VOLSER ranges

Volume serial (VOLSER) ranges are used to assign cartridges to specific logical libraries in the tape library.

Tape cartridges are identified by the VOLSER number on the bar code label that is affixed to each cartridge. The tape library uses VOLSER ranges to assign cartridges to one or more logical libraries. When you insert a cartridge into the library and its VOLSER is within a logical library's range, the cartridge is assigned to that logical library. For example, you create a logical library that is called LogicalLibrary1 for VOLSERs that range from ABC000 to ABC999 (a library of LTO drives). When you insert a cartridge with VOLSER ABC123, the library recognizes that VOLSER as belonging to the range and assigns it to LogicalLibrary1.

When the library detects a newly inserted, unassigned cartridge, it automatically reads the cartridge's VOLSER. Based on the import policy defined for the corresponding VOLSER range, the library then assigns the cartridge to the appropriate logical library—ensuring consistent and policy-driven organization of media.

If the VOLSER does not match any of the VOLSER ranges, the cartridge is available to be imported into any logical library of the same media type. The assignment is then determined by the first host application to import the cartridge.

Within a physical tape library, a maximum of 600 VOLSER ranges can be created between all logical libraries.

VOLSER ranges are created during the initial library configuration. However, you can create new, or modify existing, ranges using the REST API VOLSER ranges or from the VOLSER Ranges page in the management GUI .