Random mode
: In Random mode, the device does not automatically load tapes into the tape drives; it waits
for commands from the software or operator to load and unload tapes. Random mode is used with a full
featured or a robotics-aware backup application and is the most common mode of operation. Your backup
software must support robotics, which might require an additional software module.
Sequential mode
: In Sequential mode, the device automatically loads and unloads tapes from the drive.
Sequential mode is used when the backup software is NOT robotics-aware or was designed for standalone
drives only.
In Sequential mode, the library will only use the lowest-numbered tape drive.
The operator begins the sequence by loading the desired tape into the tape drive. When a tape is unloaded
for any reason, the device automatically removes the tape from the drive, returns it to its original slot, then
loads the tape from the next available higher numbered slot.
To specify how you want tapes loaded into the tape drive while in Sequential mode, you can set the
Loop
and
Autoload
options.
• When
Autoload
mode is set, the device automatically loads the cartridge from the lowest-numbered full
slot into the tape drive. It then follows standard sequential operation. After configuring Autoload mode, you
must do one of the following for Autoload mode to take effect:
◦ Power cycle the device from the front panel.
◦ Reboot the device from the RMI Support > Reboot screen.
◦ Move the lowest-numbered cartridge to the drive before starting the backup application. If the mailslot
is enabled, the lowest cartridge location will be in the mailslot.
• When
Loop
mode is on, the original first cartridge in the sequence is reloaded after the device has cycled
through all available cartridges. If Loop mode is off and the last cartridge has been unloaded, the device
stops loading cartridges until you load another manually.
CAUTION:
Use caution when choosing Loop mode because it makes it possible to overwrite data on previously
written cartridges.
When a library is partitioned into logical libraries, each logical library operates as an independent library.
Thus, the library only loads tapes from the slots associated with one logical library into the tape drive
associated with that logical library; it will not load tapes from slots associated with another logical library. Only
the lowest-numbered tape drive in a multi-drive logical library will be used.
Automatic mode
: In Automatic mode, the device switches from Sequential mode into Random mode when it
receives certain SCSI commands. Automatic mode is the default setting.
Automatic cleaning
When auto clean is enabled, the tape library automatically loads a cleaning cartridge when a tape drive needs
to be cleaned. The library identifies a tape cartridge as a cleaning cartridge if it has a barcode label that starts
with CLN or after an unlabeled cleaning tape has been loaded into the tape drive.
The library can use a cleaning cartridge from any slot, even if the slot is reserved. The library keeps track of
the usage count for each of the cleaning cartridges. When multiple cleaning cartridges are available, the
library will first choose an unknown cleaning cartridge so the library can start tracking the cartridge usage
count. If the library knows the usage count for all of the cleaning cartridges, the library will choose the one
with the highest usage count.
Auto cleaning is disabled by default. You can enable automatic cleaning even if there are no cleaning
cartridges in the device. In this case, the device will display a warning message.
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Operating the library
