Sun Microsystems StorageTek StreamLine SL8500, System Assurance Manual

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E24254-01 Chapter 1 Introduction 29
Introduction
■
Host Interface Connections
Host interface connections to the library uses TCP/IP protocol over an Ethernet
10/100-baseT physical interface.
Figure 17. TCP/IP Connections
The SL8500 library uses TCP/IP protocol over an Ethernet
physical interface to manage and communicate with the host
and library management applications. This interface enables
both:
• Open system platforms with ACSLS
• Enterprise-level mainframes with HSC
to connect to and communicate with the SL8500.
The HBC card is the library controller responsible for
coordinating all component operations within the library and
providing the interface connection with the host.
Connections:

There are two separate Ethernet connections on the HBC card
for host to library communications—Ports 2A and 2B.
• Port 2A provides the Dual TCP/IP connection—this is an
optional feature for SL8500 libraries.
• Port 2B provides the primary host connection—this is the
standard connection for SL8500 libraries.
Both ports comply with the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers standard–IEEE 802.3–for Ethernet
networks.

Both ports are capable of auto-negotiating the:
• Method of transmission
-
Half-duplex: Transmits data in just one direction

at a time
- Full-duplex: Transmits data in two directions
simultaneously
• Speed of the transmission
-
10Base-T: 10 megabits per second (Mbps)
- 100Base-T: 100 megabits per second (Mbps)
The other two Ethernet connections—Ports 1A and 1B—are
for library-to-library communications for the pass-thru ports.
Figure callouts:
1. HBC card (controller card)
2. Port 2B—primary TCP/IP host connection
3. Port 2A—secondary, dual TCP/IP host connection
4. Electronics control module