Configuring failover for the ESL G3 Tape
Libraries
Configuring data path failover
When basic data path failover is enabled, the drive is presented on the first drive Fibre Channel port, by
default, and the second Fibre Channel port is a passive port. If the primary port goes down, the library
transfers various settings over to the passive port and then enables the failover port. When advanced
path failover is enabled, the drive is presented to the host over both SANs and the host driver determines
the active path.
For increased fault tolerance, select two drives that have less common library infrastructure for the active
and passive control path drives. For example, if you choose drive 1 as the active drive, choose a passive
drive in another cluster or library module.
Library and tape drive prerequisites for basic data path failover
• The HPE StoreEver ESL G3 LTO-5/LTO-6 Ultrium Data Path Failover license is installed on the library.
• The host has a physical path to both the primary and secondary ports on the FC drive.
• The tape drive is an LTO-5 or LTO-6 Fibre Channel tape drive.
• The library is attached to a Fibre Channel SAN that supports NPIV.
• The drive port Fibre Channel topology is configured in Fabric mode.
• All paths to the Fibre Channel drive are accessible from the same HBA and all of the devices need to
be within the same zone.
• If Secure Manager is enabled, hosts that need access to the control path have robotics device access
to the first Fibre Channel port on both the active control path drive and the standby control path drive.
Library and tape drive prerequisites for advanced data path failover
• The HPE StoreEver ESL G3 LTO-5/LTO-6 Ultrium Data Path Failover license is installed on the library.
• The host has a physical path to both the primary and secondary FC drive ports.
• The tape drive is an LTO-6 Fibre Channel tape drives.
• Host drivers are configured on all hosts.
The hosts that do not have advanced path failover drivers will see the drives but will not be able to
write, read, or send move commands.
The advanced path failover drivers also support drives configured with basic path failover or without
failover configured.
•
If necessary, the library is configured for mixed failover environments.
• If Secure Manager is enabled, hosts that need access to the control path have robotics device access
to all Fibre Channel ports on both the active control path drive and the standby control path drive.
Configuring failover for the ESL G3 Tape Libraries
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