Using the I/O stations to insert data cartridges when virtual I/O slots are enabled

Follow this procedure to insert data cartridges using the I/O stations when virtual I/O slots are enabled.

About this task

Note: With the Advanced Library Management System (ALMS), you can use the Tape Library Specialist web interface to enable virtual I/O slots and make the host application operate as if the library has more I/O slots than actually exist. For details, refer toVirtual I/O slots and Enabling or disabling virtual I/O slots.

To use I/O stations to insert cartridges into the TS3500 tape library when virtual I/O slots are enabled, perform the following steps:

  1. When virtual I/O slots are enabled, physically seat the cartridges into the I/O station by using the same instructions as when virtual I/O slots are disabled (see Using the I/O stations to insert data cartridges when virtual I/O slots are disabled).
  2. After you have seated the cartridges, the library will automatically move them into storage slots. How each cartridge is assigned to a logical library varies, depending on whether the cartridge assignment policy and insert notification features are set. For additional details, see Figure 1.
  3. Refer to one of the following to virtually move the cartridges into the logical library:
    • Documentation for your host's application software.
    • See Figure 1, use the procedure for assigning cartridges to a logical library.
Figure 1. Scenarios for importing cartridges into the TS3500 tape library when virtual I/O slots are enabled
Using an I/O Station to Insert Cartridges when Virtual I/O Slots are Enabled

The states that a tape cartridge can be in (after you place it into the I/O station) as an exception to the normal import flow are listed below. As the library imports or exports cartridges, the states may display in the Element Address column of the Data Cartridges screen on the Tape Library Specialist Web interface.

Assignment Pending
The state that a tape cartridge is in after the operator places it into the I/O station and the library has not yet assigned it an Import/Export Element (IEE) address. The reason that an address may not yet be assigned could be that there are no IEE addresses available, either for this logical library or, in the case of a shared cartridge, across all logical libraries.
Export in Progress
The state that a tape cartridge is in after the operator selects a remove operation from the Tape Library Specialist Web interface and the cartridge is queued to be moved to the I/O station.
No Assignment Pending
The state that a tape cartridge is in when the operator places it in an I/O station, the cartridge accessor moves it into the library, the insert notification feature is enabled, and no logical library selection was made by the operator. When the cartridge is in this state, the operator must make a logical library assignment through the Tape Library Specialist Web interface.