HP StoreEver MSL2024, MSL4048, MSL8048, and MSL8096 Tape Libraries User and Service Guide (AK378-96059, December 2012)

NOTE: The library's SCSI ID will be the master drive's SCSI ID with a LUN of 1.
• Library Mode: The library supports three behavior modes: Random, Sequential, and Automatic.
The library automatically detects the required mode from the series of SCSI commands it
receives; however, you can also change the mode. Choose the operating mode based on the
capabilities of the software controlling the tape cartridges. The library mode can be set
independently for each logical library.
• Reserved Slots: This option sets the number of reserved slots in the library. Reserved slots are
slots that can be accessed by the remote management interface (RMI) and the operator control
panel (OCP), but are invisible to the host and backup software. On the MSL4048 and
MSL8048, you can reserve up to 46 slots. On the MSL8096, you can reserve up to 94 slots.
• Mailslots enabled: This option enables or disables mailslots. On the MSL4048 and MSL8048,
all three mailslots are enabled or disabled based on this setting. On the MSL8096, you can
choose to enable the lower-left mailslot (three slots), the upper-right mailslot (12 slots), both
mailslots (15 slots), or disable the mailslots.
• Auto Cleaning: This option enables or disables automatic cleaning.
Library modes
The library supports three behavior modes: Random, Sequential, and Automatic.
Random mode: In Random mode, the device does not automatically load tapes into the tape drives;
it waits for commands from the software or operator to load and unload tapes. Random mode is
used with a full featured or a robotics-aware backup application and is the most common mode
of operation. Your backup software must support robotics, which may require an additional software
module.
Sequential mode: In Sequential mode, the device automatically loads and unloads tapes from the
drive. Sequential mode is used when the backup software is NOT robotics-aware or was designed
for standalone drives only.
In Sequential mode, the library will only use the lowest-numbered tape drive.
The operator begins the sequence by loading the desired tape into the tape drive. When a tape
is unloaded for any reason, the device automatically removes the tape from the drive, returns it to
its original slot, then loads the tape from the next available higher numbered slot.
To further determine how you want tapes loaded into the tape drive while in Sequential mode,
you can set the Loop and Autoload options.
• When Autoload mode is set, the device automatically loads the cartridge from the
lowest-numbered full slot into the tape drive. It then follows standard sequential operation.
After configuring Autoload mode, you must do one of the following for Autoload mode to take
effect:
◦ Power cycle the device from the front panel.
◦ Reboot the device from the RMI Support: Reboot screen.
◦ Move the lowest-numbered cartridge to the drive before starting the backup application.
If the mailslot is enabled, the lowest cartridge location will be in the mailslot.
• When Loop mode is on, the original first cartridge in the sequence is reloaded after the device
has cycled through all available cartridges. If Loop mode is off and the last cartridge has been
unloaded, the device stops loading cartridges until you load another manually.
CAUTION: Use caution when choosing Loop mode because it makes it possible to overwrite
data on previously written cartridges.
MSL4048, MSL8048, and MSL8096 operator control panel 133