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STK Libraries Attached to ACSLS Server - Overview

Overview

StorageTek libraries controlled by an ACSLS Server can be configured. Such ACSLS controlled StorageTek libraries can be shared between:

  • Multiple MediaAgents in a CommCell group

  • Multiple CommCell groups

  • CommCell groups and other applications

In addition, the ACSLS server computer can be a component (either a MediaAgent or an agent) of the CommCell group. The system can share a StorageTek (STK) library with other applications that access the STK library using an ACSLS server.

Configuring STK Libraries Attached to ACSLS Server

Within a CommCell, depending on the environment, the MediaAgents can be configured to access the StorageTek library controlled by an ACSLS Server using one of the following configurations:

  • Direct-attached library configuration

  • Dynamic Drive Sharing (DDS) configuration in the SAN environment

Configuring STK Libraries with Multiple Library Storage Modules (LSM)

Libraries, such as STK SL 8500 have Library Storage Modules (LSMs). Each of these LSMs have robots on rails. Tape cartridges can be passed between each of these LSMs through pass through ports or elevators. (For detailed information on this library refer to STK documentation for the library.)

Although the entire library can be configured as a single library, to obtain optimal benefits it is recommended that each of these LSMs be configured as a logical library. This would avoid performance issues due to elevator traffic, allow for parallel robot activity and minimize the impact of a single robot failure.

Best Practices for STK Libraries Attached to ACSLS Server

  • All regular library operations are supported.

  • Shared ACSLS library configuration, with or without library controllers, is supported for multiple MediaAgents using different drive pools.

  • During configuration, make sure to map the drive serial number to its corresponding drive ID.

    If necessary, use the following command on the ACSLS Console to display the drives and their corresponding serial number:

    display drive * -f serial_num

    Text similar to the following appears:

    2007-01-27 13:57:01 Display Drive
 Acs   Lsm   Panel    Drive Serial_num 
 0     0     2        0     CX803S1909
 0     0     2        1     CX803S1939
 0     0     2        2     CX803S1959
 0     0     2        3     CX803S1979
 0     0     2        4     CX803S2259

    Additionally, you can use the ACSLSTool to query and obtain the drive serial numbers in the ACSLS library. For more information on this tool, see ACSLSTool.

  • We recommend that the media that is used by the MediaAgent in the library has a specific prefix in the barcode (for example, SL0001, SL0002, and so on). This allows you to add the entire Volume Range (SL0001 to SL9999) to the scratch pool.

    If this is not possible, and if media is imported directly into the library without using the CommCell Console, you must specify the volume range in the Expert Storage Configuration window. (See Add Volume Ranges for instructions.)

    Whenever you import media, verify and ensure that the media barcodes are within the volume range that are specified in the Expert Storage Configuration dialog box. If barcodes are outside of the specified volume range, include them as described in Add Volume Ranges. If you do not, the media that is available in the library will not be synchronized with the CommServe database. At some point, that media might appear as exported in the CommCell Console. In such a situation, you can either add the appropriate media to the scratch pool or perform a Full Scan on the library.

  • If you have multiple mail slots in the library, specify the CAP ID that is associated with the mail slot that will be used for importing and exporting media used by the MediaAgent. If necessary, you can also change the CAP ID if the specified CAP is busy. (See Specify the CAP ID for Importing and Exporting Media for instructions.)

  • If you notice that the library did not perform a certain operation for a long time, check the ACSSA to verify that a pending user action is completed. For example, while importing media from the CommCell Console, ensure that the media is promptly inserted and the mail slot closed.

  • Avoid performing library and drive operations from both the CommCell Console and ACSSA at the same time. If you notice that a command requested by the CommCell Console did not queue successfully in ACSSA, or if you encounter problems with the subsequent operations, reset the library from the CommCell Console.

  • Consider the following points when you manage drive cleaning jobs from the CommCell Console:

    • Verify and ensure that the drive cleaning function is OFF in the STK library configuration. (not in the CommCell Console)

    • Do Not use STK cleaning barcode labels (for example, CLNxxx) if the library does not accept them as scratch tapes. Instead they should be included in the ACSLS working pool.

      You can then Import, Discover, or Move them into Cleaning Media pool from the CommCell Console, in the same way that it is done for regular tape libraries.

  • If the media is available in the library and for some reason shown as exported in the CommCell Console, use the Set Scratch command to move it back to the appropriate media pool. This may happen, if you performed a stuck tape recovery operation (without using the CommCell Console) or re-imported a media without using the Import command from the CommCell Console. (See Move a Media Using the Set Scratch Option for instructions.)

  • To detect the cleaning media in the library enable the List ACSLS Clean Media option in the Library Properties dialog box. (See Display Cleaning Media in the CommCell Console for instructions.) Once enabled the cleaning cartridge available for the library's own cleaning function will be displayed in the Media in Library pool in the CommCell Console.

    When you enable this option the library must be reset for the cleaning media to appear in the CommCell Console.

    In addition, this option should be enabled only in one of the configured libraries. For example, you have configured each scratch pool (from one physical library ) as a CommCell library. Enable this option in any one of the configured libraries.

    To detect new drives automatically if they were swapped or replaced, enable the Use Drive ID for Drive Replacement in the Library Properties dialog box. (See Automatically Detect Replaced Drives for instructions.) Enable this option in ACSLS Server / libraries that support a serial number for each drive ID. Type the following command in the ACSLS Console to show the serial number for all drives: 

    display drive * -f serial_num

    Both the drive ID and the serial number are displayed if that ability is supported. If it is not supported, only the drive ID is displayed.

License Requirements

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