Paths

View status and configuration information for the paths that are defined to a tape library and its drives.

You can view the availability status of the paths. Each path represents a data and control path that connects a server to the library or to a drive that is assigned to the library. Paths represent a server's ability to access a library or drive through the device's special file. If the server cannot access a library or drive, the server automatically sets the associated path offline For more status and configuration information about paths, you can issue the QUERY PATHS command.

The following actions and status indicators are shown on the page:

Activity Log
Use the activity log pane to troubleshoot offline paths. When you select a row in the table, the activity log shows related messages that were issued about the selected path and its destination library or drive. In the activity log, hover over the message numbers to display documentation about the messages. Depending on the message, this documentation might include a detailed explanation of the message and suggested actions that you can take to resolve errors. To view more messages from the activity log, use the QUERY ACTLOG command.
Destination
The name of the library or drive that is the destination for this path.
Destination Type
Specifies whether the destination for this path is a library or a drive.
Device Path
Specifies the name of the device, also called a special file name, that corresponds to the drive or library. The source server uses the device path to access the library or drive.
Last Update
The date and time when the last update to the path occurred.
Online / Offline

The Offline action takes a selected path offline. When the path is offline, the destination library or drive is not available for server operations.

The Online action attempts to bring a selected path online. A path might be offline because the server detected that the destination library or drive was inaccessible. Sometimes, the server sets a path offline because of a temporary condition that is resolved without administrator action. If the destination library or device is accessible when you use the Online action, the path is brought online. If the server cannot access the destination library or drive, the path is not brought online. If the path cannot be brought online, determine the reason why the destination library or drive is inaccessible. To troubleshoot the problem, view the server messages in the Activity Log pane.

Source Server
The name of the server that is the source for this path.
Status
Specifies whether the path is online and available for use. The following states can be shown:
  • Normal status icon Online: The path is available for server operations. Data can flow between the source server and the destination library or drive.
  • Error status icon Offline: The path is not available for server operations. It was either put in this state by an administrator or by the server. An administrator might take a path offline before the administrator updates the destination library or drive. If the server is unable to access a defined library or drive, it takes the path offline. A library path might be offline because the tape device is powered off or because of a network problem. A drive path might be offline because of problems with the drive or the network.

    To determine why a path is offline, select the path's row in the table, and, in the Activity Log pane, review related server messages.