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

Figure 13 Standby and active ports
After verifying that the configuration change was successful, verify that the hosts with access to the
tape drive are still able to communicate with the drive.
After verifying host access via the initial path a data path port failover may be forced by
disconnecting the cable from the active port on the drive.
The drive status display shows which drive port is active and which port is in standby. After
disconnecting the cable from the active port verify that the library network management page port
status shows that the active port has changed. Reconnect the disconnected port and verify that it
shows as Standby. Verify that each host still has access to the tape drive.
If a particular port is the preferred active port and it is configured as Standby you can force selection
of a particular port as the active port by disconnecting the cable from the other port.
Configuring control path failover
Enabling control path port failover on the library
The library only supports control path failover when used in a Fibre Channel SAN and connected
as fabric devices.
The minimum configuration is:
• A library or partition within a library with two LTO-5 or LTO-6 Fibre Channel drives of the
same type (Ultrium 3000 half height, Ultrium 3280 full height, or Ultrium 6250)
• All drive ports configured to use a “Fabric N/F” connection
• All drive ports connected to a Fibre Channel switch that supports NPIV
The default port configuration for the library is Automatic and must be changed. “Configuration:
Drive screen showing control path failover configuration disabled” (page 29) shows the
Configuration: Drives screen. The configuration for port A is set correctly for use with control path
failover. The configuration for port B is still set to the default setting of “Automatic”.
28 Features and overview