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StorageTek SL3000 Systems Assurance Guide E20876-08 |
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# Glossary

This glossary defines terms and abbreviations used in this and other product-related publications.

2N

A power configuration that gives the SL3000 library full AC and DC power redundancy. This configuration allows AC line cords on two separate circuits, either of which can power the entire system. See also N+1.

access door

A door on either the base module or drive expansion module through which service personnel can enter the library. A standard CAP is installed on a base module's access door; an optional CAP may be installed on a drive expansion module's access door.

access expansion module (AEM)

An optional module that can be installed on one or both ends of a library. If only one access expansion module is installed, it must be used as a bulk loading CAP (no storage slots).

If two access expansion modules are installed:

- They must be on the ends of the library—this is required if the dual TallBot option is installed.

- They are used as bulk loading CAPs only (no storage slots).

- They contain a service safety door for non-disruptive replacement of a defective TallBot.

- Access expansion and parking expansion modules cannot be mixed within a library.

accessory rack

Areas of the base module and the drive expansion module that are used for electronic equipment and for other standard 19-inch rack-mount equipment. Two racks are supplied in each base module and drive expansion module.

Rack mount equipment must be compatible with the power and cooling specifications of the racks.

ACSLS

See Automated Cartridge System Library Software (ACSLS).

addressing schemes

See the following:

- SL3000 address

- SL3000 drive bay

- HLI-PRC address

- SCSI elements

alias

An alternate name for an entity that is more easily human-readable. Aliases are sometimes used for grouping purposes. See also alias identifier.

alias identifier

One or more address identifiers that may be recognized by an N_Port in addition to its N_Port identifier. Alias address numbers are used to form groups of N_Ports so that frames may be addressed to a group rather than to individual N_Ports.)

Any Cartridge Any Slot technology

The StorageTek technology that allows seamless sharing of different media types and drives without hard partitions.

archive

(1) The process of making a copy of one or more files or databases that is saved for future reference and readily accessed if needed for restoration. Archive ensures a chance of recovery and is used for long-term retention.

(2) A copy of files that are saved for future recovery purposes in case the original data is lost or corrupted.

array

(1) A partitioned unit that holds multiple objects, such as cartridges or tape drive tray assemblies.

(2) A molded unit that holds multiple cartridges.

asynchronous (ASYNC)

Not synchronized; not occurring at regular, predetermined intervals. Asynchronous transmissions send one data character at a time, at irregular intervals, rather than in one steady stream; a start bit and a stop bit notify the receiver when the transmission begins and ends. Contrast with synchronous.

audit

See host audit and security audit.

Automated Cartridge System Library Software (ACSLS)

Software that manages ACS library contents and controls ACS library hardware to mount and dismount cartridges on ACS drives.

automation bezel

A tape drive attachment with a locator target for positioning gets and puts to the tape drive.

backplane

The main circuit board inside electronic equipment that contains the central processing unit, the bus, memory sockets, expansion slots, and other components.

barcode camera

A component of the robot that is used for cartridge identification and position calibration.

blind mate connector

A connector that allows hot plugging instead of manually placing a cable between two fixed connectors.

British thermal units (Btu)

A measure of the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. British thermal units are most commonly associated with power over a unit of time—Btu per hour (Btu/hr).

bulk load

Manually loading cartridges into the library, for example, during library installation.

camera

A device attached to a robot that reads volume serial number labels on cartridges, instead of scanning the labels with a laser. A camera performs faster and more accurately than a laser scanner.

CAP

See cartridge access port.

Capacity on Demand

A process by which a customer purchases additional slots and enlarges the library's capacity with minimal impact to host applications.

card

Synonymous with printed wire assembly.

cartridge access port

A device in the library that allows an operator to insert or remove cartridges during library operations.

Synonymous with import/export mail slot in SCSI and open system libraries. See also unlocked.

cartridge array

An array that holds multiple cartridges. See also array. SL3000 arrays contain 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, or 13 slots, depending on their location.

cartridge bias

Left or right justification of a cartridge within a storage slot, CAP, or tape drive.

cartridge mover

See robot.

cartridge proximity detector

A component that determines if a slot is empty or contains an unlabeled cartridge during a label reading error recovery procedure. Synonymous with empty slot detector.

CCD

(1) Charge couple device.

(2) Slot contents database.

cleaning cartridge

A tape cartridge that contains special material to clean the tape path in a tape drive.

CLI

Command line interface.

cold swap

To remove and replace a system component (typically one such as a logic board that has no redundant backup) after system operations have been stopped and system power has been disabled. Contrast with hot swap.

CompactPCI (cPCI)

See cPCI.

Industry standard bus used for card-to-card bus expansion.

conversion bill

An optional feature ordered by a customer for the library. This contains conversion instructions for installing the feature. See also X-option.

cPCI

Compact peripheral component interconnect. Industry standard bus used for card-to-card bus expansion. The electronics control module uses 200W cPCI power supplies.

CSSC

See Customer Services Support Center (CSSC).

Customer Services Support Center (CSSC)

StorageTek's customer services organization. Customers with StorageTek maintenance contracts may contact the CSSC.

data cartridge

A term used to distinguish a cartridge onto which a tape drive may write data from a cartridge used for cleaning or diagnostic purposes.

data error rate

The number of errors that occur per a measurable amount of data on a tape.

destination

The drive or slot location in an adjacent library where a cartridge will be mounted or stored. See also source.

diagnostic cartridge

A data cartridge with a "DG" label that is used for diagnostic routines.

base module

The base module in an SL3000 library that houses the electronics module assembly, power distribution units (PDUs), power supplies, accessory racks and equipment, and tape drives for the module.

drive array assembly

An array that is installed in the base drive or drive expansion module for inserting tape drive tray assemblies. The base module holds up to three array assemblies; the drive expansion module can contain four array assemblies, and each array holds up to 8 tape drive tray assemblies.

drive bay

A partitioned section of the tape drive array assembly that holds one tape drive tray assembly.

drop-off slots

Slots used to hold a cartridge in the event of a robot failure that occurs while a cartridge is in the robot hand.

dWWN

See dynamic World Wide Name.

dynamic World Wide Name

A feature that applies dynamic names to network devices rather than fixed names. When a dWWN-named device is replaced, it is assigned the same WWN as the one replaced, preventing reconfiguration of the network.

electronic mail (e-mail)

Correspondence in the form of messages transmitted between user terminals over a computer network.

electronics control module

The assembly that:

- Processes commands from a host system

- Coordinates the activities of TallBots, CAPs, and tape drives

- Monitors status inputs from sensors and switches

emergency power-off (EPO)

(1) A safety scheme that allows a "power down" of a subsystem or a system as a whole instead of powering it down component-by-component.

(2) A safety switch on a machine or in a data center that allows a user to immediately power down a machine or a data center power supply by cutting off the external source power.

Enterprise Library Software (ELS)

Enterprise Library Software (ELS) incorporates the StorageTek Nearline Control Solutions (NCS) products, VTCS products, and provides customers with a single, integrated software suite.

Enterprise Systems Connection (ESCON)

(1) A set of fiber-optic based products and services developed by IBM that allows devices within a storage environment to be dynamically configured. A channel-to-control unit I/O interface that uses optical cables as a transmission medium.

(2) A set of IBM products and services that provide a dynamically-connected environment within an enterprise.

environmental monitors

A collective term for the sensors that track temperatures, fan speeds, and the status of various other mechanisms within a library.

EPO

See emergency power-off (EPO).

ESCON

See Enterprise Systems Connection (ESCON).

Ethernet

A local-area, packet-switched network technology. Originally designed for coaxial cable, it is now found running over shielded, twisted-pair cable. Ethernet is a 10- or 100-megabits-per-second LAN.

export

The action in which the library places a cartridge into the cartridge access port so that the operator can remove the cartridge from the library. Synonymous with eject.

failover

The act of moving to a secondary or redundant path when the primary path fails.

FFC

Flat flexible cable.

Fibre Channel

A bidirectional, full-duplex, point-to-point, serial data channel structured for high performance capacity. The Fibre Channel is an interconnection of multiple communication ports, called N_Ports. These N_Ports are interconnected by a switching network, called a fabric, to a point-to-point link, or an arbitrated loop.

Fibre Channel is a generalized transport mechanism with no protocol of its own. A Fibre Channel does not have a native input/output command set, but can transport existing Upper Level Protocols (ULP) such as SCSI and IPI.

Fibre Channel operates at speeds of up to 200 MB per second. Fibre Channel operates over distances of up to 100 m over copper media or up to 10 km over optical links.

fibre connection (FICON)

An IBM S/390-based channel architecture that provides up to 256 channels in a single connection, each having a capacity of 100 MB per second.

FICON

See fibre connection (FICON).

firmware

An ordered set of instructions and data stored in a way that is functionally independent of main storage; for example, microprograms stored in a ROM.

flash memory

A nonvolatile semiconductor storage device that can be reprogrammed electronically without removal from the circuit. Flash must be erased in fixed blocks rather than single bytes. Synonymous with flash erasable programmable read-only memory (FEPROM).

gateway

(1) A 32-bit, or 4-byte number, in dotted decimal format (typically written as four numbers separated by periods, such as 107.4.1.3 or 84.2.1.111) that is applied to an IP Address to identify router interface.

(2) Specialized hardware that connects two otherwise incompatible systems, using different protocols and media, operating locally or over wide areas.

get

An activity in which a robot obtains a cartridge from a slot or tape drive.

gripper

(1) The portion of the hand assembly that grasps the cartridge.

(2) The part of the hand assembly that grasps and holds a cartridge during transport.

hand assembly

(1) The robotic element that includes a motor, a gripper for grasping cartridges, and a camera for reading volume serial number labels and targets.

(2) A part of the library robot whose function is to grasp cartridges and move them between storage slots and drives. A camera on the hand assembly reads volume serial number labels and targets.

(3) A part of the library robot whose function is to grasp cartridges and move them between storage slots and drives. A bar-code line scan camera on the hand assembly reads cartridge volume labels.

HLI-PRC address

A four-digit, comma-separated value (L,P,R,C) that represents LSM, Panel, Row, and Column. This addressing scheme is used by host LMU interface (HLI) clients, including ACSLS and ELS/HSC, to represent library components accessible to those HLI clients.

host audit

The process of updating the cartridge VOLIDs and locations (collected by a security audit) in a host CDS. This audit is initiated by a host command.

Host Software Component (HSC)

A host-resident software package, implemented on operating systems, that influences device allocation and intercepts mount and dismount requests to automate these requests. HSC has been replaced, see Enterprise Library Software (ELS).

hot-pluggable

The capability that allows a service representative to replace FRUs while power to the FRU is maintained. This feature allows hardware maintenance actions and hardware upgrades to proceed without disrupting subsystem availability. Contrast with hot swap.

hot swap

Removal and replacement of a system component while system power remains on and system operations continue. Contrast with cold swap. Contrast with hot-pluggable.

Synonymous with online replacement.

hot-swappable

(1) A component that can be replaced while the system remains online. Contrast with hot-pluggable.

(2) The capability that allows a component to be replaced while power to the component is maintained. This feature allows hardware maintenance actions and hardware upgrades to proceed without disrupting subsystem availability.

import

The process of placing a cartridge into the cartridge access port so that the library can insert it into a storage slot. Synonymous with enter.

initial program load (IPL)

(1) A process that activates a machine reset and loads system programs to prepare a computer system for operation. Processors having diagnostic programs activate these programs at initial program load execution. Devices running firmware usually reload the functional firmware from a diskette or disk drive at initial program load execution. Synonymous with initial microprogram load (IML).

(2) The initialization procedure that activates a machine reset, initiates wake-up diagnostics (from EPROMs) and loads functional code.

interlock switch

A switch that disconnects power to library mechanisms, excluding tape drives, when a front access door is opened.

IPL

See initial program load (IPL).

Java

An object-oriented computer programming language created by Sun Microsystems.

keypad interface

A keypad mounted on the front access door of a base module, used to monitor the status of the SL3000 library and to operate the CAPs.

label

An identifier associated with a removable media or cartridge. Labels are humanly readable, machine readable, or both. Synonymous with VOLSER and volume serial number.

library console

(1) See StorageTek Library Console.

(2) The customer's operator console that interfaces with the library. See also security software layer.

library controller (LC)

The HBCR card within the SL3000 library that controls operations and communicates with the operator console and other modules.

library operator console

See local operator console.

local operator console

An optional feature consisting of a flat-panel display with a touch screen interface and a panel mount computer.

This feature is attached to the front door of the base module (or, alternately if desired, the drive expansion module's door). See also touch panel operator control panel.

magazine

(1) A removable array that holds cartridges in the cells provided and is inserted into the cartridge access port (CAP).

(2) A removable container hat holds cartridges and is placed into the cartridge access port (CAP).

(3) A removable array that holds cartridges and is placed into the cartridge access port (CAP). Each SL3000 CAP holds two magazines, each of which holds up to13 cartridges.

N+1

A power configuration that provides AC power and redundant DC power by adding a second DC power supply to each DC bus. See also 2N.

network gateway

A four-byte notation that makes a library accessible to a large network, which consists of two or more subnets, through a gateway connection.

online replacement

Replacement or service of a module while the library remains operational. The service person may be required to power off the module before removing or replacing it. Synonymous with hot swap.

operator console

(1) A panel that enables a user to configure and diagnose the library or drive. See also local operator console.

(2) The user interface for libraries or drives. Synonymous with operator control panel.

(3) A touch screen panel that enables users to configure, diagnose, or receive status information about the library or drive.

parking expansion module

Modules that can be installed on the ends of a library configuration. These modules (or access expansion modules) are required for dual TallBot operation.

Parking expansion modules must be installed in pairs and customers lose storage slots to allow space for a defective TallBot. If a defective TallBot is moved into this module, time must be scheduled for its replacement. (Contrast with access expansion module (AEM).)

partition

A subset or portion of an entire library that presents itself to a host client as an independent library. Slots and tape drives included in one partition cannot be seen by another partition. CAPs cannot be shared.

PCI

Peripheral component interconnect.

PDU

See power distribution unit (PDU).

peer to peer

A form of cooperative processing in which either of the programs involved can initiate communication with another. In a peer network every station can function as both a client and a server.

physical capacity

The number of data cartridge slots in the library (excludes reserved slots for cleaning cartridges, diagnostic cartridges, and the module identification block).

physical library

A single SL3000 library consisting of up to 8 modules. See also logical library.

PLC

Power line communications.

PLI

See primary library interface (PLI).

Port Addressing

In Fibre Channel, Port Addressing is used for login validation, and includes the Port Name, Node Name, and N_Port ID.

power distribution unit (PDU)

A device for the distribution of AC line power from one inlet to multiple outlets. Multiple PDUs provide higher availability because the power continues if one PDU (or its alternating current [AC] source if the PDUs use separate AC sources) loses power.

power grid

A power circuit that minimizes power failures that cause the library to cease operations.

power/communication bus rail

A rail that sits on the robot track to provide 48 VDC power and communication to the robot.

primary library interface (PLI)

The communication path between the operator console and the library controller (the HBCR card.) This consists of Ethernet with TCP/IP and XML.

put

An activity in which a robot places a cartridge into a slot or drive.

PWA

Printed wiring assembly.

RaceTrack architecture

The design and implementation of the SL3000 library's multiple high-performance robotics.

rack unit (u)

A standard unit of measurement of vertical space inside a rack mount cabinet. One u equals 44.5 mm (1.75 in.).

rail

That portion of the upper robot track assembly that provides power and communication to the robot.

rail assembly

The mechanism on which the robot travels between cartridge arrays and tape drives.

reach mechanism

A component of the robot that moves the gripper to get or put a cartridge at a designated location.

ready

A library that has been powered on and has completed its initialization and initial program load (IPL). It is ready to accept user requests.

RealTime Growth capability

The capability to add pass-thru ports dynamically while the library is operating.

Relative Humidity

A measure of water vapor in the air.

Remote Diagnostic Center (RDC)

See Customer Services Support Center (CSSC).

remote operator console

The customer's operator console that interfaces with the PLI. See also security software layer.

reserved slots

Cartridge slots that are used only for cleaning and diagnostic cartridges and as drop-off slots.

robot

(1) An electromechanical device that moves tape cartridges among the cartridge access ports, storage slots, and drives.

(2) A mechanism that moves horizontally along a track in the SL3000 to transport tape cartridges to and from other locations in the library.

Also called a TallBot.

SCSI elements

A four-digit number that represents the addressing scheme used by hosts operating on a Fibre Channel interface. See also Fibre Channel.

security audit

The process of reading and storing in SL3000 library memory the VOLIDs and locations of all cartridges in the library. See also host audit.

security software layer (SSL)

The communication path between the PLI and the remote operator console.

service area

An area between the access expansion module and the library for service representatives to perform replacement of a defective TallBot.

servo power interrupt (SPI)

A signal that removes voltage to a motor if overtravel is detected in the motor or a safety condition exists (for example, an access door to the library module is open). When the sensor or switch is made, the drive current to the motor disables and an error posts.

The SPI prevents a servo runaway condition for an out-of-range motor; it also prevents motors from starting up while an access door is open.

SL3000 address

A four-digit, comma-separated value (L,R,C,S,W) that represents Library, Rail, Column, Side, and Row. This addressing scheme is used by the SL3000 firmware and internal communications to represent all devices and locations within the library.

SL3000 drive bay

A two-digit integer (01–56) that represents the physical locations into which drive tray assemblies are inserted.

slot

The location in the library in which a tape cartridge is stored. Synonymous with cell.

source

The home slot location containing the cartridge that will be passed through to an adjacent library. See also destination.

SPI

See servo power interrupt (SPI).

SSi

System Server infrastructure.

storage cell

See slot.

StorageTek Library Console

The operator console software application used for the SL3000.

TallBot

High capacity tall robot. One or two TallBots are used in an SL3000 library. See also robot.

tape cartridge

A container holding magnetic tape that can be processed without separating the tape from the container.

The library uses data, diagnostic, and cleaning cartridges. These cartridges are not interchangeable.

tape drive

An electromechanical device that moves magnetic tape and includes mechanisms for writing and reading data to and from the tape.

tape drive tray assembly

The mechanical structure that houses a tape drive, fan assembly, power and logic cards, cables, and connectors for data and logic cables. Synonymous with drive tray assembly.

tape storage area

The area in the SL3000 library where cartridges are stored.

tape transport interface (TTI)

An interface to control/monitor tape movement.

temperature

The measurement of hot and cold to specific scales, such as Celsius (also called centigrade) and Fahrenheit. The Celsius temperature scale uses 0° for the freezing point of water and 100° for the boiling point of water. The Fahrenheit temperature scale uses 32° for the freezing point and 212° for the boiling point.

touch panel operator control panel

An optional feature consisting of a flat-panel display with a touch screen interface and a panel mounted computer.

track

The horizontal path upon which a robot travels.

track drive mechanism

The component that moves the robot along the track between the slot arrays, CAPs, and tape drives.

TTI

See tape transport interface (TTI).

U

See rack unit (u).

unlocked

In the SL3000 library, status indicating that software has made a CAP available for operator use. An LED is lit when a CAP is unlocked.

UART

Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter.

vacancy plate

A plate that covers an unused bay, such as a drive bay or power supply bay.

volume serial number (VOLSER or VOLID)

(1) An alphanumeric label that the host software uses to identify a volume. It attaches to the spine of a cartridge and is both human- and machine-readable.

(2) A six-character alphanumeric label used to identify a physical volume.

Watt

A watt is a unit of power or the amount of energy per unit of time. Often the term watt is used for expressing energy consumption as kW (kilo-Watts).

Wet bulb

The difference in temperature between wet bulb (humidity) and dry bulb (temperature) provides a measure of atmospheric humidity.

World Wide Name (WWN)

A 64-bit integer that identifies a Fibre Channel port. See also dynamic World Wide Name.

World Wide Node Name (WWNN)

A globally unique 64-bit identifier assigned to each Fibre Channel node process.

World Wide Port Name (WWPN)

(1) A 64-bit network address that identifies the port name.

(2) A globally unique 64-bit identifier assigned to each Fibre Channel port.

WORM

See write once read many.

write once read many

A storage classification for media that can be written only once but read many times.

wrist

(1) A mechanism in the robot assembly that allows the robot to access the outer and inner storage walls.

(2) A component of the hand assembly that rotates the hand horizontally.

X-option

An optional feature ordered by a customer for the library. This contains conversion instructions for installing the feature.