
   • If the password is turned on, select [Turn Password Off] to clear the password.
2. Select [OK] to exit.

CAUTION: Be sure to document the password. If you forget the password, contact your service representative.

Configuring the Mailslot

CAUTION: Do not change the mailslot setting without reconfiguring your backup software. The backup software must reflect the mailslot setting to assist in tracking tape exchanges and the current location of all tapes. Verify that your backup software supports the mailslot configuration that you select.

The mailslot is comprised of slots that are reserved in the magazine(s) found in the upper right-hand door of the library. When a tape is being changed through the mailslot, the door opens only to the number of slots that have been configured as the mailslot.

For Service Personnel:

Main Menu -> Service -> Change Configuration -> Mailslot

Figure 1. Mailslot Door

By default, the library is configured for a one-slot mailslot. This setting can also be configured for 0 slots (no mailslot), five slots, or 10 slots from the Administration or Service menus (see Table 3 "Mailslot Configuration").

Table 3. Mailslot Configuration

Before changing the mailslot configuration, verify that the slots that will become the mailslot are empty, and are not the original location of a tape in a drive.

Main Menu -> Administration -> Change Configuration -> Mailslot

Use the following steps to configure the mailslot option:

1. In the Configure Mailslot menu, a message will remind you to check the storage slot and mailslot configurations in the backup software.
   Select [OK].
2. The next screen will describe the prerequisites for configuring the mailslot. Verify these prerequisites have been met, then select [OK].
3. The display will indicate the current mailslot setting. Select the number of mailslots desired (0, 1, 5, or 10). A confirmation screen automatically displays the success or failure of the change and reminds you to reconfigure the backup software.

4. Select [Done] to exit.

Using the Remote Management Card

Overview

The remote management card (RMC) includes a Web-Based Library Administrator, which allows web management and monitoring of your library through a network connection. This interface allows you to monitor your library from anywhere on the network through comprehensive and user-friendly web pages.

Online instructions are included on the web interface to describe how to use the tool. Simply select the [?] key in the upper right-hand corner to access the online help.

The web-based remote management features allow you to obtain status reports and diagnostic information, as well as manage library functions from a remote location. All remote operations are password protected with the administrator password to prevent unauthorized access.

For remote management, you need a network connection and a browser to:

• View the current status of the library, drives, and tapes.
• Manage multiple devices from any workstation within the intranet.
• Manage and configure the library on your network in a secure environment to:
  • Clean the drives
  • Load and unload tapes
  • Run diagnostics
  • Restart the library
  • Dynamically assign the library's IP address, gateway address, and subnet mask using DHCP or BOOTP mode.
• View library, drive, and tape error messages.
• Generate error reports to fax or e-mail to your support representative.
• Download and install firmware.
• Access web-based support, web registration, documentation, and partner information.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

DHCP allows a DHCP server to dynamically assign IP addresses to any DHCP client that requests one. The DHCP server usually has a limited set of IP addresses, and assigns them on a first come first serve basis. When a DHCP client boots up, it will broadcast a DHCP request over TCP/IP. If a DHCP server is present, that server will respond to the DHCP client with an IP address, subnet mask and gateway. This response also includes a lease (or expiration) time for the IP address being assigned. If the DHCP client then wants to use this address, the client must acknowledge the server’s response, and then periodically renew the lease on that IP address. If the lease expires, the DHCP server is free to reissue that IP address to another DHCP client.

NOTE: DHCP only manages dynamic allocation of IP addresses. Assigning device names with DHCP is not recommended.

BOOTP

BOOTP is similar to DHCP, in that a BOOTP server dynamically assigns an IP address to any BOOTP client that requests one. The difference is that your system administrator must preconfigure the BOOTP server for the library. The system administrator assigns a permanent IP address to the library’s MAC address. When the library is booted, the BOOTP server responds and assigns the permanent address to the library. The IP address never expires and the BOOTP server will not reissue the IP address to any other BOOTP client.

Table 4. Supported Configurations

NOTE: To correctly set caching for Internet Explorer, go to the Windows Control Panel and select [Internet]. Click on the [General] tab. In the Temporary Internet Files section, click on the [Settings] button. Select [Every Visit to the Page], and click on the [OK] buttons to exit. (Netscape Communicator™ and Netscape Navigator™ set caching automatically.)

Configuring the Library for Remote Management

The library only requires one remote management card, which will already be installed when the library arrives.

NOTE: The library administrator password is required for this process. If the password is not set, you will not be permitted to configure your remote management card from your web browser. (See "Enabling and Changing the Password".)

1. Connect to the network port of the card using a category 5 Ethernet cable. Ensure that the cable is also connected to an active network port.
2. On the library’s back panel, verify that the link LED on the remote management card is green. If the LED is not green, a link has not been established with the local network. Ensure the network port is active by checking with your system administrator.
3. Enter the Network Access menu.
   

   Main Menu -> Administration -> Change Configuration -> Network Access
   

4. If you would like to use DHCP/BOOTP to configure your remote management card, select [Yes]. (See "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) "or "BOOTP".)
   • A message will display to confirm your configuration through DHCP/BOOTP, or alert you if DHCP/BOOTP failed.
   • If successful, note the IP address, and skip to step 9.
   • If DHCP/BOOTP was not successful, or if you do not want to use DHCP/BOOTP, contact your system administrator to obtain an IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address. Continue with step 5.
     

   NOTE: The MAC address is unique to each remote management card and is used for identification. This address cannot be configured. To successfully use BOOTP from the library, your system administrator must first configure the BOOTP server using the MAC address. (See "BOOTP".)

5. Enter the IP address.
   1. Use the [+] key to change the number.
   2. Use the [->] key to move to the next number.
   3. Use the [Down] key to move to the next address.
6. Enter the subnet mask using the same procedure.
7. Enter the gateway address.
8. Press [OK] when complete to save the changes, or press [Quit] to exit the menu and not save the changes. A message will display to confirm the changes you have entered or alert you if the changes have not been saved.
9. Enter the designated IP address into the Web browser to launch the Web-Based Library Administrator pages.
   
   Example 1 - All modes (Manual, DHCP, or BOOTP):
   IP address = 15.28.33.12
   http://15.28.33.12
   
   Example 2 - Manual and BOOTP only:
   Device name = library1
   http://library1

NOTE: To use a device name, your system administrator must add the device name you select to the domain name server (DNS).

NOTE: Instructions and online help screens describing remote management are available from the Web-Based Library Administrator pages by selecting the [?] button in the top right-hand corner of any page.

Retrieving Information About the Remote Management Card (RMC)

Enter the Information menu to view the following RMC settings:

Main Menu -> Information -> View Configuration -> Network Access

• Network connection speed
• IP address
• Subnet mask
• Gateway address
• MAC address

Configuring the Library for Fibre Channel (optional kit)

The optional Fibre Channel interface cards serve as a bridge between SCSI and Fibre Channel.

For Service Personnel:

You can check the firmware version by going into:

Service -> Information -> Library Information

NOTE: Refer to "Introduction to Fibre Channel" if you are unfamiliar with Fibre Channel terminology before beginning this procedure.

NOTE: It is not necessary to connect the library to its Fibre Channel topology (arbitrated loop or fabric) before configuration.

Configuration

NOTE: When Fibre Channel controllers are installed in the library, device SCSI IDs cannot be changed from their factory default.

Though you do not need to set SCSI IDs for Fibre Channel, you will need to configure Fibre Channel addressing.

Main Menu -> Administration -> Change Configuration -> Fibre Channel

1. Enter the Fibre Channel menu.
2. Select level one, where the Fibre Channel controller to be configured is located.
3. Select [OK].
4. A message displays the following information:
   • Fibre Channel controller type (LVD)
   • SCSI bus status
5. Select [MORE].
6. A message displays information for the CURRENT STATUS, including:
   • Link status
   • Connection type (loop or fabric)
   • AL_PA (Arbitrated Loop Physical Address) for loop connections, or a hex address for fabric connections
7. Select [MORE].
8. A message displays information for the CURRENT SETTINGS, including the addressing assignment method (hard or soft) and the AL_PA for loop connections.
9. Select [MORE].
10. A message displays information for the FUTURE SETTINGS. This allows you to input the addressing assignment method and AL_PA that you want to use at a later time, without affecting your current connection. (Changes to the FUTURE SETTINGS will take effect on the next power up or board reset.)
    • The default addressing is hard addressing with auto-select enabled. Hard addressing allows you to set and maintain a fixed address, but may result in address conflicts. Soft addressing looks for an unused address on every power cycle, so the address might change.

      NOTE: Since AL_PAs can change with soft addressing, some backup software applications may have difficulty locating the library in this mode. Check the backup software documentation to ensure soft addressing is supported before selecting this mode.

• If you selected hard addressing for a loop connection, select the AL_PA (fixed address) or choose auto-select. Auto-select is an option under hard addressing that selects an available address and then uses it as a hard address from then on.

11. Select [OK] when complete to save the changes, or select [QUIT] to return to the beginning of the fibre configuration menu. If you select [QUIT], a message will display indicating the old values will be retained.
    • If you select [OK], a message will display indicating that the settings are being stored on the Fibre Channel controller. If this is successful, a message displays indicating that the new settings will be attempted at the next restart.
12. To immediately apply the new settings, select [RESTART], or select [DONE] to wait until the next power cycle.
    • When the Fibre Channel controller is restarted, or when the library is power-cycled, FUTURE SETTINGS are copied into CURRENT SETTINGS. The Fibre Channel controller always attempts to connect using CURRENT SETTINGS.
      

    NOTE: The following should not be attempted if data transfers or library operations are in progress

    • If you select [RESTART], the Fibre Channel controller is restarted.
      
    • The [RESTART] operation normally completes within 90 seconds. The display will report the status of the operation when it is complete.

NOTE: The actual connection achieved depends on the external topology and network. Consequently, CURRENT STATUS may differ from CURRENT SETTINGS.

NOTE: You can also change configurations from remote access. See "Using the Remote Management Card".

Retrieving Information About Fibre Channel

Enter the Information menu to view information such as:

• Fibre Channel controller SCSI interface type (LVD)
• SCSI bus status
• Current status (link status, connection type, address)
• Current settings (addressing assignment method, AL_PA)
• World wide node name
• World wide port name

Setting SCSI IDs

Main Menu -> Administration -> Change Configuration -> SCSI IDs

For Service Personnel:

Main Menu -> Service -> Change Configuration -> SCSI IDs

NOTE: This menu is not available for libraries using Fibre Channel because the SCSI IDs are configured automatically.

Table 5. Default SCSI IDs

NOTE: Each device on the same SCSI bus must have its own unique SCSI ID.

CAUTION: Changing SCSI ID settings from factory defaults may affect the backup software configuration. Consult your backup software manual for SCSI ID requirements.

The SCSI ID for a drive position can be configured, even when no drive is present. When a drive is later added, it will use the ID already assigned to that location.

1. Enter the SCSI IDs menu. A message warns you that devices with the same SCSI IDs must be connected to different SCSI buses.
2. Select [OK].
3. The Configure SCSI ID screen displays a message that indicates the drive position selected.
   • Use the [-] or [+] key to select the drive or library controller, then select [OK]. Refer to "Library Back Panel" or the product information labels on the back of the library for the library's drive numbering arrangement.
4. The next screen displays the drive number and the current SCSI ID.
   • Use the [-] or [+] key to select the desired SCSI ID, then select [OK].
5. A confirmation screen will indicate either a successful or failed operation. IF the SCSI ID assignment failed, the screen will indicate the reason and then return to the Configure SCSI ID screen.

NOTE: After changing SCSI IDs, you can save the new settings to flash ROM by power cycling the library, which allows the settings to be recovered if the library is powered off for more than eight days. If this step is not completed and the library is powered off for more than eight days, the new settings may be lost.

NOTE: You can also set SCSI IDs from remote access. See "Using the Remote Management Card".

Setting the Date and Time

Main Menu -> Administration -> Set Date and Time

For Service Personnel:

Main Menu -> Service -> Set Date and Time

When the library is initially set up, or if it has been disconnected for more than eight days, you need to set the date and time. If the date and time are not set, error logs will not include date and time stamps. To set the date and time, enter the Administration menu. If you want to only view the date and time, enter the Information menu.

To set the date and time:

1. Enter the Set Date & Time menu.
2. Use the [-] or [+] keys to select the year, month, and day. Use the [->] to scroll to the next entry when complete.
3. Set the hour and minutes (00:00:00) using the [-] or [+] keys. Use the [->] key to scroll over to the next selection. The seconds are automatically set at 00.
4. Use the [-] or [+] keys to select the time zone. UTC stands for Coordinated Universal Time. (See Table 6, "World Time Zones.") This will keep your host time and library time synchronized.
5. Select [OK] to save your changes. Select [QUIT] to exit this menu and not save your changes.

NOTE: The time does not automatically adjust for time changes such as daylight savings time and is accurate to within one hour per year. Occasional adjustment is normal.

Table 6. World Time Zones

Retrieving Library Information

The following information is available from the Information and Administration menus:

• Library information
• Drive information
• Configuration information
• Date and Time
• Firmware revisions
• Power supplies

NOTE: This information is also available from remote access. See "Using the Remote Management Card."

Library Information

Main Menu -> Information -> Library Information

Use the following procedure to view information about the library.

1. From the Library Information menu, select one of the following options:
   • Library Status
   • Hard Error Log
   • Recovered (Soft) Error Log
   • Odometer
   • Identity
2. Select [Back] to return to the Library Information menu.

Table 7. Library Information

Drive Information

Main Menu -> Information -> Drive Information

1. From the Drive Information menu, use the [-] or [+] keys to select the desired drive module.
2. Select [OK] to display and select one of the following options:
   • Event Log: Displays significant events for the selected drive position, including drive errors, online/off-line transitions, and drive cleaning. This log is still available while a drive is being removed.
   • Odometer: Displays a count of cumulative power-on hours and drive loads.
   • Identity: Displays the drive type, serial number, and firmware revision.

Configuration Information

Main Menu -> Information -> View Configuration

From the View Configuration menu, select the desired library function to view current information about the following:

• Password enabled status
• Network access configuration
• Mailslot configuration
• SCSI ID assignments or Fibre Channel status
• Save SCSI element reserve after a power cycle
• Other configuration options (report recovered error logs and prevent media access)

Date and Time

Main Menu -> Information -> Date and Time

Access this menu to view the library’s settings for the date, time, and time zone. Use the [Powered] key to display the date and time of the last power on.

Firmware Revisions

Main Menu -> Information -> Firmware Revisions

From the Firmware Revisions menu, you can view information about the following:

• Library
• Tape drives

Power Supplies

Main Menu -> Information -> Power Supplies

From the Power Supplies menu, you can view information about the status of your power supply.

Running Library or Service Diagnostic Tests

Main Menu -> Administration -> Run Test

For Service Personnel:

Main Menu -> Service -> Run Test

Use the following procedure to run internal tests of library functions.

1. From Administration, select [More] to display additional administrative options. Select [Run Test].
• For Service Personnel: enter the service password to access the Service menu. See Table 9 "Additional Tests Available Through the Service Menu."
2. From the Run Test menu, use the [-] or [+] key to view available tests.
3. Select [OK] to select the test.
4. Select the number of times this test will run.
5. Select [Run] to start the test cycle. The test results will display at the conclusion of the test cycle.
   

NOTE: Select [Stop] to abort a test. The current test cycle completes before the test stops. Stopping the test may take a few minutes.

Table 8. Front Panel Diagnostic Tests

Test	Description
Check Inventory	Physically scans the entire library to determine which slots and drives contain tapes, and reads all bar code labels.
Recalibrate Library	Performs the power-up self-tests. Each test runs one time per test loop. This test recalibrates the mechanics and clears hard errors, but not the hard error log.
Test Vertical Motion	Moves the transport around its lateral range.
Test Lateral Motion	Moves the transport assembly to a random slot. No tape is required.
Test Magazine Moves	Moves a tape from a random slot to an empty, random slot, and then returns it to the original location.
Wellness Test	Moves a tape from a random slot to an empty drive, repeats the process until all drives are full, and then returns all tapes to their original slots.
Rewind Media	CAUTION: Do not run this test if the drive contains a tape that is receiving data from the host. Rewinds the tape in the drive.
Lock Transport	Locks the transport assembly in place to allow for shipping the library. Power down the library after running this test. Motion commands may fail if issued after the transport assembly is locked. NOTE: The transport assembly automatically unlocks when the library is powered on.
Unlock Transport	Unlocks the transport assembly without power cycling the library. The transport must have already been locked to use this test. NOTE: The transport assembly automatically unlocks when library is powered on.
Test Transport Comm	Exercises the infrared communications path between the library controller and the transport controller. Reports the health of this link. If the test passes, the infrared communication link is good.
Show All Sensors	Dynamically displays the state of sensors. To toggle door sensors, open and close the doors. To toggle the mailslot sensor, open the mailslot to access the first two tapes.
Demonstration	CAUTION: Run an inventory check from the host backup application after performing this test to ensure that tapes are returned to their original locations. Selects a random full storage slot, moves the tape to the drive, and repeats the process until all drives are full. The test locates a full slot, a full drive, an empty slot, and then performs an exchange.

Table 9. Additional Tests Available Through the Service Menu (Password Required)

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