HP StorageWorks DAT 40i, Getting Started Manual, Page: 7 / 50

3
Before you start
HP StorageWorks DAT models
This guide describes how to install and operate the following HP StorageWorks DAT internal
tape drive models:
• HP StorageWorks DAT 72
• HP StorageWorks DAT 40
Which operating systems are supported?
HP StorageWorks DAT drives can be connected to servers running under Windows®,
NetWare, UNIX, Tru64 and Linux. Refer to the “HP StorageWorks Tape Software
Compatibility” topic on our World Wide Web site (
www.hp.com/go/connect
) for more
information about the operating system versions that are supported.
How do I connect the drive to my server?
You will need a properly installed and configured SCSI host bus adapter (HBA) or a built-in
SCSI controller on your server. Your tape drive is attached to the SCSI bus of the host server
via a spare connection on the internal SCSI ribbon cable. The cable should be compatible
with low voltage differential SCSI (LVDS) and it should have a spare 68-pin, high density
(HD), wide SCSI connector. See “Checking the SCSI connection” on page 9. The cable must
be terminated, see “Step 6: Attach power and SCSI cables” on page 21.
Why is the SCSI bus type important?
The SCSI bus type determines the speed at which data can be transferred between devices on
the bus and the maximum length of cable that can be used. The drives support a burst transfer
rate of 40 MB/sec. To benefit from this level of performance, it is important to ensure that the
drives are connected to a SCSI bus of a similar or higher specification. This means that you
need:
•
An Ultra Wide, Ultra2 Wide, Ultra3 (160) or Ultra4 (320) SCSI bus. Ultra Wide SCSI
supports the maximum bus speed of 40 MB per second, Ultra2, Ultra3 and Ultra4 SCSI
exceeds this.
• LVD-rated SCSI cabling and terminators. The LVD interface enables the data to be
transferred at the drive's maximum rate.
If you attach the drive to a lower specification SCSI bus, it may still work but data will not be
transferred as quickly.
Note
The drives are not compatible with high voltage differential (HVD) SCSI devices.
The following guidelines apply:
• For optimum performance the drive should be the only device on the SCSI bus.
• Always terminate the SCSI bus.
• Do not attach the drive to the same SCSI bus as a your disk drive or to a RAID controller.
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