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

World Wide identifiers
A SAS tape drive is identified by a unique identifier called a World Wide Name (WWN) or World
Wide Identifier (WWID). The library assigns the World Wide identifier to the drive bay. When a
tape drive is replaced, the World Wide identifier is re-assigned to the new tape drive.
The operating system tracks the World Wide identifier for the drive on each HBA channel. Each
of the drive connectors on the fanout cable is associated with an HBA channel. Once a drive has
been plugged in, it should remain on the same channel to retain the association between the HBA
channel and World Wide identifier.
Planning the Fibre Channel configuration
You can connect the library directly to the server with a host bus adapter (HBA) or indirectly through
a storage area network (SAN) with a switch.
You must provide a Fibre Channel cable for each tape drive in the library. The tape drive has an
LC-style connector.
Each full-height Fibre Channel tape drive in the library has two Fibre Channel ports. Only one port
may be used at a time, but both ports can be connected for path fail over if your application
supports path fail over. If you are using only one port, you can use either port.
Direct connection
If you plan to connect the library directly to the server, you will need a 2 Gb, 4 Gb, or 8 Gb Fibre
Channel HBA. A 4 Gb HBA is recommended for LTO-4 tape drives. An 8 Gb HBA is recommended
for LTO-5 or LTO-6 tape drives for optimal performance. To verify that your HBA is supported on
your server and qualified for the library, check the EBS compatibility matrix at www.hp. com/go/
ebs.
A server that uses Fibre Channel disks needs at least two FC ports. Using the same port for disk
and tape access will cause performance degradation.
SAN connection
All switches between the host and the library must be of the appropriate type. A 2 Gb switch in
the path may result in performance degradation when backing up highly compressible data.
Configure zoning on the Fibre switch so only the backup servers may access the library. See the
switch manual for information on zoning.
Choosing a location
If you plan to mount the device in a rack, select an open rack location, ideally near the center of
the rack or higher, with access to the host server and a power outlet.
If you plan to set the MSL2024 or MSL4048 Tape Library on a table in the tabletop conversion
cover, select a level area large enough to support both edges of the device with access to the host
server and a power outlet. Do not set the MSL8048 or MSL8096 Tape Library on a table or other
surface.
IMPORTANT: The MSL8048 and MSL8096 must be mounted in the enclosed rack rails. The
MSL2024 and MSL4048 must be mounted in the enclosed rack rails or in the optional tabletop
conversion cover. Placing the library on a surface, such as a table top or rack shelf, without the
tabletop conversion cover could result in library errors.
If installing the library with the library extender, determine the master and lower units, and install
them in adjacent rack locations, with the master library directly above the lower library. To install
the Extender, both libraries must be installed in the rack rails.
42 Installing the library