Using multiple logical libraries

The TS3500 tape library supports multiple libraries to share the physical library between applications, or to support mixed drive types for any application.

You can create multiple logical libraries by partitioning the library’s tape drives and tape cartridges into two or more logical libraries. Each logical library consists of:
  • Tape drives
  • Tape cartridges in storage slots
  • Tape cartridges in input/output (I/O) slots

Each logical library has its own control path. A control path is a logical path into the library through which a server sends standard SCSI Medium Changer commands to control the logical library. For frames that contain LTO tape drives and frames that contain 3592 tape drives, each logical library control path is available to servers through logical unit number (LUN) 1 of the first drive that is defined within that logical library. A LUN is a number used by a server to identify a drive.

In a TS3500 tape library with ALMS, a logical library can share the tape drives and storage slots of another logical library. The library also shares the I/O slots and the cartridge accessor on a first-come, first-served basis.

A frame that uses LTO tape drives can be partitioned into up to 12 logical libraries. A frame that uses 3592 tape drive can also be partitioned into up to 12 logical libraries.

Note: When naming logical libraries, developing an enterprise-wide library naming convention leads to easier management of the libraries. Go to Creating or removing a logical library or Changing the name of a logical library for more information.

Certain configuration prerequisites exist when using encryption in your library. For an overview of these rules, see Configuration prerequisites for encryption.

With automatic cleaning, cleaning cartridges are shared between logical libraries, so any appropriate cleaning cartridge is used to clean a drive in any configured logical library.