Data cable routing

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You can route the data cables (Fibre Channel or SAS) into the IBM® Diamondback tape library from above or below the frame. Once the cables enter the frame, you can route them along either side of the frame.

Above the frame

Figure 1 shows data cables routed down through the top of the frame. The cables for column three are routed down the left-side  1  of the frame. Cables for columns 2 and 3 are routed down the right-side  2  of the frame. There are hook-and-loop fasteners along the inside of the frame that you can use for cable management to reach the drives in the frame. Each drive has two  3  data port connections for network redundancy.

Figure 1. Cable routing from above the frame

Below the frame

Figure 2 shows data cables routed up through the bottom of the frame. The cables for column three are routed up the left-side  1  of the frame. Cables for columns 1 and 3 are routed up the right-side  2  of the frame. There are hook-and-loop fasteners along the inside of the frame that you can use for cable management to reach the drives in the frame. Each drive has two  3  data port connections for network redundancy.

Figure 2. Cable routing from below the frame

Climate-Controlled Diamondback

Cabling Climate-Controlled Diamondback

The Diamondback tape library is a sealed and insulated system designed to maintain a controlled internal environment for optimal tape drive and cartridge performance. To preserve this climate-controlled environment, all external cables entering the library frame—whether from the top or bottom—must pass through the designated foam inserts.

Foam inserts are engineered to maintain the seal of the library enclosure by preventing air leaks. They also ensure efficient cooling by keeping conditioned air inside the library, and protect system integrity by minimizing exposure to external contaminants such as dust and humidity.

Route all cables through the slits in the foam inserts provided at the top of the frame  1  and the bottom  2 . Do not leave gaps or remove foam sections. Verify that the foam fits snugly around each cable after installation.
Figure 3. Foam Inserts
Any gaps in the foam inserts compromise the insulation and climate control, which can lead to:
  • Increased internal temperature and humidity fluctuations.
  • If the foam inserts are missing, humid air enters the library. This forces the air conditioner to remove extra moisture, which can cause the condensate evaporator to overflow.
  • Higher energy consumption as the integrated air conditioner compensates for leaks.

Proper cabling practices are essential to keep Controlled-Climate Diamondback functioning efficiently and to ensure long-term reliability of your storage media.