Using the drive assignment web page

This section introduces the drive assignment web page of the TS3500 tape library, which is available through the Tape Library Specialist web interface. The page enables you to add or remove a drive from a library configuration. It also enables you to add, remove, and share drives in a logical library, and to change a control path.

By using the drive assignment page of the TS3500 tape library, you accomplish the following tasks:
  • Add new drives to a logical library. When you add a new drive to a library, it is marked as unassigned. When you view the Drive Assignment screen, the drive is displayed in the Unassigned column. You can assign the drive to any logical library that is of the same media type.
  • Remove drives. You can remove any drive to the Unassigned column.
  • View dedicated drives. You can display dedicated drives (drives that exist in one logical library or that are unassigned). These drives appear with blue table backgrounds.
  • Share drives. You can share drives in up to ten logical libraries. Drives can only be shared if they are not control paths and they do not contain a cartridge. These drives appear with gold table backgrounds.
  • Determine non-communicating drives. You can identify drive that is no longer communicating. These drives appear with gray table backgrounds.
  • Change control paths. All logical libraries must contain at least one control path drive. In a logical library, you can designate any empty, dedicated drive to become a control path drive. A drive that is loaded with a cartridge cannot become a control path until you remove the cartridge. Similarly, any drive that is a control path cannot be disabled until you remove the cartridge that it contains.
    Note: In order to increase the maximum number of cartridges to more than 6 887, logical libraries must use LTO Ultrium 4, 3592 E05, or later tape drives as control path drives. Ultrium 4 control path drives require a minimum code level of 97F0. For logical libraries with shuttle stations assigned, Ultrium 4 control path drives require a minimum code level of A480 and Ultrium 5 control path drives require a minimum code level of B170.
  • Detect gaps between drives in logical libraries. As you reassign drives among logical libraries, you may be creating gaps in the range of drive element addresses. If so, the Web screen displays the name of the affected logical library in yellow.

The sections that follow describe how to add and remove a drive to or from the physical tape library. For a logical library, they also describe how to add, remove, and share drives, and how to change a control path.