| StorageTek SL3000 Systems Assurance Guide E20876-08 |
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This chapter provides information on library connectivity and software options.
The SL3000 library supports two types of host connections:
Small computer system interface (SCSI) over a physical Fibre Channel interface
Ethernet (TCP/IP) using 10/100 Base-T and CAT-5 cable
In a non-partitioned configuration, the library can use only one interface type, either Fibre Channel or Ethernet (a second Ethernet connection can be used to access StorageTek Library Console). In a partitioned configuration, the library can have one interface type per partition. Therefore, the library may have SCSI partitions, Ethernet partitions, or a combination of both, for up to a total of eight partitions.
The SL3000 library uses the small computer system interface (SCSI) protocol and command set over a physical Fibre Channel (FC-SCSI) connection. A PUA2 Fibre Channel card must be purchased to provide connection SCSI to the library. The card provides a single or optional dual port feature, with an 8 Gb connection.
Refer to the SL3000 Interface Reference Manual for more information. This manual contains information about the small computer system interface command set plus information about Fibre Channel operations, command implementations, topologies, cables, and connectors.
The SL3000 library supports the following topologies:
This topology is recommended for the library. A switched fabric topology provides dynamic inter-connections between nodes and multiple, simultaneous Fibre Channel connections for the network. If the library is connected to a Fibre Channel switch or fabric-capable host, it configures itself as a switched topology and can support up to 16 million ports logged into the fabric.
While the library supports the arbitrated loop topology, this connection scheme is not recommended for new or future implementations. Oracle does not recommend the arbitrated loop connection by setting Hard ALPAs (Arbitrated Loop Physical Addresses).
Arbitrated Loops provide multiple connections for devices that share a single loop and allows only point-to-point connections between an initiator and target during communications. An arbitrated loop can connect only up to 126 ports.
The library can also use TCP/IP protocol over an Ethernet physical interface, (CAT-5, Ethernet, 10/100 BaseT cable) to manage and communicate with the host and library management applications, such as:
Open system platforms with ACSL
Enterprise-level mainframes with ELS /HSC
The library controller (HBCR card) is responsible for coordinating all component operations within the library and providing the interface connection with the host. There are two separate Ethernet connections on the HBCR card for host to library communications—Ports 2A and 2B.
Port 2A provides the Dual TCP/IP connection—this is an optional feature for SL3000 libraries. If not used for Dual TCP/IP, it can be used for connection to StorageTek Library Console.
Port 2B provides the primary host connection—this is the standard connection for SL3000 libraries.
The library can be monitored using StorageTek Library Console or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). Additionally, service representatives can use the Log SnapShot feature to collect logs from the controller cards.
The StorageTek Library Console (SLConsole) is a software application used to manage and monitor an SL3000 library. The SLConsole can be accessed from the local operator panel, a stand-alone version on a workstation, or through the web-based SLConsole. For installation requirements and additional information, see the SL3000 User's Guide "Chapter 2: StorageTek Library Console".
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application layer protocol that performs network management operations over an Ethernet connection using a User Datagram Protocol (UDP/IP). SNMP allows libraries to inform the system administrator of potential problems and system administrators to query the library for configuration, operation, and statistical information using SNMP traps. The SL3000 library supports SNMPv2c and SNMPv3 (preferred).
This functionality requires the use of a Management Information Base (MIB) on the controller card. The MIB contains information that specifically describe the library, components, and configuration. Refer to the SL3000 SNMP Reference Guide for more information.
The Log SnapShot feature is a utility that gathers, compresses, and encrypts logs from a given controller card or from an entire library such as the SL3000 library. A log snapshot can be generated using the CLI or SLConsole. Only authorized Oracle engineers or advanced service representatives have access to the data obtained from the Log SnapShot utility.
Library management software controls the library hardware and manages the library database. When the library is operating in automated mode, cartridge mount and dismount operations occur without manual intervention. Using audit data uploaded from the library, the software:
Tracks volume identifiers (vol-ids), attributes, and locations of cartridges
Allocates drives and requests library operations, such as entering, mounting, dismounting, and ejecting cartridges
Oracle offers several library management software components for various combinations of platform, connection type, and operating system.
StorageTek ACSLS provides centralized, multi-platform library management software. ACSLS manages all library operations, efficiently sharing library resources with any ACSLS-enabled application. ACSLS can manage multiple libraries from a single point of control. The key benefits of using ACSLS include:
Centralized library control across multiple StorageTek libraries, including legacy technology
Optimized library performance by load-balancing hardware and executing parallel commands
Reduced downtime through dynamic configuration capabilities and queuing commands during short-term library outages
Enriched reporting and management capabilities for ease of use
ACSLS version 7.3 or greater is required for interfacing with the SL3000 library. ACSLS 7.3 requires PUT 0801 for AEM support.
Enterprise Library Software (ELS) incorporates NCS products, VTCS products, and provides customers with a single, integrated software suite. This suite:
Provides the ability to enable tape libraries and virtual solutions
Pro-actively monitors and manages this environment on a continuous basis
The Host Software Component (HSC) manages volume pools and communication with the SL3000 library. HSC resides on the host, but is transparent to the operating system. A separate component, the Storage Management Component (SMC), provides the interface between z/OS operating systems and HSC. SMC resides on all MVS hosts that perform tape processing with HSC.
HSC and SMC work together to influence allocations and determine policies, volume locations, and drive ownership. HSC and SMC translate user requests into library commands and provide message handling.
The following LINKLIBs are not replacements for any current LINKLIBs. They need to be added to the top of the STEPLIB chain in the HSC PROCs.
SOS610.SPRG1.EVT.I6673474.DR022709.LINKLIB
SOS620.SPRG1.EVT.I6673474.DR022709.LINKLIB
SES700.SPRG1.EVT.I6673474.DR022709.LINKLIB
Virtual Tape Control System (VTCS) is the host software that enables centralized management of StorageTek virtual tape libraries, such as Virtual Storage Manager (VSM) and Virtual Library Extension (VLE). VTCS manages virtual tape volumes and drives, which includes the migration and recall of virtual volumes and the use of real tape cartridges and drives.
There are a variety of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that have tested their applications and support the SL3000 library. ISV applications can connect through ACSLS or direct-attach. Some applications include:
BakBone NetVault
CA ArcServe
HP Data Protector
Legato NetWorker
SAM FS
Tivoli Storage Manager
Veritas BackupExec
Veritas Netbackup
Not every application is tested on every platform or version. Check with a Marketing or Sales Representative, or Application Vendor that the application is supported on your platform. To make sure the selected solution (platform, application, tape drives, network, etc.) is supported, an Oracle representative can use the Interoperability Tool at: http://tapeinterop.us.oracle.com.
The SL3000 library is compatible with several other Oracle products to provide a multifaceted storage solution. This list is not all inclusive, for more information visit the tape storage area of the Oracle website or contact an Oracle sales representative.
LTFS software improves file access and portability of data on StorageTek T10000 tape or Linear Tape-Open (LTO) technology. LTFS software enables applications to write and retrieve files directly from tape through standard file format interfaces: CIFS or POSIX. Files may also be accessed with ease through a browser or operating system graphical interface. Users can drag and drop files to and from any storage medium: disk, tape, or flash.Oracle offers Linear Tape File System, Library Edition (LTFS-LE) software which supports the SL3000 tape library, managing multiple tape drives and media. When a user selects a file, the system's robotics automatically mounts the corresponding tape and the file is made available to that application.
VSM stores virtual tape volumes on a disk buffer called the Virtual Tape Storage Subsystem (VTSS). VSM then migrates (and stacks) the virtual tape volumes on the VTSS to real automated tape volumes that are mounted on real tape drives. The VTSS and virtual tape volumes allow VSM to optimize access time, throughput, and physical media and tape drive use.
The primary host software for VSM is the Virtual Tape Control System (VTCS). VTCS manages virtual tape volumes and drives, which includes the migration and recall of virtual volumes and the use of real tape cartridges and drives.
Overall, the VSM-type solutions consist of a server, disk storage, and front-end software, that complement the physical tape and library products. The server, disk, and software provide a buffer or cache between the operating systems and the tape drives for storage in a library.
Library Content Manager (LCM) [formerly Expert Library Manager (ExLM)] manages Nearline and VSM resources. LCM optimizes overall performance by assuring there are adequate resources available for a scheduled job. LCM also includes LCM Explorer, a graphical user interface that allows a user to configure LCM by creating configuration files instead of parameter files.
Expert Performance Reporter (ExPR) software collects performance data and generates reports about status and performance. It provides information on manual tape systems, as well as Nearline and VSM tape systems. ExPR has both an MVS component and a PC component.
The client system component (MVS/CSC) allows SMC on MVS to use ACSLS as its library server. One CSC is Library Station, which allows an open systems client to use HSC on MVS as its library server.
Extended High Performance Data Mover (ExHPDM) is utility software that performs high-speed backup and restore of data sets by interleaving very large block sizes on high-speed, high-capacity tape devices. ExHPDM achieves its speed by treating all data equally regardless of the type. Its only function is to move data from disk to very fast tape and back again. ExHPDM's version of the best method to move data is to enable tape devices to move data at their maximum available speed:
Using 256 Kilobyte (KB) blocks or chunks of data
Interleaving the 256 KB blocks onto single or multiple tape volumes
The ExHPDM software moves blocks of data in parallel from several concurrently executing MVS application programs. The data from the application programs is buffered into 256 KB tape block sizes in the application program's address space and the 256 KB blocks are interleaved onto single or multiple tape volumes.
Oracle's StorageTek Tape Analytics (STA) is an intelligent monitoring application, available exclusively for StorageTek Modular Tape Libraries. It simplifies tape storage management and allows the customer to make informed decisions about future tape storage investments based on the current health of the tape storage environment.
STA allows the customer to monitor globally dispersed libraries from a single, browser-based user interface. The customer can manage open systems and mainframe, mixed-media, and mixed-drive environments across multiple library platforms. STA allows the customer to increase the utilization and performance of tape investments by performing detailed performance trending analyses. These analyses are based on a regularly updated database of library operations.
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