HP StoreEver MSL Tape Libraries - Manual (Page 22)

Figure 8 Configuration > System RMI page for an extended library with an MSL8096 master Library
and an MSL4048 lower Library
.
• Library LUN Hosted By Drive — Specifies the master tape drive for the extended library through
which the host system controls the extended library. The default is the lowest numbered tape drive
in the extended library. If an extended library has only one tape drive, it is the master drive for
the extended library. If an extended library has more than one tape drive, you may specify the
master. The number is the physical drive number.
• Library Mode — Specifies the library mode for the extended library. The default mode is Automatic.
The extended library supports three behavior modes: Random, Sequential, and Automatic. The
extended library automatically detects the required mode from the series of SCSI commands it
receives; however, you can also change the mode. Select the operating mode based on the cap-
abilities of the software controlling the tape cartridges.
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 may 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 de-
signed for standalone drives only.
When Extended mode is enabled, the extended library will only use the lowest-numbered tape
drive in the extended library.
The operator begins the sequence by loading the desired tape into the tape drive. When a tape
is unloaded, 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 further determine how tapes are loaded into the tape drive while in Sequential mode, you can
set the Loop and Autoload options.
Configuring and operating an extended library 22