IBM TS3500 tape library
The IBM IBM TotalStorage 3584 Tape Library allows the use of the Linear Tape-Open (LTO) and Enterprise 3592 drive technologies within the same library. The TS3500 tape library was previously known and marketed as the IBM 3584 tape library, Machine Type 3584.
The IBM TotalStorage 3584 Tape Library provides tape storage solutions for the large, unattended storage requirements for today’s midrange and enterprise (z/OS and open systems) environments. This chapter covers only information relating to the TS3500 tape library attachment in an open systems environment. For more information about TS3500 tape library attachment to an IBM z Systems environment, see IBM TS3500 Tape Library with System z Attachment: A Practical Guide to Enterprise Tape Drives and TS3500 Tape Automation, SG24-6789.
Combining reliable, automated tape handling and storage, with reliable, high-performance IBM LTO Ultrium tape and 3592 drives, the TS3500 tape library offers outstanding retrieval performance with typical cartridge move times of less than 3 seconds.
The TS3500 tape library can be partitioned into multiple logical libraries. This feature makes it an excellent choice for consolidating tape workloads from multiple heterogeneous open systems servers. It also enables support for System z attachment.
The TS3500 tape library provides outstanding reliability and redundancy through the provision of redundant power supplies in each frame, an optional second cartridge accessor, control and Data Path Failover, and dual grippers within each cartridge accessor. Both library and drive firmware can now be upgraded non-disruptively; that is, without interrupting the normal operations of the library.
In physically constrained data center environments, the option to connect multiple library strings to create a shuttle complex greatly increases opportunities for growth, and the maximum cartridge capacity without the need for more tape drives. With the addition of high-density frames, it also greatly increases capacity without requiring more floor space.
The TS3500 tape library supports tape encryption on the following tape drives: IBM LTO Ultrium 7 (3588-F7A) tape drive, LTO Ultrium 6 (3588-F6A) tape drive, LTO Ultrium 5 (3588-F5A) tape drive, and IBM 3592 Model E tape drives. The IBM 3592 Model E tape drives include the TS1150, TS1140, TS1130, and TS1120. All three encryption methods are supported: application-managed encryption (AME), system-managed encryption (SME), and library-managed encryption (LME).
This chapter includes the following sections:
11.1 Product description
The TS3500 tape library (Machine Type 3584) is a modular tape library that consists of frames that house tape drives and cartridge storage slots. An individual library, or library string, consists of a single base frame and up to 15 expansion frames. This provides the ability to match system capacity requirements.
Table 11-1 lists the supported combinations of frames, tape drives, and their capacities.
Table 11-1 TS3500 tape library capacities
Models
Drives in frames
Maximum cartridges
Maximum capacity without compression
L52, D52, L53, and D53
Ultrium tape drives
6887
L53+15xD53
41322 TB
L22, D22, L23, and D23
3592 tape drives
6260
L23+15xD23
62600 TB (TS 1150)
25040 TB (TS1140)
6260 TB (TS1130)
4382 TB (TS1120)
1878 TB (J1A)
L22, L23, and S24 high capacity frame
3592 tape drives
15110 (3592
cartridge)1
151100 TB (TS1150)
60440 TB (TS1140)
15110 TB (TS1130)
10577 TB (TS1120)
4533 TB (J1A)
L52, L53, and S54
Ultrium tape drives
20087 (LTO cartridge)2
120522 TB
1 Reserve 1% of the slots per S24 frame for sufficient shuffle locations.
2 Reserve 1% of the slots per S54 frame for sufficient shuffle locations.
The extensive granularity of the TS3500 tape library configurations, its features, and its capacities match various client requirements.
The TS3500 tape library is an excellent choice for the following situations:
•Rapid growth in online storage requirements is being experienced.
•Tape libraries with software for automatic backup, archive, or fast-access tape operation are being considered to accommodate growth and reduce manual operations.
•IBM LTO Ultrium format tape is the existing standard drive or there is a need to use enterprise tape drives.
•An IBM tape solution requiring large cartridge capacity and fast data streaming transfer capability is being investigated.
•There are high-availability and reliability requirements.
In Figure 11-1, the left side shows the maximum configuration with 16 frames, and the right side shows the minimum configuration of a TS3500 tape library with a single L Frame. A maximum of 18 frames can be present if the High Availability (HA1) feature were installed because this configuration includes a left and right service bay for concurrent accessor maintenance.
Figure 11-1 Maximum and minimum IBM TotalStorage 3584 Tape Library configurations
A total of 13 frame models are supported in the current IBM TotalStorage 3584 Tape Library range. Each frame is identified by a three-character model number (L32, D32, L22, D22, L52, D52, L23, D23, D53, L53, S24, S54, and HA1), which describes the nature of the frame. Libraries are built of the following modules:
 
•Every library requires a base frame (model Lxx) to which optional expansion frames (model Dxx or model Sxx) can be added. Only one base frame is permitted in each library configuration.
•Base and expansion frames that support either of the following types:
 – LTO-7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 tape drives (Model x53, x52, and x32 frames)
 – IBM TS1150, TS1140, TS1130, TS1120, and 3592 J1A (Model x23 and x22 frames)
•An optional second accessor is made available through the addition of the Model HA1 frames.
Model Lxx and Dxx frames can be intermixed with each other and installed frame models. The minimum requirement is that there is one base frame in each library. The S24 can be attached to the tape library that has 3592 drives installed, and the S54 can be attached to the tape library that has LTO drives installed. L22 and D22 frames can be upgraded to the x23 frames, and L52 and D52 frames can be upgraded to the x53 frames. This provides investment protection and considerable flexibility in configuration and expansion.
 
Requirement: FC1700 and FC1701 are required when the library frame is not an L53, L23, or D53, D23 model frame. These are required for LTO Ultrium 7 (3588-F7A), LTO Ultrium 6 (3588-F6A), LTO Ultrium 5 (3588-F5A), TS1150, TS1140 tape drive, support for SC1 feature, and for any library with a capacity of more than 6887 storage slots. The feature codes provide the enhanced node cards that are required for the minimum version and level of firmware. The Fix Central website provides the latest level of code that is required for these features.
The following frame models are available:
•The TS3500 tape library Model L53 is a base frame that can be installed on its own or in combination with expansion frames. It can host up to 12 Ultrium tape drives and up to 287 IBM Ultrium Tape Cartridges.1
•The TS3500 tape library Model D53 is an expansion frame that can be used to provide an additional 12 Ultrium tape drives and a maximum of up to 440 storage slots (depending on the number of tape drives installed)1. Up to 15 expansion frames can be installed with a base frame.
•The TS3500 tape library Model L23 is a base frame that can be installed on its own or in combination with expansion frames. It can host up to 12 IBM 3592 tape drives and a maximum of up to 260 storage slots1.
•The TS3500 tape library Model D23 is an expansion frame that can be used to provide an additional 12 IBM 3592 Model E tape drives. It can also provide a maximum of up to 400 storage slots1. Up to 15 expansion frames can be installed with a base frame.
•The TS3500 tape library Model S24 is a driveless, high-density, storage-only expansion frame for up to 1000 3592 tape cartridges. Up to 15 expansion frames can be installed with a base frame. Advanced Library Management System (ALMS) is required for any library with a Model S24 Frame. This frame can optionally be configured as Service Bay B.
•The TS3500 tape library Model S54 is a driveless, high-density, storage-only expansion frame for up to 1320 Ultrium (Linear Tape-Open (LTO)) tape cartridges. Up to 15 expansion frames can be installed with a base frame. ALMS is required for any library with a Model S54 Frame. This frame optionally can be configured as Service Bay B.
•The IBM 3584 tape library Model HA1 is the high availability feature, which provides a second redundant accessor, and service bay features on the TS3500 tape library. This feature provides for the installation of the second library accessor that operates simultaneously with the first accessor and service mount requests in the TS3500 tape library. This feature configures two other frames, service bays, Service Bay A, and Service Bay B.
 
Important: The HA1 comes standard with service bay A and the last active frame becomes service bay B. If the user requires to keep the current capacity, a storage frame can be ordered and installed as the storage bay B. This frame can be any storage frame except a Lxx or HA1 frame.
In addition to the D-Frames, a 4 I/O station door is available on newly purchased D23 or D53 frames. A 4 I/O station door has four, 16 slot I/O stations for a total of 64 more I/O slots.
A maximum of three 4 I/O station doors is allowed per TS3500 tape library. This maximum configuration results in a total of 14 I/O stations. All 4 I/O station doors must be the same type (LTO or 3952) and no intermix is allowed. Feature Code (FC) 1451 must be ordered as a prerequisite when a 4 I/O station door is ordered. The following feature codes are available:
•FC1655: 64 Additional I/O Slots - LTO
•FC1656: 64 Additional I/O Slots - 3592
 
Important: In the TS3500 tape library, place only LTO Ultrium tape cartridges into Ultrium frames with black, Ultrium-supported I/O slots; place only 3592 tape cartridges into 3592 frames with gray-supported I/O slots.
11.1.1 TS3500 tape library frames for IBM LTO Ultrium Fibre Channel drives
The TS3500 tape library Models L53 and D53 integrate the LTO Ultrium 7, LTO Ultrium 6, and LTO Ultrium 5 (8 Gbps dual-port FC) tape drives. Ensure that you have the latest firmware installed for LTO Ultrium 7 support. The Model L53 Frame includes an enhanced Frame Control Assembly with two power supplies (for redundancy), an optimized dual-gripper cartridge accessor, on-demand storage slot capacity, and 16-slot I/O stations. The Model D53 Frame can be attached to any frame models.
TS3500 tape library Model L53
The L53 can be installed on its own as a complete library enclosure, as shown in Figure 11-2 on page 298, or it can have up to 15 expansion frames attached to it. This frame provides the major library components for the whole library, whether it has single or multiple frames. It also provides cartridge storage capacity for LTO media and can be equipped with IBM Ultrium 7, Ultrium 6, Ultrium 5, Ultrium 4, Ultrium 3, Ultrium 2, and Ultrium 1 tape drives. The expansion frames must be added to the right of the L53 frame.
Figure 11-2 TS3500 tape library L53 base frame view from front left
The number of LTO cartridge storage slots ranges 64 - 287. With the minimum configuration, 64 slots available for use, but the maximum of 287 slots is already physically installed. More slots can be added by enabling them through a license key.
The Intermediate Capacity feature (FC1643) gives a maximum total number of usable cartridge slots of 129. This feature is required to add a Full Capacity feature (FC1644), which gives the maximum capacity of 287 cartridge slots. The full capacity feature in turn is required to add an I/O slots feature (FC1658 for LTO drives or FC1659 for 3592 drives) or to attach an optional expansion frame. This feature gives a maximum data capacity for the L53 of 1722 TB native (up to 4305 TB with 2.5:1 data compression ratio).
Up to 12 IBM Ultrium drives can be installed. All generations of IBM Ultrium LTO tape drives can be installed in the same frame. As more than four drives are added or the other I/O station is installed, there is an incremental reduction in storage slots (see Table 11-2 on page 299). It is also possible to install the LTO FC Drive Mounting Kit (FC1514) in advance to simplify future tape drive installation, but it also reduces the number of available slots.
Table 11-2 L53 frame capacity
Type of Capacity-On-Demand expansion feature
Quantity of tape drives
+ drive mounting kits
Quantity of I/O slots
Quantity of storage slots
Entry
0–12
16
64
Intermediate
0–12
16
129
Full
0–4
16
287
Full
5–8
16
273
Full
9–12
16
261
Full
0–4
32
245
Full
5–8
32
231
Full
9–12
32
219
Each TS3500 tape library Model L53 has a standard 16-slot LTO cartridge I/O station for importing or exporting cartridges from the library without requiring reinventory or interruption of library operations. Optional features can provide 16 more I/O slots for LTO (FC1658) or 3592 media (FC1659). The lockable library door can be opened for bulk-loading IBM LTO Ultrium tape cartridges.
Reinventory of the cartridges is done in fewer than 60 seconds per frame each time that the library door is closed. A bar code reader that is mounted on the autochanger scans the cartridge labels at less than 1 minute per frame. A door lock is included to restrict physical access to cartridges in the library. A door open sensor is equipped to prevent accessor movement while the door is open.
TS3500 tape library Model D53
The D53 frame, as shown in Figure 11-3 on page 300, has the same footprint as the model L53. The D53 cannot be installed on its own. It must be connected to a library with a base frame and optionally multiple expansion frames. Up to 16 frames can be connected, as shown in Figure 11-1 on page 295.
If one or more tape drives are installed in the D53, the Enhanced Frame Control Assembly Feature (FC1451) is required with the LTO Fibre Drive Mounting Kit (FC1514). This feature provides the hardware and firmware that is required to support IBM LTO Ultrium drives within the D53 and also provides a redundant AC line feed for the L frame accessor. The Frame Control Assembly Feature also is required if the LTO Fibre Drive Mounting Kit (FC1514) is installed.
D53 frames can be easily configured according to future requirements. By installing the Enhanced Frame Control Assembly (FC1451), the D53 frame is ready to host LTO drives. The LTO Fibre Drive Mounting Kit (FC1514) prepares the drive slots for hosting an LTO drive. This enables LTO drives to be installed or moved without any other hardware changes.
Figure 11-3 TS3500 tape library Model D53 viewed from the right
With the installation of drives and Drive Mounting Kits, the storage slot capacity is reduced, as shown in Table 11-3.
Table 11-3 D53 frame capacity
Quantity of tape drives + drive mounting kit
Quantity of slots in frame
0
440
1–4
422
5–8
408
9–12
396
A fully configured TS3500 tape library with one L53 frame and 15 D53 frames supports up to 192 drives. An L53 base frame and 15 D53 expansion frames with a minimal drive configuration provides a maximum capacity of 6887 storage slots with a total capacity of 41322 TB without compression.
 
Important: If the L frame is not an L22 or L23, the first D frame of a mixed media library has one less storage slot to accommodate a diagnostic cartridge.
The base L23 or L53 is always on the left, and as many as 15 other D53 and D23 expansion frames can be added to the right side. During the installation of other D53 frames, the x-rail of the L frame is extended where the accessor is so that the accessor can move through the newly installed frame.
If a D53 is added to an installed L32 or D32 frame, FC1610 is required because the D53 is a shorter frame. This feature includes a short rear side cover for the Model D32/L32 frame and the Model D23/D53 front and rear side covers.
Another 16-slot I/O station for LTO media must be ordered through FC1658 if a D53 expansion frame is attached to an L23 base frame.
Up to three other 4 I/O station doors can be installed in the TS3500 tape library. FC1451 is a prerequisite when installing a 4 I/O station door. Figure 11-4 shows the 4 I/O station D-Frame. An LED status panel is in the upper-right corner. The LEDs represent the number of cartridges per I/O station and if the I/O station is locked. The I/O door has a total of 64 slots (16 slots per I/O station).
The 4 I/O station door reduces the frame storage slot capacity by 160 for a model D23 and by 176 for a model D53. The I/O stations increase the maximum library I/O station slots from 32 to 224 because of a maximum of three D23 or D53 I/O frames in the 16-frame library. The D23 and D53 models are compatible with existing models L22, L32, L52, D22, D32, and D52.
Figure 11-4 A 4 I/O station D-Frame
11.1.2 TS3500 tape library frames L23 and D23
The Model L23 and D23 frames integrate the TS1150 and TS1140 tape drive with an 8 Gbps dual-ported switched fabric Fibre Channel attachment, the TS1130 tape drive and IBM TotalStorage 3592 Tape Drive, with a 4 Gbps dual-ported switched fabric Fibre Channel attachment, and the IBM 3592-J1A tape drive. The TS3500 tape library Model L23 and D23 frames can be attached to LTO Frames. Therefore, IBM 3592 models E tape drives and LTO tape drives can be intermixed within the same TS3500 tape library.
The IBM 3592 models E tape drives that are used in the TS3500 tape library models L23 and D23 are for automation and use a tape cartridge with a form factor similar to the IBM 3590 tape cartridges. The 3592 tape drives have dual-ported 4 or 8 Gbps Fibre Channel interfaces. The TS1120 tape drive has a native data rate of up to 100 MBps. The TS1130 tape drive has a native data rate of up to 160 MBps. The TS1150 tape drive has a native data rate of up to 360 MBps. And the TS1140 tape drive has a native data rate of up to 250 MBps. The 3592 tape drives provide high levels of performance, functionality, and cartridge capacity supporting the 3592 tape format, including Write Once Read Many (WORM) media support.
IBM TS3500 tape library Model L23 Frame
The TS3500 tape library Model L23 Frame provides cartridge slots for 3592 media and support for up to 12 IBM 3592 tape drives with an incremental reduction of storage slots beyond four drives or with more I/O slots. This model has the same footprint as the model L53. The L23 can be installed on its own as a complete library enclosure, or up to 15 Model D23 or D53 frames can be attached to it. The library capacity and number of drives can be expanded to meet changing needs.
The L23 frame provides the major library components for the whole library, regardless of whether it has single or multiple frames. The expansion frames must be added to the right of the L53 frame.
The number of 3592 cartridge storage slots ranges 58 - 260. The minimum configuration provides 58 slots that are available for use, although all 260 slots already are installed. To enable the other slots for use (up to the total of 260), obtain another license key by ordering one of the following Capacity-on-Demand features:
•The Intermediate Capacity feature (FC1643) gives a total number of 117 usable cartridge slots. This feature is required to add a Full Capacity feature (FC1644), which gives the capacity of 260 cartridge slots.
•The Full Capacity feature (FC1644) is required to add an I/O slots feature (FC1658 or FC1659) or to attach the optional expansion frame models D23 or D53.
Up to 12 IBM 3592 tape drives can be installed. Adding more than four drives or drive mounting kits, or installing the other I/O station reduces the number of storage slots that are available for use (see Table 11-4). The 3592 FC Drive Mounting Kit (FC1513 or FC1515) for 3592 tape drives can be installed in advance, which simplifies future tape drive installation. This kit reduces the storage slots to the appropriate number and provides the power supply and necessary cables for installing a TS1150, TS1140, TS1130, TS1120, or 3592 J1A tape drive.
Table 11-4 L23 frame capacity
Type of Capacity-on-Demand expansion feature
Quantity of tape drives + drive mounting kits
Quantity of I/O slots
Quantity of storage slots
Entry
0–12
16
58
Intermediate
0–12
16
117
Full
0–4
16
260
Full
5–8
16
248
Full
9–12
16
237
Full
0–4
32
222
Full
5–8
32
210
Full
9–12
32
199
Each L23 has a standard 16-slot 3592 cartridge I/O station for importing or exporting cartridges from the library without requiring reinventory or interruption of library operations. Optional features can provide 16 more I/O slots for LTO media. The lockable library door can be opened for bulk-loading cartridges. Reinventory of the cartridges is done in fewer than 60 seconds per frame each time that the library door is closed. A bar code reader that is mounted on the cartridge accessor scans the cartridge labels in less than one minute per frame. A door lock is included to restrict physical access to cartridges in the library, and a door open sensor is equipped to prevent accessor movement while the door is open.
IBM TS3500 tape library Model D23 Frame
The Model D23 frame has the same footprint as the Model L23. The Model D23 cannot be installed on its own. It must be connected to a base frame and optionally other expansion frames. Up to 16 frames can be connected.
If one or more tape drives are installed in the D23, the Enhanced Frame Control Assembly Feature also is required (FC1451). This feature provides the hardware and firmware that is required to support IBM 3592 drives within the D23 and provides a redundant line feed for the L23 or L53 accessor.
D23 frames easily can be configured according to future requirements. By installing the Enhanced Frame Control Assembly (FC1451), the D23 frame is ready to host TS1150, TS1140, TS1130, TS1120, or 3592 J1A tape drives. The 3592 Fibre Channel Drive Mounting Kit (FC1513 or FC1515) prepares the drive slots for hosting a 3592 Model E tape drive. With this feature, 3592 drives can be installed or moved without any other hardware changes.
With the installation of drives or drive mounting kits, the storage slot capacity is reduced, as shown in Table 11-5.
Table 11-5 D23 frame capacity
Quantity of tape drives + drive mounting kit
Quantity of slots in frame
0
400
1 - 4
383
5 - 8
371
9 -12
360
A fully configured TS3500 tape library with one L23 frame and 15 D23 frames supports up to 192 drives. An L23 base frame and 15 D23 expansion frames with a minimal drive configuration provide a maximum capacity of 6260 storage slots, with a total capacity of 62600 TB without compression by using the TS1150 tape drive.
The base frame (model Lxx) is always on the left and as many as 15 other expansion frames (model Dxx or Sxx) can be added to the right side. During the installation of more D23 or S24 frames, the x-rail of the L frame is extended where the accessor is, so that the accessor can move through the newly installed frame.
If a D23 or S24 is added to an installed L32 or D32 frame, FC1610 is required because the D23 or S24 is a shorter frame. This feature includes a short rear-side cover for the Model D32/L32 Frame and the Model D23/D53 front and rear side covers.
If a D23 or S24 frame is attached to an L53 frame, the First Expansion Frame Attachment Feature (FC9002) for the L53 must be specified. Subsequent expansion requires the Additional Expansion Frame Attachment feature (FC9003).
More 16-slot I/O stations for 3592 media must be ordered by using FC1659 if a D23 or S24 frame is attached to an L53.
Feature code 1656, a 4 I/O station door, is available on newly purchased D23 frames. One 4 I/O station door has four 16 slot I/O stations for a total of 64 other I/O storage slots. Feature Code (FC) 1451 must be ordered as a prerequisite when a 4 I/O station door is ordered.
 
Important: If the L frame is not an L32, L52, or L53, the first D frame of a mixed media library has one less storage slot to accommodate a diagnostic cartridge.
11.1.3 TS3500 tape library storage-only frames S24 and S54
IBM TS3500 storage-only frame includes the Model S24 Frame and the Model S54 Frame. The TS3500 tape library Model S24 and S54 frames are high density (HD) version 1 storage only expansion frames compatible with existing TS3500 tape libraries and frames.
ALMS is required for Sxx storage-only frame support. For more information, see 11.6, “Advanced Library Management System” on page 351.
The TS3500 tape library Model S24 expansion frame is for 3592 data cartridges. Up to 15 Model S24 expansion frames can be added to the TS3500 Model L22 or L23 base frame to increase 3592 cartridge storage. Each Model S24 Frame supports up to 1000 IBM 3592 cartridge slots.
The TS3500 tape library Model S54 expansion frame is for LTO data cartridges. Up to 15 Model S54 expansion frames can be added to the TS3500 tape library Model L32, L52, or L53 base frame to increase LTO cartridge storage. Each Model S54 Frame supports up to 1320 LTO cartridge slots.
High-density technology
The depth of a cartridge location in an HD slot is known as the tier. The cartridge that is immediately accessible in the HD slot is a tier 1 cartridge. Behind that tier is tier 2, then tier 3, and so on. The maximum tier in an LTO HD slot is tier 5. The maximum tier in a 3592 HD slot is tier 4 because the 3592 cartridge is slightly longer than the LTO cartridge. The single HD slots on the door side of HD frames and in non-HD frames are referred to as tier 0 slots.
Figure 11-5 shows an exterior view of S24 frame. The S54 frame has a similar exterior view. The difference is that S54 has tier 5 slots inside for LTO cartridges.
Figure 11-5 S24 frame
Figure 11-6 shows the side view of the HD frame. The S24 frame supports up to 5 tiers (Tier 0 to Tier 4) with up to 200 IBM 3592 cartridge slots for each tier. The S54 frame supports up to 6 tiers (Tier 0 to Tier 5) with up to 220 IBM LTO cartridge slots for each tier.
Figure 11-6 S24 frame side view
Library configurations supported by HD frames
The HD frames support the following library configurations:
•Mixed media, LTO only, and 3592 only media in non-HA libraries
•Active frames in HA LTO only or 3592 only libraries
•Service bay B in HA LTO only or 3592 only libraries
•TS3500 tape library shuttle complex Model SC1 connection
The HD frames do not provide support for the following library configurations:
•Active frames in a HA mixed media library
•Service bay B in a HA mixed media library
Capacity on demand for HD frame
HD frames support HD capacity-on-demand, and slot capacity can be added non-disruptively to Sx4 frames. FC1645 provides on-demand activation of another 400 slots of capacity (Tiers 3 and 4) for Model S24. FC1646 provides on-demand activation of another 660 slots of capacity (Tiers 3, 4, and 5) for Model S54.
To support more than 6887 slots in an xx2 library with an Sx4 frame, all node cards in the library must be enhanced node cards. This requires an xx3 model conversion or the Enhanced Node Card feature (FC 1700 or 1701).
HD frame concept
Accessing any cartridge in Tier 2 or greater requires a shuffle operation. A shuffle is the process of moving cartridges in lower tiers into the gripper or other available slots to access cartridges in higher tiers (Tiers 2 or greater). Tier 2 cartridges only require a swap by using the dual grippers (assuming both grippers are usable).
To reduce the occurrence of shuffle operations and to take advantage of the typical repeated accesses of cartridges, the role of a cartridge cache is given to all single deep (Tier 0) slots in a library that contains HD slots.
Even with the concept of a cartridge cache, cartridges still need to be moved into HD slots (for example, cartridge insertions and cartridge cache destage operations). To improve the predictability of the performance penalty of shuffle operations, the library firmware load balances the placement across all HD slots in the library string. Furthermore, the library monitors for a specific fullness threshold at which predictability of performance cannot be maintained. It provides sufficient warnings to the user of this degraded state, for example, UI, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), or TapeAlert. The objective is for this threshold to be no less than 98% of the total physical capacity.
Because of the predictable tiered performance impact of cartridges in HD slots, the concept of a cartridge cache is introduced with the HD frame. The cartridge cache is all single HD slots in the library, whether door-side or drive-side in any frame. The cache is managed with a Least Recently Used (LRU) algorithm. The library firmware records the date and time of the most recent use (virtual or physical move) for each cartridge. Nominally (but with some exceptions), a cartridge that is unmounted from a drive is moved to a cartridge cache slot. When an empty cache slot is not available, the firmware compares the use data and performs an LRU cache destage move (from a cache slot to an HD slot). This LRU destage requires the use of an internal Exchange Medium command to swap the unmount cartridge with the cartridge to be demoted from cache.
Cartridges are in the frames where the appropriate drives that can process them are also located. The TS3500 tape library without HD frame operates in fixed-home cell mode, which means that the cartridges are returned to their home cell. The TS3500 tape library with HD frame operates in floating-home cell mode.
Performing an inventory
With the HD frame, the inventory process is performed by using one of the following methods:
•Inventory
•Inventory with audit
 
Note: Make sure that 1% of the slots are free on the S54 and S24 frame so there is sufficient shuffle locations for audit process.
Inventory
An inventory is the default method. An inventory operation includes a check to determine whether each cartridge storage slot in the library is empty or full, and a scan of the bar code labels. On an HD frame, the inventory only checks Tier 1 bar code labels, and checks only the other Tier labels if Tier 1 has changed.
An inventory occurs whenever the following conditions occur:
•The TS3500 tape library is powered on.
•The library is asked to perform an inventory on the library's operator panel.
•The front door is closed after manually accessing the inventory.
 
Important: The TS3500 tape library tracks the logical location of all of its elements by performing an automatic inventory as required. The automatic inventory improves application performance.
When the library performs an automatic inventory because the front door was closed, the inventory occurs only for those frames whose doors were opened.
The typical time that is required for the TS3500 tape library to inventory cartridges is less than 60 seconds per frame.
Inventory with audit
The process of moving cartridges in an HD slot to scan each bar code label is referred to as an audit. For all inventory operations, an HD slot is only audited when one of the following changes occurs:
•A Tier 1 cartridge bar code label has changed, which is detected during inventory; only the slots where the Tier 1 label has changed are audited.
•Enough Tier 1 bar code labels have changed in a column to warrant an audit of the entire column of HD slots.
•An audit is requested via the tape library Specialist Web interface.
 
Important: It is recommended that manual access of HD slots be limited to the initial bulk loading of the frame because of the time that is taken to complete a full inventory with audit.
The following typical time frames are required for the TS3500 tape library to audit cartridges:
•Less than 30 seconds per HD slot.
•Less than 10 minutes to audit a column of full HD slots in a Model S54 frame.
•Less than 8 minutes to audit a column of full HD slots in a Model S24 frame.
•Performing a full inventory with audit on an HD frame takes more than 45 minutes.
 
Important: If the inventory with audit includes column 9 of an HD frame at the end of a library string, the inventory might take another 3 - 6 minutes.
11.1.4 TS3500 tape library (3584) High Availability Unit HA1
The TS3500 tape library (3584) High Availability Frame Model HA1 can be added to the TS3500 tape library Base Frame models. With a service bay feature on the TS3500 tape library Model D23, S24, or L23, the Model HA1 provides for the installation and operation of a second library accessor. This library accessor operates simultaneously with the first accessor and service mount requests in the TS3500 tape library. It non-disruptively fails over to a redundant accessor when any component of either accessor fails, which helps maintain availability and reliability. This design also includes the ability to add one or more Model D53 or D23 frames to a TS3500 tape library that has an attached Model HA1 with minimal disruption.
Dual active accessor support is provided in a mixed media library, which includes any combination of 3592 and LTO Ultrium media types. For example, a single library can have 3592, Ultrium 7, Ultrium 6, Ultrium 5, Ultrium 4, Ultrium 3, Ultrium 2, and Ultrium 1 media installed and configured. ALMS is required for support of dual accessors and two or more media types. For more information, see 11.6, “Advanced Library Management System” on page 351.
When dual accessors are installed and an attached host issues a command for cartridge movement, the library automatically determines which accessor can perform the mount in the most timely manner. If the primary accessor of the library fails, the second accessor takes control and eliminates system outage or the need for operator intervention.
A dual accessor library has two garage areas called service bays (see Figure 11-7). When facing the front door, Service Bay A (the 3584 High Availability Frame Model HA1) is to the left of and next to the L-frame. Service Bay B (a modified TS3500 tape library Model D23 or D53) is to the right of the last active frame in the library.
The TS3500 tape library Model HA1 provides only a frame, which serves as Service Bay A for the original accessor for the TS3500 tape library Model Lxx. The second accessor is provided by ordering the Service Bay B Configuration and Dual Accessor feature (FC1440) on a TS3500 tape library Expansion Frame Model D23 or D53. When this feature is ordered on a Model D23 or D53, that expansion frame is reserved and functions as Service Bay B for the second accessor. This feature must be initially installed on a new Model D23 or D53 Frame that is added to the TS3500 tape library when the Model HA1 is ordered.
Consider a situation where the library already contains the service bays and it is decided to add one or more D23 or D53 expansion frames. In this case, Service Bay B is converted to an expansion frame, the new frame or frames are added to the right, and the last frame on the right is converted to Service Bay B. The downtime for this process is less than 1 hour.
The service bays are regular library frames. They do not have drives, and depending on the ordered configuration, they have no power supplies or node cards. Storage slots within the service bays are used only to test service actions. Figure 11-7 shows how the service bays surround the other library frames.
 
Important: Service bays that have power supplies must not be connected to power.
Figure 11-7 Location of service bays in the TS3500 tape library
Implementing nondisruptive accessor failover includes the following requirements:
•A 3584 Model HA1 Frame to act as Service Bay A
•High Availability Library feature (FC9040) for the Lxx frame
•Advanced Library Management System feature (FC1690)
•A D53 or D23 frame to operate as Service Bay B for the second accessor
•Additional expansion frame attachment (FC9003)
•Service Bay B Configuration with Accessor (FC1440)
Preferred zone
In a TS3500 tape library with dual accessors, accessor A provides access to the frames in the left half of the library and accessor B provides access to the right. The location of the drive that is specified for a mount or unmount dictates which accessor performs the operation.
For example, if the drive to be mounted is in frame 1 and a move command is issued for a cartridge in frame 16, the accessor for frame 1 (accessor A) performs the mount, rather than the accessor for frame 16 (accessor B). This is the default preferred accessor zone setting.
However, to optimize mount performance for one or more logical libraries, the TS3500 tape library offers the following options for setting the preferred accessor zone:
•Frame location
•Service bay A
These options enable an accessor zone to be selected to reduce the distance that the accessor must travel or the quantity of commands that are issued to an accessor.
The frame location option enables any frame to be specified in the library string as the zone boundary.
For example, if frames 1 - 4 contain 3592 tape drives and cartridges and frames 5 - 16 contain Ultrium tape drives and cartridges, the web interface can be used to specify frame 4 as the preferred zone for accessor A. Accessor A then performs operations for the 3592 tape drives while accessor B would perform operations for the Ultrium tape drives.
The service bay A option allows service bay A to be designated as the preferred zone for accessor A. This selection gives accessor A access to service bay A, while accessor B performs operations for the rest of the library string.
Preferred zone is set up by using the tape library Specialist Web interface
 
Important: Preferred zoning only applies to drive frames, which means that if all drives are in frame 1, 2, and 3 and preferred zoning is set at frame 4, the B accessor is never used because it has no drives to service. Correctly setting the preferred zones can improve drive mount performance.
11.1.5 TS3500 tape library shuttle complex (Model SC1)
The TS3500 tape library shuttle complex enables extreme scalability of over 300,000 LTO cartridges (or over 2250 PB of decompressed TS1150 data) in a single library image by supporting transport of cartridges from one TS3500 tape library string to another TS3500 tape library string. Application software that supports this new capability can move tape cartridges directly from its home logical library to the destination logical library. Shuttle connections span High-Density TS3500 tape library S24 or S54 frames from different TS3500 tape library strings. The TS3500 tape library shuttle complex supports new and existing TS3500 tape library installations and is particularly suited for High Performance Storage System (HPSS) environments.
 
Important: HPSS and Tape System Library Manager (TSLM) are the library management solutions that support the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex.
The shuttle complex consists of the following main components:
•TS3500 tape libraries with model SC1
•Library Management Software (HPSS or TSLM) with Shuttle Call System (SCS)
•Total Storage System Console (TSSC)
Table 11-6 lists the capacities of the supported combinations of frames, tape drives, and their capacities, including the extreme scalability of the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex.
Table 11-6 TS3500 tape library configurations including shuttle complex
Supported configurations
A library including these models
With these drives
Can contain this many cartridges 1, 2
And has this maximum native capacity 3
L5x, D5x, and S54
Ultrium tape drives
> 20 000
120 PB
L2x, D2x, and S24
3592 tape drives
> 15 000
150 PB
L5x, D5x, S54, and SC1
Ultrium tape drives
> 300 000
1800 PB
L2x, D2x, S24, and SC1
3592 tape drives
> 225 000
2250 PB
Notes:
1. All node cards in the library must be xx3-equivalent node cards. For xx2 models, this requires an xx3 model conversion or the enhanced node card feature (FC 1700 or 1701).
2. To increase the maximum number of cartridges to more than 6,887, or to support a shuttle complex, logical libraries must use LTO Ultrium 4, TS1120, or later tape drives as control path drives. To support more than 6,887 cartridges, and for logical libraries with shuttle stations assigned, it is important to check the minimum code levels that are required.
3. The maximum native capacity figures are based on library configurations with high density (HD) frames and all Ultrium 7 or TS1150 tape drives. In addition, the figures for libraries with Model SC1 (shuttle connection) are based on the maximum shuttle complex configuration.
Shuttle complex overview
To meet the needs of large data center archives that must store increasing amounts of data, the TS3500 tape library offers shuttle technology that enables flexible library growth on a z-axis. This growth flexibility, which is enabled by shuttle connections between HD libraries, allows a higher maximum capacity for a single library image of multiple TS3500 tape library strings. This flexibility also accommodates constrained data center layouts that do not have room to expand on the x-axis, and data centers with large archives that exceed the maximum cartridge count of an individual TS3500 tape library string.
Figure 11-8 on page 311 shows the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex, which illustrates the capability of moving tapes from one library string to another by bypassing the intermediate library strings in comparison to a traditional pass through method. The TS3500 tape library transports tape cartridges in shuttle cars that pass over the libraries. This method of transporting cartridges is called direct flight. With the direct flight capability, if there is no drive available in the home logical library, the cartridge is moved across a shuttle connection to a logical library with an available drive. This configuration of interconnected parallel library strings is called a shuttle complex.
Figure 11-8 TS3500 tape library shuttle complex advantage
As shown in Figure 11-9 on page 312, the shuttle complex consists of the following components:
1. Shuttle stations
The shuttle station mounts on top of an HD frame. It consists of a base pad and a shuttle slot. The shuttle slot docks into the base pad. When the shuttle slot is positioned all the way into the frame station, it can accept or deliver a cartridge. Each shuttle station has its own import/export element (IEE) address.
2. Shuttle span
One or more shuttle spans are linked together to form a shuttle connection between HD frames in parallel library strings. Shorter shuttle spans support distances between library strings ranging from 762 mm (30 in.) to 1 524 mm (60 in.). Longer shuttle spans support distances between library strings ranging from 1 524 mm (60 in.) to 2 743.2 mm (108 in.).
3. Shuttle Connection
A shuttle connection consists of one shuttle car, two or more shuttle stations, and one or more spans between these shuttle stations. Each shuttle connection supports one shuttle car.
4. Shuttle car (see Figure 11-12 on page 317)
The shuttle car is the mechanism that carries one tape cartridge through the shuttle connection to another library string. Each shuttle car carries one tape cartridge at a time.
Figure 11-9 TS3500 shuttle complex
Physical configuration of a shuttle complex
A shuttle complex consists of 2 - 15 parallel library strings that are interconnected with a combination of 1- 15 shuttle connections between HD frames. Each library string in a shuttle complex has access to one or more shuttle cars that each provide at least one direct route to each of the remote library strings. (At least two direct routes are recommended for redundancy.)
A shuttle complex supports library strings with varying numbers of frames to the left or right of each connection. A shuttle complex also supports shuttle connections with varying numbers of spans. This support enables flexible shuttle complex configurations to accommodate most data center arrangements (see Figure 11-10 on page 314) and is reconfigurable if room constraints change. It is required that the front doors of each library string in the shuttle complex face the same direction.
 
Important: Shuttle connections attach to shuttle stations that are mounted on HD frames.
Feature codes
The shuttle complex consists of the following model and feature codes:
•TS3500 tape library Model SC1:
 – Main hardware components include a shuttle station and the shuttle car.
 – New model with unique serial number.
•FC 1850: Short Span, gap 0.76 to 1.6m (30 - 63 in.):
This feature provides all hardware for starting or extending a shuttle connection. This feature includes one short span, one shuttle station, and one station management card.
•FC 1851: Long Span, gap 1.5 to 3.0m (60 - 105 in.):
This feature provides all hardware for starting or extending a shuttle connection. This feature includes one long span, one shuttle station, and one station management card.
•FC 1855: Shuttle complex service and install kit
This feature provides a ladder and all installation tools that are necessary to install a shuttle system.
•IBM Super Logo rear side covers
Clearance specifications for the shuttle complex
This topic provides the dimensions of a TS3500 tape library shuttle complex and assists with the calculation of the required clearances for access and service.
The clearance specifications for a TS3500 tape library shuttle complex vary depending on the selected configuration. The following factors must be considered when designing and installing a shuttle complex is designed and installed:
•Service and operator clearance around each library string in the shuttle complex
•Height of ceiling and ceiling-mounted appliances
•Fire-suppression system and position of ceiling-mounted sprinkler heads
Figure 11-10 on page 314 shows a shuttle complex of two parallel six-frame library strings. The star indicates the operator side of the library. As shown, the front doors of each library string in a shuttle complex must face the same direction.
As shown in Figure 11-10 on page 314, variable dimension A shows the width of the walkway between library strings. When the short span is ordered (feature code 1850), “A” can range from 762 mm (30 in.) to 1 524 mm (60 in.). When the long span is ordered (feature code 1851), A can range from 1 524 mm (60 in.) to 2 743 mm (108 in.). A tolerance of +/? 50 mm (2 in.) can be applied to the maximum dimension of the short span and the minimum dimension of the long span to allow for flexibility in space planning.
Dimension B shows the minimum height of the walkway between connected library strings. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the shuttle connection.
Variable dimension C shows the distance between shuttle connections. If shuttle connections are mounted on adjacent frames, the distance between them is 418 mm (16.5 in.). If there are more frames between shuttle connections, it is necessary to add 782 mm (30.8 in.) per interim frame to this figure to determine the distance between shuttle connections.
Dimension D shows the maximum height of the shuttle complex. This is the maximum distance from the floor to the top of a shuttle connection.
Figure 11-10 TS3500 tape library shuttle complex dimensions and clearances
To review and understand the physical requirements for the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex, see IBM System Storage TS3500 tape library with ALMS Introduction and Planning Guide, GA32-0593.
Logical configuration of the shuttle complex
A shuttle complex enables multiple TS3500 tape library strings to appear as a single library image to the host. Each library string is still its own SCSI library; however, a library manager application, such as HPSS, aggregates the multiple SCSI libraries into a single library image. This allows sharing of tape drive resources across multiple logical libraries in different library strings.
Each library string in a shuttle complex contains up to 192 logical libraries. Each shuttle station can be assigned to one logical library per library string or can remain unassigned. It is required that all shuttle stations on the same connection are assigned to logical libraries of the same media type. Shuttle stations are assigned to logical libraries through the TS3500 tape library web specialist interface.
Figure 11-11 shows the TS3500 tape library Shuttle System Architecture with four logical libraries.
Figure 11-11 TS3500 tape library shuttle system architecture
HPSS SCSI PVR interface to the Shuttle Call System
The HPSS SCSI physical volume repository (PVR) controls a library string of up to eight logical libraries. The HPSS SCSI PVR has at least one connection to, and knowledge of, the contents of each logical library in its configuration. Furthermore, the SCSI PVR is aware of the basic connectivity between logical libraries (HPSS requires all logical libraries to have a direct connection) through the Shuttle Call System (SCS) component, which is an API for managing and controlling shuttle connections. When movement across the shuttle is necessary, the HPSS SCSI PVR also can use the SCS component to make an exclusive connection between two shuttle-connected libraries that are available for the move. Once completed, the SCSI PVR can use SCS to release this exclusive connection and that shuttle connection can serve other requests.
Performance considerations
To move a cartridge from one library string to another, the cartridge is first placed in a shuttle car by the cartridge accessor. The cartridge is then moved across the shuttle connection and is removed by the cartridge accessor at the destination library. The time for the shuttle car to move from one library to the next varies based on installation distances, but is as low as 5 seconds in optimal configurations.
Mount performance and cartridge move time in a shuttle complex depends on the overall configuration of the complex, including the length of the shuttle connections and the location of the available drive. To maximize performance, the application should only use remote tape drives if all drives are full in the home logical library.
In addition, the application can further maximize performance in a shuttle complex by supporting a “floating home library” algorithm so that cartridges make one-way trips rather than round trips across shuttle connections. However, such an algorithm increases the need for customer monitoring for an imbalance of cartridges across libraries that can lead to a full, or nearly full, capacity use of a library string.
Prerequisites and dependencies
The following prerequisites and dependencies are needed for the installation of the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex:
•Sx4 frames (High-Density S24 and S54 frames)
•Library firmware level B5xx or higher on each library in the span:
 – Requires ALMS.
 – Requires FC 1700/1701 (enhanced node cards) for model xx2 frames.
•Shuttle car firmware should be S240 or higher. The most recent firmware level can be found at IBM Fix Central:
•TSSC:
 – TSSC is required with TS3500 tape library Model SC1.
 – Main user interface for installation and service.
•CETool 5.9 (5.11 recommended) or higher
•Library Management Software (for example, HPSS, TSLM) with Shuttle Call System (SCS)
Model SC1 components
The following components make up the TS3500 tape library Model SC1:
•Shuttle car (as shown in Figure 11-12 on page 317):
 – Cartridge tray supports LTO and 3592 cartridges.
 – Independent firmware image (not part of the library firmware image). The preferred method for updating shuttle car code is via the TSSC.
 – Maintains its own logging and is independent from library logs. The preferred method of downloading shuttle car logs is via the TSSC.
Figure 11-12 Shuttle car
•FIC panel and SMC card, as shown in Figure 11-13.
Figure 11-13 FIC panel and SMC card
•Shuttle station with SSC card, as shown in Figure 11-14.
Figure 11-14 Station with SSC card
•Shuttle station rails inside Sx4 frame, as shown in Figure 11-15.
Figure 11-15 Station tracks inside Sx4 frame
•Shuttle span and covers, as shown in Figure 11-16.
Figure 11-16 Span and covers
Figure 11-17 is a simplified diagram of the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex that shows the shuttle connection, shuttle span, and shuttle car that is connected between two library strings.
Figure 11-17 TS3500 tape library Model SC1 shuttle diagram
For more information about the physical requirements for the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex, see IBM System Storage TS3500 tape library with ALMS Introduction and Planning Guide, GA32-0593.
11.1.6 High Performance Storage System
High Performance Storage System (HPSS) is cluster-based software that manages petabytes of data on disk and robotic tape libraries. HPSS provides highly flexible and scalable hierarchical storage management that keeps recently used data on disk and less recently used data on tape.
HPSS uses cluster, LAN, or SAN technology to aggregate the capacity and performance of many computers, disks, and tape drives into a single data store of exceptional size and versatility. This approach enables HPSS to easily meet otherwise unachievable demands of total storage capacity, file sizes, data rates, and number of objects stored.
HPSS introduction
HPSS provides for overall management and access of many petabytes of data. It can concurrently access hundreds of disk arrays and tape drives for extremely high aggregate data transfer rates, thus enabling it to easily meet otherwise unachievable demands of total storage capacity, file sizes, data rates, and number of objects stored.
HPSS was used successfully for digital image libraries, scientific data repositories, university mass storage systems, and weather forecasting systems, and defense and national security applications.
HPSS is a Services Offering licensed and supported by IBM Global Business Services® in Houston, Texas. The contract documents (a Statement of Work and License Agreement) define the HPSS services and software provided by IBM.
A High Performance Computing (HPC) system needs a high performance storage system, and that is what HPSS offers. HPSS is installed in some of the greatest HPC systems worldwide, such as ORNL Titan, LLNL Sequoia, RIKEN K-Computer, ANL Mira, CEA Curie Thin Nodes, and NCAR Yellowstone.
HPSS is the result of the collaboration of the following institutions:
• IBM Global Services in Houston, Texas, US
• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Sandia National Laboratories
The collaborative development is important because the developers are users of the technology. So, their focus is on what is needed.
HPSS can provide an extremely scalable repository for content management software systems. HPSS can be used alone, with its own interfaces, or it can be used to provide space management and disaster recovery backup for the IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS).
HPSS technology
HPSS provides a disk and tape file repository, which uses Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM) technology with automatic migration and recall. A single instance of HPSS can concurrently access hundreds of tapes for extremely high aggregate data transfers, which make it highly scalable.
The HPSS users see it as a single UNIX file system. Its clustered architecture permits HPSS to scale horizontally almost without limits. This horizontal scaling is as easy as adding cluster components. HPSS architecture is shown in Figure 11-18.
Figure 11-18 HPSS architecture
HPSS moves data objects between high performance computers, disks, and tape libraries. Speeds are limited only by the underlying computers, networks, and storage devices. HPSS can manage parallel data transfers from multiple network-connected disk arrays at hundreds of MBps. These capabilities make possible new data-intensive applications, such as high definition digitized video at rates sufficient to support real-time viewing.
HPSS can harness the power of multiple computers into a single, integrated storage system. The computers that comprise the HPSS platform can be of different makes and models, yet the storage system appears to its clients as a single storage service with a unified name space.
HPSS was designed as a set of servers that perform specialized functions, such as name services, library management, device management, and migration. The Mover is a specialized server that provides low-level device and network access. In a large HPSS installation, there are many Movers. HPSS Movers turn ordinary disks and tapes into an efficient storage network with direct paths between Movers and Clients.
A central technical goal of HPSS is to move files between storage devices and parallel or clustered computers at speeds many times faster than today’s commercial storage system software products, and to do this in a way that is more reliable and manageable than is possible with current systems.
For more information about HPSS, see IBM System Storage Solutions Handbook, SG24-5250.
11.1.7 Tape System Library Manager
Tape System Library Manager (TSLM) software provides consolidation and simplification benefits in an open systems IBM TS3500 tape library environment.
TSLM provides a resource management layer between applications such as Spectrum Protect and the tape library hardware. Essentially, TSLM decouples tape resources from applications, which simplify the aggregation and sharing of tape resources.
TSLM can combine the capacity of multiple TS3500 libraries into a single reservoir of tape storage that can be managed from a single point, which allows more effective management, monitoring, and reporting of the use of tape storage resources for new and existing TS3500 systems.
IBM Tape System Library Manager is software that is designed to exceed today’s tape storage management challenges for various customers that are involved in High Performance Computing (HPC) environments, such as oil and gas exploration and genomic analysis, where dozens of tape libraries and hundreds of tape drives must be shared and managed to back up and archive petabytes of data at the lowest cost possible. IBM TS3500 systems with a shuttle connector, Tape System Library Manager, and IBM Spectrum Protect are the ideal solution for these customers.
Tape System Library Manager provides the following abilities:
•Enables clients with large tape environments, spanning multiple TS3500 tape libraries, to manage them as a single system consists of one or more pools of drives and cartridges.
•Enables IBM Spectrum Protect support for the TS3500 shuttle complex.
•Simplifies the creation and management of IBM Spectrum Protect tape drive paths to the TS3500 in the storage area network Consolidated mainframe-class media management services.
•Provides investment protection of tape drives and cartridges for customers that are using applications that are designed for the IBM 3494 tape library.
TSLM provides the following features:
•Centralized repository, access control, and administration
•Management beyond physical library boundaries:
 – Access multiple TS3500 libraries as a single TS3500 library image
 – TS3500 libraries can be separate or connected in a shuttle complex
•Dynamic sharing of resources across heterogeneous application boundaries
•Security features to permit or prevent application access to tapes:
 – Create common scratch pool and private pools for every application
 – Ensure secure use and visibility
•Policy-based drive and cartridge allocation
•Policy-based media-lifecycle management
•Spectrum Protect enhancements:
 – Simplify path management
 – Simplify device sharing
•Emulation of legacy 3494 library operation with TS3500 for applications that are designed for 3494
TSLM functions
TSLM provides the following functions:
•Media management
•Library management
•Library management for Connected Media Changer
•Drive management
Media management
Media management and sharing includes the following functionality:
•The ability to identify media based on external labels (such as bar codes).
•The ability to provide for media pooling; that is, the ability to create logical groupings of physical removable media to be used for various purposes.
•The ability to share pools or groups of removable media between multiple applications in a heterogeneous SAN environment.
•The ability to share the use of media cartridges between multiple applications (by using command queues).
Library management
Library management and sharing include the following abilities:
•Have an abstract interface to automated libraries and autochangers.
•Inventory the contents of a library under program control to determine which tape cartridges are contained within the library.
•Audit the contents of a library to ensure that the tape cartridges that the software currently believes are in the library are physically present.
•Share use of libraries between multiple clients in a heterogeneous SAN environment.
•Provide enhanced use and workload balancing of libraries.
Library management for Connected Media Changer
Library management and sharing for the Connected Media Changer is only for the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex and includes the following abilities:
•Discover shuttle connections in the shuttle configuration.
•Identify connected libraries that have a shuttle connection to a specific library.
•Use direct flight to shuttle cartridges from one library to another library.
Drive management
Drive management and sharing include the following abilities:
•Mount and unmount tape cartridges on tape drives.
•Provide a data access path for client applications to read or write from or to tape cartridges.
•Share use of drives between multiple clients in a heterogeneous SAN environment.
TSLM logical components
The main logical components of TSLM are shown in Figure 11-19.
Figure 11-19 TSLM logical architecture
Media Manager
The Media Manager (MM) is the central server component which, among other tasks, coordinates access to drives and cartridges, handles volume allocation and de-allocation requests, and stores a log of all activities. The MM uses a TSLM bundled (and constrained) version of IBM DB2 for persistent storage.
Library Manager
The Library Manager (LM) provides the MM access to library media changers. The LM reports all slots, tape drives, and cartridges to the MM, controls libraries on behalf of the MM, and encapsulates (that is, virtualizes) the library hardware. Because of this virtualization, new library hardware can be integrated into TSLM without any changes to an installed MM.
Library Manager for CMC (shuttle complex)
The Library Manager for Connected Media Changer (CMC LM) provides the MM with control of the TS3500 tape library shuttle complex. The CMC LM discovers shuttle connections and controls movement of cartridges from one library to another by using shuttle connections.
Host Drive Manager
The Host Drive Manager (HDM) reports all local device handles to MM, issues mount and unmount commands, checks the path before a cartridge is loaded, and reports statistical data to MM when a cartridge is unloaded.
Admin Console and command-line interface
The Admin Console offers a command-line interface (CLI) that enables configuration and administration of TSLM.
External Library Manager
The External Library Manager (ELM) serves as a management layer between Spectrum Protect and the TSLM Media Management software. It translates the Spectrum Protect External Media Management Interface (EMMI) API into commands of the IEEE 1244 Media Management Protocol that is understood by TSLM. The ELM executable file must be on the same server that runs the Spectrum Protect server for TSLM because the Spectrum Protect server directly runs the ELM executable file. The ELM executable file communicates with TSLM over a TCP/IP connection.
For more information about TSLM, see Tape System Library Manager Version 1 Release 1 User’s Guide, GA32-2208.
11.2 Library components
Figure 11-20 shows the major components of a TS3500 tape library Lxx frame.
Figure 11-20 TS3500 tape library showing major library components
The numbers in Figure 11-20 on page 325 highlight the following components:
1. Library frame
2. X-rail system
3. Cartridge accessor with optimized dual-gripper transport mechanism
4. Accessor controller
5. Cartridge storage slots
6. IBM LTO Ultrium tape drives or 3592 tape drives
7. Front door
8. Door safety switch
9. I/O stations
10. Operator panel and operator panel controller
Other important components, which are not indicated in Figure 11-20 on page 325, include the frame control assembly, the enhanced frame control assembly, and the patch panel.
11.2.1 Tape drives supported in the TS3500 tape library
This section describes the types of drives that can be installed in the 3584 tape library.
The LTO Ultrium tape drives and the 3592 tape drives are high performance, high capacity, data storage units that can be installed in the TS3500 tape library (3584). Up to 12 drives can be installed in each frame of the library, but the two types of drives cannot be mixed in the same frame. A drive can be identified by examining the logo on the front of the drive or by inspecting the label on the rear of the drive canister.
LTO Ultrium tape drives
The LTO Ultrium 7, LTO Ultrium 6, and LTO Ultrium 5 tape drives have 8 Gbps Fibre Channel connectivity. Check the latest firmware levels for support of the LTO Ultrium 7 drive in the TS3500 library.
When a cartridge is labeled according to proper IBM bar code label specifications, the last character of its volume serial (VOLSER) number indicates the generation of the media. For example, a cartridge with a VOLSER of 000764L7 is an Ultrium 7 cartridge. To enhance library performance, Ultrium 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 tape drives include speed matching, channel calibration, and power management. Speed matching dynamically adjusts the native (decompressed) data rate of the drive to the slower data rate of a server. Channel calibration customizes each read/write data channel for optimum performance. The customization enables compensation for variations in the recording channel transfer function, media characteristics, and read/write head characteristics. Power management reduces the power consumption of the drive during idle power periods.
For more information about these tape drives, see Chapter 2, “Overview of IBM LTO Ultrium tape drives” on page 43.
Important: When connecting Fibre tape drives to a Fibre HBA on the host server, ensure that the Fibre Channel Tape Support option is enabled on the Fibre HBA so that proper class 3 error recovery is performed on the Fibre Channel. For more information about how to set this option, see the HBA manufacturer.
IBM 3592 tape drives
IBM Total Storage 3592 tape drives include five generations of tape products: 3592 tape drive Model J1A, TS1120 tape drive, TS1130 tape drive, TS1140 tape drive, and TS1150 tape drive. The 3592-J1A and 3592-E05 were withdrawn from marketing and are not covered in this section.
IBM TS1130 tape drive
The IBM TS1130 tape drive (Machine Type 3592 Model E06) is the third tape drive generation of the IBM 3592 tape family. This generation provides higher capacity and performance compared to the predecessor 3592 Model E05. The TS1130 records in two new recording formats that support encryption and non-encrypted recording. Enterprise format 3 (EFMT3) represents the new non-encrypted recording format, and enterprise encrypted format 3 (EEFMT3) denotes the new encrypted recording format. With the new EFMT3 and EEFMT3 recording formats, the non-compressed capacity of the extended length MEDIA9 and MEDIA10 cartridges is increased from 700 GB to 1 TB.
The 3592 Model E06 is downward read compatible (n-2) to the 3592 Model J1A format (EFMT1) and is downward write-compatible (n-1) to the 3592 Model E05 formats (EFMT2/EEFMT2). All current media types are supported.
Host interfaces to System z and open platforms are maintained. The IBM TS1130 tape drive is supported by IBM 3592 Model J70 Tape Controller, the TS1120 Tape Controller (Model C06), and the TS7700 Virtual Engine by using 4 Gb dual port fibre cards. No support is available for the 3494 Model B10/B20 Virtual Tape Server. It allows for integration into the IBM 3494 tape library, the TS3500 tape library, a stand-alone rack, and the Oracle Silo.
The TS1130 tape drive provides the following cartridge capacity:
•1000 GB (1 TB) with JB or JX media
•640 GB with JA or JW media
•128 GB with JJ or JR media
When writing in E06 mode, the data rate of TS1130 tape drive depends on the following cartridge type that is used:
•160 MBps with JB or JX media
•140 MBps with JA, JJ, JR, or JW media
The TS1130 tape drive can read and write the 3592-E05 format. Compared to the TS1120, which provides a native data rate of up to 100 MBps, when writing in E05 format, the TS1130 achieves the following data rates:
•150 MBps with JB or JX media
•140 MBps with JA, JJ, JR, or JW media
With the E05 format, the TS1130 provides the same cartridge capacities as the TS1120. The TS1130 can reformat 3592-J1A and TS1120 media to TS1130 and TS1130 media to TS1120.
For more information about this tape drive, see 3.7, “IBM TS1130 tape drive” on page 154.
IBM TS1140 tape drive
The IBM TS1140 tape drive (Machine Type 3592 Model E07) is the fourth tape drive generation of the IBM 3592 tape family. This generation provides higher capacity and performance compared to the predecessor 3592 Model E06. The TS1140 records in two new recording formats that support encryption and non-encrypted recording. Enterprise format 4 (EFMT4) represents the non-encrypted recording format, and enterprise encrypted format 4 (EEFMT4) denotes the encrypted recording format. With the new EFMT4 and EEFMT4 recording formats, the non-compressed capacity of the extended length Media11 and Media12 cartridges is increased from 1 TB to 4 TB.
The TS1140 tape drive does not support emulation. It reads data in EFMT2/EEFMT2 (896 tracks on 16 channels), EFMT3/EEFMT3 (1152 tracks on 16 channels), and EFMT4/EEFMT4 (2176 tracks on 32 channels) and only writes EFMT3/EEFMT3 and EFMT4/EEFMT4 format with compatible IBM 3592 tape cartridges.
 
Note: The TS1140 tape drive cannot read nor write by using type JA, JJ, JR, or JW cartridges.
The TS1150 E08 tape drive has a dual-port 8-Gbps Fibre Channel interface for Fibre Channel attachment to host systems or a switched fabric environment.
Host interfaces to System z and open platforms are maintained. The IBM TS1140 tape drive is supported by IBM 3592 Model C06 Tape Controller, IBM 3592 Model C07 Tape Controller, and the TS7700 Virtual Engine by using 8 Gb dual port fibre cards. It allows for integration into the TS3500 tape library and a stand-alone rack.
The TS1140 tape drive provides the following cartridge capacity:
•4000 GB (4 TB) with JC or JY media (Media11 and Media12)
•1600 GB with JB or JX media (Media9 and Media10)
•500 GB with JK media (Media13)
The native data rate for the TS1140 tape drive is up to 250 MBps.
The TS1130 and TS1140 Tapes Drives feature an Ethernet port for use by an IBM Service Support Representative for procedures such as updating Licensed Internal Code or viewing drive status.
For more information about this tape drive, see 3.6, “IBM TS1140 tape drive” on page 143.
IBM TS1150 tape drive
The IBM TS1150 tape drive (Machine Type 3592 Model E08) is the fifth tape drive generation of the IBM 3592 tape family. This generation provides higher capacity and performance compared to the predecessor 3592 Model E07.
The TS1150 records in two new recording formats that support encryption and non-encrypted recording. Enterprise format 5 (EFMT5) represents the nonencrypted recording format, and enterprise encrypted format 5 (EEFMT5) denotes the encrypted recording format. With the new EFMT5 and EEFMT5 recording formats, the noncompressed capacity of the extended length Media11 and Media12 cartridges is increased from 4 TB to 7 TB and MEDIA 14 and 15 cartridges to 10 TB.
The TS1150 tape drive does not support emulation. It reads and writes data only in EFMT4/EEFMT4 (2176 tracks on 32 channels) and EFMT5/EEFMT5 (5120) tracks on 32 channels) with compatible IBM 3592 tape cartridges.
 
Note: The TS1150 cannot read or write to a JA, JW, JJ, JR, JB, or JX media.
The TS1150 E08 tape drive has a dual-port 8-Gbps Fibre Channel interface for Fibre Channel attachment to host systems, or a switched fabric environment.
The TS1140 tape drive provides the following cartridge capacity:
•IBM Enterprise Advanced WORM with data media (JZ, JD), a capacity of 10 TB
•IBM Enterprise Advanced WORM with data media (JC, JY), a capacity of 7 TB
•IBM Enterprise Economy Data media (JZ), a capacity of 2 TB
•IBM Enterprise Economy Data media (JK), a capacity of 900 MB
The native data rate for the TS1140 tape drive is up to 360 MBps in E08 format.
The TS1150 and TS1140 tapes drives feature an Ethernet port for use by an IBM Service Support Representative for procedures such as updating Licensed Internal Code or viewing drive status.
For more information about this tape drive, see 3.5, “IBM TS1150 tape drive” on page 125.
11.2.2 Library control systems
A library control system is required for a library to operate. Conventional libraries, such as the IBM 3494, use a single library controller that handles all of the different inputs and controller output commands. The TS3500 tape library uses a system of distributed embedded controllers, each with its own processor.
Controller Area Network
The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a serial bus system that complies with ISO Standard 11898. Developed originally for passenger cars, CAN is used in millions of industrial control devices, sensors, and actuators. Features of the system include simplicity and high transmission reliability.
In the TS3500 tape library (3584), the CAN bus communicates with all the node cards. A CAN bus features the following functions:
•Broadcasts communication from the Access Controller Card (ACC) to all node cards.
•Provides point-to-point communication between the controller nodes.
Node cards
The TS3500 tape library contains controller cards, which are referred to as Node cards. There are four types of Node cards in a TS3500 tape library. Although some might appear to be more than just a card, they are called Node cards because they function much like nodes on a LAN. They all communicate with each other by sending messages over the CAN bus.
The four node cards are in different locations. The operator panel controller is directly on the operator panel. The accessor and MDA cards are attached to the accessor. The MCA is above the drives, as shown in Figure 11-21.
A distributed control system has the following advantages:
•Improved reliability:
 – Reduces single points of failure.
 – Smaller field-replaceable unit (FRU) components.
•Simplified library repair
Functionality is isolated to a single area of the library.
•Easier upgrades:
 – Power and communication wires are required for distributed components.
 – Modular design for a “building block” approach.
•Better performance than a single library controller.
Each major library component has its own processor.
Medium Changer Assembly or Media Changer Pack
Depending on the TS3500 tape library frame model and configuration, the frame contains a Media Changer Pack (MCP) (model x32, x22, x52) or a Media Changer Assembly (MCA) (model x23/x5).
In the rear of an LXX and DXX frame, this card controls powering up, handles all communications to the drives with RS-422, and communicates with the rest of the cards by using the internal Controller Area Network (CAN) in the library. It has a serial interface for Call Home and two Ethernet interfaces: one interface to connect to the tape library Specialist web interface (Port A) and one interface for the TS3500 System Console (TSSC), (Port B), as shown in Figure 11-21.
Figure 11-21 also shows the physical difference between an MCA and an MCP. The enhanced model of MCP with two Ethernet ports is shown.
Figure 11-21 MCA and MCP
Port A is used to connect to a user’s management network for web management of the TS3500 tape library.
Port B can be used for TSSC attachment to provide the Call Home feature of the TS3500 tape library, which is described in 11.3.2, “Remote support” on page 341.
The Call Home feature retrieves library and drive logs (and other pertinent information) and saves them to the IBM Remote Technical Assistance Information Network (IBM RETAIN) where they can be examined for failure and maintenance analysis. In the past, this task was done by using an analog modem that was attached to a serial port or by using an Ethernet port in a second frame that was connected to the TSSC. The second frame was necessary because the TSSC required a private network that was separate from the client network. The dual Ethernet ports of the MCA and new model MCP make the Ethernet port in a second frame unnecessary. Ethernet cables to the MCA or MCP can be routed through the top or bottom of the frame.
Up to five web sessions can be established to the tape library specialist by using one physical Ethernet port. If there are multiple Dxx frames, a connection per frame can be added.
 
Important: An MCP or MCA node card is installed on all DXX frames with drives installed.
Operator Panel Controller
The Operator Panel Controller (OPC) node card is in the front door of an LXX frame and has the following functions:
•Directly operates the I/O station lock solenoid and monitors the I/O station sensors.
•Performs all the front panel operations, including displaying status, which performs manual operations.
•Contains a backup of the library configuration, calibration, VPD, error logs, and inventory.
•Contains the real-time clock.
Accessor Controller Card
The Accessor Controller Card (ACC) node card is the controller for the accessor mechanism. This node card is on the side of the accessor assembly and each accessor assembly has one. This controller has the following functions:
•Contains the master copy of the library configuration, calibration, VPD, error log, and inventory.
•Provides high-level control of all cartridge movement by issuing commands to the Motor Drive Assembly (MDA), when left-to-right (X axis) and up/down (Y axis) motion is required.
•Directly operates the pivot mechanism, grippers, calibration sensor, and bar code reader.
•Controls redundant 37 v dc power within the entire library.
Motor Drive Assembly
The Motor Drive Assembly (MDA) node card has several functions that are related to the
X axis, Y axis, and home sensors. It is on the accessor assembly. Each accessor assembly has one and includes the following functions:
•Directly controls the X axis and Y axis servo motors.
•Performs the X axis and Y axis rezero functions when commanded by the ACC.
•Contains the dynamic brake card, the XY controller, and the XY motor amps.
•Triggers the bar code scanner, allowing high-speed inventory3.
•Controls fine movement by the accessor as directed by the ACC.
Enhanced Frame Control Assembly
The Enhanced Frame Control Assembly is an improvement over the previous frame control assembly that is found in model L32, D32, LX2, and DX2 because it incorporated a 2N redundant power design and fewer components than the original frame control assembly.
The Enhanced Frame Control Assembly has two redundant power supplies, which are fed directly by independent dual AC power cords. The assembly is constructed with hot-swappable, redundant parts, which (along with the dual ac power cords) remove the possibility of a single part causing failure. If one power supply fails, the remaining power supply provides all of the power to all elements of the library.
The Enhanced Frame Control Assembly comes standard with models L23, D23, L53, and D53. Dual AC power cords are standard on these models and do not have to be ordered separately.
11.2.3 Operator interface
The operator interface, which is on the front of the LXX frame (see Figure 11-2 on page 298), provides a set of indicators and controls that enables an operator to perform operations and determine library status. The panel (as shown in Figure 11-22 on page 332) consists of the library power switch, a power-on indicator, power switch door (L53 and L23 frames only), a touch-sensitive panel LCD and controller, and the controller for the I/O station. The operator panel controller is inside the library behind the operator panel (10 in Figure 11-20 on page 325). It is a logic card that facilitates communication between the operator panel and the accessor controller. The operator panel controller posts status and information about the sensing and locking of the I/O station to the operator panel LCD.
The operator panel touch-sensitive LCD consists of the touch keys area and the activity panel as shown in the expanded area of Figure 11-22 on page 332. The activity panel shows a Ready message on the touch-sensitive panel when the library is ready (that is, when host applications can interact with the library). The first line on the panel shows the current level of library firmware and the panel number. The left field on the second line indicates that the library is ready, not ready (not interacting with host applications), or initializing. The right side field indicates the status of one or more I/O stations. The activity panel also shows the current activity in a large font and provides a history of preceding operations in a smaller font. Operations are listed from top to bottom, with the most recent operations at the top. The activity window automatically shows an error message when an error condition is detected. For more information, see 11.9, “Specifications” on page 358.
Figure 11-22 Operator panel
Security can be enabled on the operator interface. The operator panel is then password-protected, and a time interval can be set. A timeout period can be specified that, when exceeded, causes the operator panel to lock.
11.2.4 Robotic cartridge accessor
The cartridge accessor is the assembly that moves tape cartridges between storage slots, tape drives, and the I/O station (3 in Figure 11-20 on page 325). The accessor assembly moves horizontally through the library frames by using a rail system (2 in Figure 11-20 on page 325). It uses the top and bottom rails.
The accessor assembly consists of an optimized dual gripper (4 in Figure 11-20 on page 325 and in more detail in Figure 11-23 on page 333) mounted on a vertical pole. The gripper can move up and down vertically and rotates to access cartridge slots on the back walls and front doors of the library frames. In libraries that mix drive types, the optimized dual grippers can house both Ultrium and 3592 tape cartridges. Thus, if one gripper fails, another gripper acts as a backup to process a cartridge. The enhanced gripper is designed for the HD frame. A bar code reader is mounted on the accessor and can scan the cartridges in one frame in less than 1 minute.
Figure 11-23 TS3500 tape library accessor assembly
X-axis and Y-axis motion assemblies
The X-axis and Y-axis motion assemblies include a controller (circuit board) for the Controller Area Network interface, servo motor, pinion drive gear, and lead screw. These assemblies provide the motive force to move the accessor side to side (on the X-axis) and up and down (on the Y-axis). The controller part of this assembly is referred to as the MDA, as shown in Figure 11-23.
Pivot assembly
The pivot assembly provides a mounting platform for the gripper mechanism and the bar code reader. This assembly supports 180-degree rotation around the vertical axis, as shown in Figure 11-23.
Optimized dual gripper
The electromechanical, optimized dual gripper device (mounted on the pivot assembly), gets or puts cartridges from or to a storage slot, tape drive, or I/O station.
The gripper is independently controlled and can grip a single cartridge. Two grippers are on the pivot assembly (Gripper 1 and Gripper 2), as shown in Figure 11-23. The gripper that is installed in L5X or L2X can handle LTO and 3592 tape cartridges. It can be changed without any tools and was redesigned to eliminate weak points, therefore improving its lifetime. The cartridge presence sensor also was simplified. The original gripper in L32 must be replaced by ordering feature support (FC1608) to handle LTO and 3592 media.
 
Tip: The gripper that is installed in L5X or L2X can handle LTO and 3592 tape cartridges, which provide gripper redundancy in a mixed LTO/3592 library.
Many libraries offer support for different drives and media, such as LTO, digital linear tape (DLT), or Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT). Typically, they use a universal gripper for cartridge handling. Clam shell grippers are a common design approach. This universal gripper might decrease performance and reliability, because a “catch-all” gripper cannot be optimized for each media type. The LTO (and the 3592) cartridge was designed with automation in mind, and IBM was a key player in this effort. The cartridge contains automation handling features, such as the notches that are shown in Figure 11-24. The TS3500 tape library gripper takes advantage of the handling features and uses hooks to handle the cartridge. This approach offers significant performance improvements (as described in 11.4, “Performance” on page 349) and is more reliable than a catch-all gripper.
Figure 11-24 TS3500 tape library gripper
The use of a dual-gripper accessor reduces the time taken to move cartridges in the library and can improve overall performance on large libraries. It also increases redundancy and reliability. Library functions are controlled by host application software. To use the dual gripper function, the software must be able to use two grippers simultaneously. If it does not, the library functions as though it had only a single gripper. If only one gripper is used at a time, the library periodically switches between both grippers to balance use.
Enhanced gripper for the HD frame
The enhanced gripper for the HD frame has minor changes to the current gripper design. The current aluminum gripper plate is replaced by a plastic mold, as shown in Figure 11-25 on page 335. The HD gripper is a requirement if an Sx4 (HD) frame is installed. The gripper has motors that enable the gripper to put tapes into the different tier of the HD frame.
Figure 11-25 HD gripper
Bar code reader
The bar code reader scans the bar code on a label that is attached to a cartridge, or at the rear of every storage slot (which indicates an empty storage slot). The bar code reader is mounted on the pivot assembly, as shown in Figure 11-23 on page 333, and is used during inventory process, audits, I/O insertions, and inventory updates. The inventory is updated whenever the door is opened, and it determines whether cartridges were added to, removed from, or moved within the library.
Because all storage slots have empty storage cell labels, the library can easily and quickly recognize whether there is a labeled cartridge or an empty storage slot in every location. This detection eliminates the need to reread or manually intervene in storage cells if no label is readable. Without this approach, the library cannot differentiate between a slot that is unlabeled, badly labeled, or empty.
Calibration sensor
The calibration sensor provides a means to locate certain positions within the library precisely during the calibration operation. The calibration sensor is mounted on the underside of gripper 1. (For the optimized dual gripper, the sensor is mounted on the top of gripper 2.) All positions are calculated from these locating positions. Calibration occurs because of a service action or when the library firmware detects a change in the library.
11.2.5 Rail assembly
The cartridge accessor moves through the library on a rail assembly (2 in Figure 11-20 on page 325). The system consists primarily of a main rail assembly, support rail, and a trough for the power and control cable. The main rail assembly includes a main bearing way with a rack gear. Its support rail is an L-shaped rail that runs along the top of the frames and provides smooth transport for the cartridge accessor. The power and control cable is kept clear of the accessor in a covered trough at the bottom rear of the library.
11.2.6 Library-centric WWNN convention
Every device in a storage area network (SAN) environment uses a unique worldwide node name (WWNN) for identification in the SAN. In a conventional library, if the drives are swapped, the WWNN also is changed. Therefore, the SAN and the server must be reconfigured. If persistent binding is used on the server, a server restart also is necessary.
The TS3500 tape library assigns the WWNs to the drive slots. This technique is referred to as library-centric worldwide names. Every potential drive slot is assigned a unique worldwide name (WWN). If a drive is replaced, the new drive gets the same WWN as the old drive. The name is controlled by the MCA. Because of this library behavior, the position of the drive can be easily identified in the library by the WWNN. The last 2 digits represent the location of the drive in the library. The last digit indicates the drive row, starting from 1, and the second to last digit indicates the frame, counting from 0. The remaining digits are encoded with the vendor ID and the library-specific data, ensuring that every drive has a unique WWNN.
Figure 11-26 shows the drive WWNs in a TS3500 tape library.
Figure 11-26 Drive WWNs of a TS3500 tape library
11.2.7 Control path failover
Alternative path support, which is available for AIX, Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, and Microsoft Windows hosts, configures multiple physical control paths to the same logical library within the device driver. It also provides automatic failover to an alternative control path when a permanent error occurs on one path, which is not apparent to the running application.
For example, consider a simple multipath architecture connection that consists of two host bus adapters (HBAs) in a host that is connected to a library with two or more drives, as shown in Figure 11-27. Two drives have the control ports enabled. The two HBAs are connected to the first and second control port drives. This simple configuration provides two physical control paths to the library for redundancy if one path from an HBA to the library fails.
Figure 11-27 Redundant control paths to the library controller
When the server boots up, each HBA detects a control port to the library, and two medium changer devices (smc0 and smc1) are configured. Each logical device is a physical path to the same library. However, an application can open and use only one logical device at a time, smc0 or smc1.
Without the device driver alternative pathing support, if an application opens smc0 and a permanent path error occurs (because of an HBA, cable, switch, or drive control port failure), the current command to the library fails. It is possible to initiate manual failover by changing the device path to the alternative path (smc1), but operation is manual, and the last failing command must be resent.
When the alternative pathing support is enabled on smc0 and smc1, the device driver configures them internally as a single device with multiple paths. The application can still open and use only one logical device at a time (smc0 or smc1). If an application opens smc0 and a permanent path error occurs, the current operation continues on the alternative path without interrupting the application.
Activation of the Control Path Failover is done by entering a license key at the library operator panel. Control path failover is provided by an optional FC1680 for Lx2 frame models and requires the use of the IBM device driver. For Lx3 models, Control Path Failover and Data Path Failover are available with the optional Path Failover feature (FC1682).
11.2.8 Data Path Failover
Data Path Failover and load balancing support native Fibre Channel Ultrium and IBM 3592 tape drives in the TS3500 tape library by using the IBM device driver. Data Path Failover is now supported for AIX, Linux, HP, Solaris, and Microsoft Windows hosts. Load balancing is supported for AIX, Linux, and Solaris. For more information about support and implementation, see IBM Ultrium Device Drivers Installation and User’s Guide, GA32-0430.
Data Path Failover provides a failover mechanism in the IBM device driver so that multiple redundant paths can be configured in a SAN environment. If a path or component fails, the failover mechanism provides automatic error recovery to try the current operation again by using an alternative, preconfigured path without stopping the current job in progress. This feature improves flexibility in SAN configuration, availability, and management.
When a tape drive device that is configured with alternative pathing across multiple host ports is accessed, the IBM device driver automatically selects a path through the HBA that has the fewest open tape devices. It assigns that path to the application. This autonomic self-optimizing capability is called load balancing. The dynamic load balancing support optimizes resources for devices that have physical connections to multiple HBAs in the same machine.
The device driver dynamically tracks the use on each HBA as applications open and close devices and balance the number of applications by using each HBA in the machine. This feature can help optimize HBA resources and improve overall performance. Further, Data Path Failover provides autonomic self-healing capabilities similar to Control Path Failover, with not apparent failover to an alternative data path if a failure occurs in the primary host-side path.
Data Path Failover and load balancing for Linux and Solaris are provided by an optional feature (FC1681) for Lx2 models. Data Path Failover is included in the Path Failover feature (FC1682) for Lx3 models, which include Control Path Failover.
Data Path Failover and load balancing support for AIX or for IBM 3592 tape drives do not require this feature.
11.3 Tape Library Specialist Management Interface
By using the web UI of the TS3500 tape library, operators and administrators can manage storage devices from any location in an enterprise. The TS3500 Tape Library Specialist enables direct communication with a TS3500 tape library and provides a full range of user, operator, and administrator tasks, which can be run remotely.
Firmware for the library and drives can be updated non-disruptively if the web UI is used. Non-disruptive library firmware updates require that a library control path with an LTO-3, 4, 5, or 6 tape drive is used. LTO-1 and LTO-2 drives receive a SCSI Reset command during the firmware installation.
The Management Interface (MI) can be opened on any device with a network connection into the same management network, and with a web browser that meets the following minimum specifications:
•Internet Explorer 5.0 (or higher)
•Firefox 1.0 (or higher)
•Opera 2.5 (or higher)
The IP address of the TS3500 tape library is entered into the address bar of the browser.
An example of the system summary page of the MI is shown in Figure 11-28.
Figure 11-28 TS3500 tape library MI system summary
 
Important: Depending on the firmware version and frame models of the TS3500 tape library, some options might appear as they do in Figure 11-28.
11.3.1 Reliability
The TS3500 tape library offers high availability and reliability. Most essential components are redundant. (These components were described in 11.2, “Library components” on page 325.) The TS3500 tape library includes the following high-availability features and components:
•Redundant grippers
A failure of one gripper causes the library to switch to a second gripper.
•Redundant accessors (Optional):
 – A second library accessor operates simultaneously with the first accessor to service mount requests
 – They non-disruptively fail over to a redundant accessor when any component of either accessor fails
•Redundant library and drive power
A single frame library contains one redundant power supply in the Enhanced Frame Controller, which provides power to the library robotics and the tape drives. The power requirements are distributed evenly over both power supplies under normal operating conditions, failing over to a single power supply if required.
•Redundant control and data paths:
 – Any LTO drive can be used as a library control path
 – Automatic Control Path Failover is available for AIX, Solaris, Red Hat and SUSE Linux, Microsoft Windows, and HP-UX
 – Data Path Failover is available for AIX, HP-UX, Red Hat and SUSE Linux, Solaris, and Microsoft Windows
•Redundant copies of vital library data:
 – The data includes configuration data, calibration data, and setup data
 – One node card contains the primary copy. Another node card contains a backup copy
 – The backup and restore process is automated
•Redundant copies of library firmware:
 – Each node card contains the firmware for every other processor card
 – Component replacement is simplified
 – Each node card contains two copies of operational firmware
 – It protects the library from potentially harmful firmware update disruptions
 – It helps reduce the risk of memory failures
•Closed loop servo systems:
 – These systems include horizontal motion, vertical motion, pivot motion, gripper extend, and retract motion
 – Each servo system uses feedback
 – Velocity and position are monitored
 – These systems allow higher performance (as shown in Table 11-8 on page 349), and knowing the velocity and position allows greater control
 – Closed loop is more reliable
 – Collisions and gripper damage can be avoided by monitoring position and velocity
11.3.2 Remote support
Optional remote support is available for the TS3500 tape library through its Call Home capability. The Call Home feature uses a modem connection and a master console to report failures that are detected by the library or a tape drive. Whenever a failure is detected, Call Home sends detailed error information to an IBM Support Center. Qualified Support Specialists analyze the Call Home data and decide whether an action is required as a result of that Call Home data. The library also might periodically send support information (such as configuration, library and drive code versions, and error logs) to IBM.
The Call Home feature of the TS3500 tape library has the following different, but related, capabilities:
•Problem Call Home
If the TS3500 tape library or one of its drives detects a problem, the library performs a Call Home operation to create a Problem Management Record (PMR) in the IBM RETAIN system. The information is transferred to IBM for analysis of the problem.
•Heartbeat Call Home
On a scheduled basis (once a week or one hour after a code update is completed), the TS3500 tape library sends home (to IBM) the following files:
 – A Machine Reported Product Data (MRPD) file
 – A library error log file
 – A drive error log file
The MRPD file contains information about the machine (library). This information includes the number of frames and drives, the model and serial number of each frame, the type and serial number of each drive, and the code version of the library and each drive. It also includes any machine-detectable features, such as other I/O stations and capacity expansion.
Remote support through a modem
Optional remote support is available for the TS3500 tape library through its Call Home capability through a no-charge feature (FC2710), which permits a single tape library with Call Home capability to have remote support, as described in 11.3.2, “Remote support” on page 341.
Remote support through the IBM TS3000 System Console
IBM TS3000 System Console (TSSC) is a service tool that provides many service and support functions from a centralized location. These functions include error initiated problem reporting, remote services including remote monitoring support, and wellness checking, which are beneficial to the user and the service representative.
TSSC includes the following main benefits:
•Remote support enablement
•Reduced telephone line charges
•Faster data offload via broadband call home through Electronic Customer Care (ECC)
•Reduced repair costs
•Improved serviceability
•Better proactive maintenance
IBM TSSC can provide remote support for as many as 24 Removable Media Storage System (RMSS) product frames, or 43 unique attached tape systems.
The TS3500 tape library includes the following remote support capabilities:
•Call Home problem reporting capability with staged, error-specific data gathering for support.
•Ability to defer certain types of Call Home activity to specific business hours.
•Automatic archival of log files for most attached tape systems for subsequent support reference.
•Connectivity to RETAIN.
•Housing service information centers for service representatives.
TSSC provides the focal point for local service activities within the data center. The TSSC is attached via 100 Mbps private Ethernet network to each RMSS frame or tape system, which allows for many service functions to be performed at the console. The TSSC provides the following local service configuration tools and applications:
•Ability to telnet to multiple tape systems and simultaneously perform multiple service tasks from the TSSC.
•Graphic user interface for tape system and tape drive service diagnostic utilities.
•Ability to broadcast control unit and tape drive code images to tape systems for subsequent activation from the TSSC.
•Diagnostic tools for verifying communications with attached systems.
•Graphical interface for monitoring the health of the systems, managing the firewall rules of the TSSC, configuring call home rules and settings, and using network tools.
FC2722 provides the enhanced rack-mountable TSSC, an Ethernet switch, and a cable and connectors for connection of one machine to an IBM supplied modem to enable remote enhanced service. Feature FC2732 provides a 1-U server, keyboard, display, mouse, and Ethernet switch. TSSC includes a console upgrade previously provided as feature FC2719 (memory upgrade to 2 GB total RAM and a second Ethernet card).
Figure 11-29 shows the rack-mountable TSSC.
Figure 11-29 Rack-mountable TSSC system console
To perform an ECC Call Home operation through a system console, the TS3500 tape library sends Call Home information across a private Ethernet connection to the system console. The system console then performs the ECC Call Home operation and sends the information to IBM RETAIN across a private Ethernet network to the master console.
The master console then performs the Call Home operation by one of the following methods:
•Using a modem and analog telephone line.
•Using Ethernet and a VPN connection through the user network.
Call Home through modem
After the data is collected by the TSSC, it sends the information to IBM RETAIN through the modem connection of the TSSC. Figure 11-30 shows the flow of data in a configuration in which a single master console is supporting multiple Call Home-capable tape libraries.
Figure 11-30 Flow of data from a master console supporting multiple libraries
Call Home over Internet
After the data is collected by the TSSC, it sends the information to IBM RETAIN over an outbound Ethernet connection to the user network (see Figure 11-30).
All outbound traffic is limited to HTTP, HTTPS, and DNS information. All service-related data is communicated by using HTTPS and therefore, is encrypted. The data that is exchanged between the attached systems and RETAIN is service-related data. The protocol that is used is specific to this application and not publicly available.
 
Important: The TS3000 system console uses the following ports: HTTPS: Port 443, HTTP: Port 80, and DNS: Port 53. The network firewall must be configured to allow for network traffic from the TSSC that is using these ports.
On the first data exchange of each transmission, RETAIN validates that the calling system is entitled to service. If the calling system is not validated, it is disconnected.
For remote support through a system console, the TS3500 tape library needs a minimum of two Ethernet ports: one attached to the network for use by the administrator and one attached to the private system console network for remote support. New frame models L23 and L53 provide two Ethernet ports per frame so no other features are necessary. Frame models L22, L32, and L52 require an Lx3 model conversion or the enhanced node card feature (FC 1700) to support the dual Ethernet port requirement. The library feature code 9217 provides an Ethernet cable for the remote support connection from the TS3500 tape library to a system console.
 
Important: When the TS3500 tape library is in an environment that includes a system console, IBM recommends that the library perform the Electronic Customer Care (ECC) Call Home function through the system console instead of through a direct modem connection.
11.3.3 Monitor and report
The following TS3500 tape library facilities are available:
•SNMP
•Storage Management Initiative Specification (SMI-S)
•IBM System Storage Productivity Center
•Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) support
•Command-line interface (CLI)
SNMP
Occasionally, the TS3500 tape library might encounter a situation that must be reported, such as an open door that causes the library to stop. Because many servers can attach to the TS3500 tape library by different attachment methods, the library provides a standard TCP/IP protocol called Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). SNMP sends alerts about conditions (such as an opened door) over a TCP/IP LAN network to an SNMP monitoring server.
These alerts are called SNMP traps. By using the information that is supplied in each SNMP trap, the monitoring server (with the client-supplied software) can alert operations staff about possible problems or operator interventions that occur. Many monitoring servers can be used to send email or pager notifications when they receive an SNMP alert.
The monitoring server must be loaded with Systems Management software that can receive and process the trap, or the trap is discarded. SNMP trap support does not provide a mechanism for the operator to gather more information about a problem or to query the library about its status.
If the Systems Management software includes an SNMP compiler, interpretation of SNMP traps might not be needed, but the Management Information Base (MIB) of the library is required. The MIB contains units of information that specifically describe an aspect of a system, such as the system name, hardware number, or communications configuration.
For more information about interpreting an SNMP trap or the use of SNMP MIBs to monitor the TS3500 library, see IBM TotalStorage 3584 Tape Library Operator Guide, GA32-0468.
SMI-S support
The SMI-S is a design specification of the Storage Management Initiative (SMI) that was started by the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA). The SMI-S specifies a secure and reliable interface that allows storage management systems to identify, classify, monitor, and control physical and logical resources in a SAN.
The SMI-S Agent is the IBM implementation of the Common Information Model (CIM). The CIM is an interface standard in the enterprise storage network environment that enables interoperability for hardware and software products that might come from different manufacturers. The CIM provides common protocols and data models that storage product manufacturers can use to ensure ease of use and manageability of the storage network environment.
An embedded SMI-S agent is no longer provided with, or supported by, the TS3500 tape library. However, it is still possible to use a proxy SMI-S Agent for Tape on a separate Linux machine or to enable SNMP messaging as an alternative to SMI-S.
The TS3500 tape library also provides detailed information about activity during the last 24 hours in four files that can be downloaded by using the web UI. For more information, see 14.4, “Preferred practices” on page 402.
System Storage Productivity Center
The IBM System Storage Productivity Center is a suite of storage infrastructure management tools. These tools can help reduce the complexity of managing the storage environments. They simplify and automate storage tasks that are associated with storage systems, storage networks, replication services, and capacity management.
System Storage Productivity Center supports the TS3500 tape library. System Storage Productivity Center centralizes the management of complex and heterogeneous storage environments, including IBM enterprise storage systems and vendor-acquired storage systems. System Storage Productivity Center provides a graphical user interface and utilities to configure these devices and enhancements to provide a broader set of management functions.
For the TS3500 tape library, the System Storage Productivity Center has the following features:
•System Storage Productivity Center TapeManager displays the physical entities of the TS3500 tape library.
•The TS3500 tape library CIM Agent is embedded, and no extra CIM Agent is needed.
•The single sign-on (SSO) feature requires a centralized user and group repository, such as an LDAP-compliant directory, that all participating applications can access.
The System Storage Productivity Center offers the following support:
•Helps centralize the management of storage infrastructure from a single interface by using role-based administration and SSO.
•Provides a single management application with modular integrated components that are easy to install. Also provides common services for simple, consistent configuration and consistent operations across host, fabric, and storage systems.
•Manages performance and connectivity from the host file system to the physical disk, including in-depth performance monitoring and analysis of SAN fabric performance.
•Manages the capacity use and availability of storage systems, file systems, and databases.
•Monitors, manages, and controls (zone) SAN fabric components.
•Automates capacity provisioning of file systems.
•Monitors and tracks the performance of SAN-attached SMI-S compliant storage devices.
•Manages advanced replication services (Global Mirror, Metro Mirror, and IBM FlashCopy®) on disk systems.
The System Storage Productivity Center can help perform the following tasks:
•Manage the capacity use of storage systems, file systems, and databases.
•Automate file system capacity provisioning.
•Perform device configuration and management of multiple devices from a single user interface.
•Tune and proactively manage the performance of storage devices on the SAN.
•Manage, monitor, and control the SAN fabric.
System Storage Productivity Center is a single integrated solution to help improve storage management and performance. It combines the assets, capacity, performance, and operational management that are traditionally offered by separate Storage Resource Management, SAN Management, and Device Management applications into a single platform.
For more information about how to install, configure, and use IBM System Storage Productivity Center, see the following publications:
•Read This First: Installing the IBM System Storage Productivity Center, GI11-8938
•IBM System Storage Productivity Center Introduction and Planning Guide, SC23-8824
•IBM System Storage Productivity Center Documentation CD, SCD7-1477
•IBM System Storage Productivity Center User’s Guide, SC27-2336
These publications are available in the IBM Publication Center at this website:
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol support
LDAP is the industry standard Internet Protocol that provides centralized user account management. By enabling LDAP, existing user accounts that are on an LDAP server can be integrated into the account management subsystem of the library for the current user. User account information is centralized and shared by different applications, which simplifies user account management tasks.
The library supports the Microsoft Active Directory LDAP server. Windows Services for UNIX 2.5 is required for this support. User password schemes must be encrypted by using UNIX cryptography. In addition, user names (uid) and passwords (user password) must be created by using lowercase characters to be compatible with the library.
For LDAP users with user privileges, access to the logical libraries of the library is determined by group assignment on the LDAP server. Groups must be created on the LDAP server with names that correspond to the logical library names of the library. Users with user privileges must be assigned to these groups on the LDAP server to have access to the corresponding logical libraries on the library. LDAP users with administrative privileges have access to all logical libraries and administrative functions and do not need to be assigned to logical library-related groups on the LDAP server.
Command-line interface
The TS3500 tape library CLI (program) can be used to access the TS3500 tape library from a CLI. This program is in addition to the TS3500 Tape Library Web Specialist User Interface. The TS3500 tape library CLI is oriented to the open system platforms.
For more information about the TS3500 tape library CLI, see 14.2.3, “Command-line interface” on page 391, and the TS3500 tape library Command Line Interface website at:
11.3.4 Adding and removing cartridges
Cartridges can be inserted into the TS3500 tape library by using one of two methods.
The first method is to insert cartridges through the I/O station (see Figure 11-2 on page 298) on the front door of the Lxx frame of the TS3500 tape library. With this method, cartridges can be inserted or removed from the library enclosure without interrupting library operation. The I/O station is controlled by the host application software that uses the library or from the operator panel. Insertion of cartridges into the I/O station alerts the application software, which registers the other cartridges and their status in its database and instructs the accessor to move the new cartridges into library slots. The slot location of each cartridge is held in the host application software database. For more information about how to insert cartridges, see IBM TotalStorage 3584 Tape Library Operator Guide, GA32-0468.
The second method to insert cartridges is to open the front door of a frame and bulk load the cartridges directly into empty storage slots. When the door is closed, the library performs a cartridge inventory operation, which determines whether each cartridge storage slot in the frame is empty or full and scans the cartridge bar code labels. When the library performs an automatic inventory in this way, the inventory occurs only for those frames whose doors were opened.
 
Attention: It can take up to 60 seconds per frame for cartridge inventory.
Removal of data cartridges can be performed by using host application software and through the tape library specialist or the operator panel. For more information about how to remove cartridges, see IBM TotalStorage 3584 Tape Library Operator Guide, GA32-0468.
11.4 Performance
The performance capability of a tape library solution depends on the individual bandwidth capability of the drives and data bus and the speed of the robotic handling. The degree of importance for each of these elements depends on the quantity of the data that is transferred during one operation. For example, when large files (larger than 800 MB) are red or written to tape, the data rate of the tape drive is the overriding contributor to the speed of the operation. However, for reading or writing many small files (25 MB or less) to different tapes, the cartridge move and load times become the overriding contributor.
11.4.1 Elements that contribute to high-performance capabilities
Many elements contribute to high performance, as described in the following sections.
Library bandwidth
The bandwidth of the TS3500 tape library that is shown in Table 11-7 relates to the drive performance that is described 2.3.2, “LTO performance” on page 74. Compressed drive performance can be calculated by assuming a compression ratio of 2:1 for LTO tape drives.
Table 11-7 TS3500 tape library bandwidth
Tape drives
LTO Ultrium 5 native
LTO Ultrium 6 native
LTO ULtrium 7 native
TS1130 native
TS1140 native
TS1150 native
72
36.3 TB/hr.
41.5 TB/hr.
77.7 TB/hr.
42.2 TB/hr.
64.8 TB/hr.
93.3 TB/hr.
192
96.8 TB/hr.
110.6 TB/hr.
207.4 TB/hr.
110.6 TB/hr.
172.8 TB/hr.
248.8 TB/hr.
 
Cartridge move time
Move time is the time that is required for the cartridge accessor to pick a cartridge from a random slot, move the cartridge to a drive, pivot (if required), and insert the cartridge into the drive. In a single-frame TS3500 tape library, the typical time to move a cartridge from a cartridge storage slot to a tape drive, for example, is less than 2.7 seconds. For a six-frame configuration, this rate increases only to 3.8 seconds. For the maximum 16 frames, the average move time is still only 6.2 seconds, as shown in Table 11-8. For maximum performance, as demonstrated in Table 11-8, drives must be centrally located and as close together as possible. The table does not apply to libraries that contain dual accessors.
Table 11-8 Library performance without dual accessor
Library configuration
Average move times with all drives in frame 1
Average move times with all drives in a central frame
One frame
2.7 seconds
 
Two frames
2.6 seconds
 
Four frames
3.3 seconds
2.9 seconds
Six frames
3.8 seconds
3.3 seconds
Eight frames
4.4 seconds
3.7 seconds
Twelve frames
5.3 seconds
4.3 seconds
Sixteen frames
6.2 seconds
4.7 seconds
Mount throughput
Mount throughput is a measure of the overall capability of the cartridge accessor and tape drives. It is the number of cartridges that the tape library can mount in 1 hour. A mount is often called the mount/demount cycle. It involves removing the cartridge from a drive, returning it to its storage slot, collecting another cartridge from a random storage slot, moving it to the drive, and loading the cartridge into the drive.
Table 11-9 shows the mount throughput performance for the UltraScalable tape library with and without dual accessors. The table demonstrates that, to maximize performance with dual accessors, each accessor must have drives centrally in its preferred zone.
Table 11-9 Library mount throughput
Library configuration
Without dual accessor
With dual accessor
Mounts per hour with all drives in frame 1
Mounts per hour with all drives in a central frame
Mounts per hour with all drives in frame 1
Mounts per hour with all drives in a central frame
One frame
550
 
 
 
Two frames
520
 
 
 
Four frames
410
430
 
1000
Six frames
350
380
 
900
Eight frames
310
350
 
800
Twelve frames
255
300
 
700
Sixteen frames
215
260
 
600
 
Important: The dual accessor mount throughput assumes that the library is partitioned into at least two logical libraries so that each of the cartridges in the two zones is mounted in drives within each zone with no accessor path overlap.
Library inventory time
During normal use of the TS3500 tape library for bulk loading of cartridges, the library performs an inventory operation to check the (possibly new) content of the cartridge storage slots. During this time, the accessor is occupied by scanning the bar code labels and empty slots. The inventory process for the TS3500 tape library is performed efficiently, usually taking fewer than 60 seconds per frame. For more information about inventory performance, see “Performing an inventory” on page 306.
11.5 Upgrades and optional features
The TS3500 tape library has a number of optional features. These features enhance the library by providing extra functions, more capacity, higher reliability, and greater serviceability.
For more information about available features, see the sales manual for the TS3500 tape library at this website:
11.6 Advanced Library Management System
The Advanced Library Management System (ALMS) provides enhanced flexibility and capabilities for partitioning the TS3500 tape library. ALMS virtualizes the SCSI element addresses while maintaining the approach of the multipath architecture and the use of SCSI-3 Medium Changer commands. Without ALMS, everything is based on the SCSI element address (location-centric), and partitioning is based on real cartridge slots and drive slots. With ALMS, there is no affinity between a real slot address and a SCSI element address that is reported to the server and used by the server. Instead, there is now an affinity with the VOLSER (on the bar code label of the cartridge).
ALMS eliminates downtime when Capacity-on-Demand storage is added, logical libraries are added or removed, or logical library storage allocation is altered. ALMS also reduces downtime when expansion frames are added, tape drives are added or removed, or logical drive allocation is changed.
ALMS offers the following capabilities on the TS3500 tape library:
•Dynamic partitioning:
 – Storage slot pooling
 – Flexible drive assignment
•Add and remove physical storage capacity that is not apparent to any host application
•Configure drives or Lxx storage capacity without taking the library offline
•Virtualize I/O slots to automatically manage the movement of cartridges between I/O station slots and storage slots
The TS3500 tape library is compliant with the SCSI Medium Changer standard regardless of whether ALMS is enabled. When it is enabled, ALMS is not apparent to the application. The SCSI Medium Changer can be thought of as a “location-centric” interface. The application that is controlling a SCSI Medium Changer device specifies a source and destination location for each request to move a cartridge. The traditional SCSI library does not have control of the cartridge locations. Instead, the SCSI library acts on behalf of the server.
The following ALMS feature codes can be used to purchase the ALMS, depending on the capacity of the installed Lxx frame:
•Entry ALMS (FC1692) can be purchased for an entry-capacity Lxx frame.
•Intermediate ALMS (FC1693, which has a prerequisite of FC1692) can be purchased for an intermediate-capacity Lxx frame.
•Full ALMS (FC1694, which has a prerequisite of FC1693) can be purchased for a full-capacity Lxx frame.
•ALMS (FC1690) can be purchased for any capacity of Lxx frames.
For more information about Lxx frame capacity, see 11.1.2, “TS3500 tape library frames L23 and D23” on page 301.
One of the previously listed ALMS feature codes is needed if the following components are required:
•Dual active accessor libraries (requires FC9040)
•z Systems attachment (requires FC9217)
•High Density frame (HD)
 
Restriction: ALMS for the TS3500 tape library and requires FC1690, FC1692, FC1693, or FC1694 for enablement.
11.6.1 Functional description
This section provides a functional description of the ALMS features.
Storage slot virtualization
The host view of a cartridge location is known as the SCSI storage element address. Without ALMS, the storage element address maps directly to a specific storage slot after the library is configured. With ALMS enabled, a given storage element address is no longer associated with a specific storage slot. Instead, storage slots are virtualized by dynamically associating them with element addresses, as required. An element address is associated with a storage slot that is selected by the library, as cartridges are moved and inventoried. If a storage element is empty because of a move, that source element address becomes unassociated. Association of storage element addresses is accomplished in a way that is not apparent to the application software.
The number of storage element addresses can be selected for a logical library (as reported to the host application software) by changing the Maximum Number of Cartridges setting for that logical library with the web UI (tape library Specialist). For each logical library, the default value for this setting is the number of addressable storage slots that are installed in the library for that cartridge type when ALMS is first enabled or after ALMS is enabled, when the logical library is created.
The Maximum Number of Cartridges setting can be changed for each logical library, but the value must always be greater than or equal to the number of cartridges that are currently assigned to that logical library. The Maximum Number of Cartridges can be set to a value higher than the number of addressable storage slots that are installed at the time to allow future library capacity expansion to be not apparent to the host application software. However, application performance might degrade slightly because of the greater number of addresses. Care should be taken to not exceed the license limitations of the host application software.
The starting element address for storage slots of each logical library is x'400' (1024) plus the associated logical library number. For example, logical library 1 starts at x'401' (1025), logical library 2 starts at x'402', and so on (see Figure 11-31 on page 353). The reason that they do not all start at x'401' is because certain applications must be able to differentiate between different logical libraries from the same physical library.
Drive assignment
By using the ALMS flexible drive assignment capability, any drive in any position within any frame can be assigned to any logical library without creating any gaps in drive addresses. Drive (data transfer) element addresses are still mapped to specific drive locations when the drive is assigned. However, any drive location now can be assigned to any logical library (intermix supported) by using the tape library Specialist. Each drive that is added to a logical library is assigned to the lowest available element address, regardless of drive location.
When ALMS is first enabled, the Data Transfer Element (DTE) addresses of all installed and assigned drives are not changed from their previous values. However, after ALMS is enabled, the DTE addresses for any newly installed and assigned drives no longer depend on the position of the drive. Instead, the DTE address for any newly installed or assigned drive is determined by the sequence in which the drive is assigned to each logical library. After ALMS is enabled, drives are assigned to logical libraries by using the Drive Assignment page of the tape library specialist.
With this interface, the DTE address for the first drive that is assigned to a new logical library is 257 (x'101'), as shown in Figure 11-31. The DTE address for any other drive that is assigned to a logical library is based on the next available DTE address in that particular logical library. The next available DTE address is the lowest-available DTE address after the starting DTE address. (This address fills any gaps that are created when drives are unassigned and removed from a logical library.) When a drive is unassigned from a logical library by using the web interface, only that DTE address is made available for future use. No other DTE addresses are affected.
Figure 11-31 TS3500 tape library with ALMS
The Drive Assignment page also supports the option to share a drive between two or more logical libraries. The drive is assigned a DTE address in more than one logical library. The DTE addresses that are assigned to a shared drive might differ by logical library.
By using the ALMS dynamic Drive Assignment capability, any drive in any position in any frame can be assigned to any logical library without creating gaps in DTE addresses.
Storage slot pooling
With ALMS, logical libraries can be added or deleted concurrently. All storage slots are managed on a first-come, first-served basis to each logical library based on cartridge insert operations. Therefore, storage slots are pooled as a shared resource. This way, changes to the capacity allocation for each logical library can occur without any downtime or administrator involvement to the logical library not changing. Indications of a full or nearly full physical library continue to be provided by the operator panel, Tape Library Specialist, and SNMP traps.
The logical library has a name, and can be thought of as a file folder with no content. Drives can be placed in the file folder by using the Drive Assignment panel of the Tape Library Specialist. Cartridges also can be placed in the file folder based on their VOLSER numbers and by using one of the following methods (in order of priority):
1. Migration from static partitioning (ALMS Disabled) to enabling ALMS by using the Management Interface (MI).
2. Cartridge Assignment Policy (allocation is done automatically at the time of insertion based on the set policy).
3. Insert Notification (operator panel selection at time of insertion).
4. Software application move from I/O station (based on source of command).
5. Manual assignment by using the Tape Library Specialist.
The VOLSER assignment and physical location of cartridges are stored in non-volatile RAM (both primary and backup copies).
Shared drive assignment
Certain clients require the ability to easily share a drive on an exception basis. For example, a drive might be required for a once-a-month job or as a temporary replacement for a failed drive. The Tape Library Specialist drive assignment UI supports the ability to assign a drive to multiple logical libraries. Therefore, each logical library consists of dedicated drives and shared drives. Each logical library maps a drive element address to the location of dedicated and shared drives.
 
Important: Any drive with control path enabled cannot be shared.
This option reduces the requirement to configure and unconfigure the tape drive every time, regardless of whether it is needed.
The Drive Assignment web window supports the following point-and-click capabilities, which are nondisruptive to other logical libraries:
•Assign the drive
•Remove the drive assignment
•Reassign the drive
When a cartridge is mounted in a shared drive, the library only accepts an unmount command requested from the source logical library. Any unmount command that is requested from other logical libraries is rejected.
However, the data path to the tape drive is not protected by the library. Therefore, the administrator must ensure that shared drives are not accessed by the wrong application from the data path. One option to ensure that shared drives are not accessed by the wrong application from the data path is to use the SCSI reserve and release option on open and close. The device driver together with the application handles this option. On a device open, the application initiates a SCSI reserve through the tape device driver. No other server can access the tape drive (except for commands, such as inquiry), which ensures that data is not overwritten by any other host or application. After the device is closed, the application must send a SCSI release to the tape drive. Most applications handle this option, but it is best to check with the backup software provider to confirm.
SAN zoning can be used to prevent access to the same tape drives by different servers.
When a tape drive is shared by applications, any application that uses the drive is unaware of the other applications sharing the tape drive. Therefore, a cartridge might be loaded already and in use by application A. However, if application B does not know it and tries to mount a cartridge in the same drive, application B receives a failure and the job that application B was running fails. Several applications periodically scan all the tape drives. If they recognize that a cartridge is mounted without initiation from the application, the application considers this tape drive offline.
In any case, do not allow multiple applications to use shared tape drives concurrently. Set tape drives offline (or in service mode) from the application whenever they are not in use by that application.
The sharing option is intended for environments where certain drives are needed only occasionally and must be preconfigured for the application.
 
Important: An application that occasionally leaves cartridges in drives or periodically scans all configured drives is not a good candidate for sharing drives between logical libraries.
Cartridge Assignment Policy
With the Cartridge Assignment Policy (CAP) feature of the TS3500 tape library, cartridge VOLSER numbers can be assigned to specific logical libraries through the Tape Library Specialist MI. When a cartridge is inserted into the I/O station, the CAP is used to associate the cartridge with a logical library. If the cartridge is not in the CAP and Insert Notification (see “Insert Notification” on page 356) is enabled, the cartridge can be assigned to a logical library by using the Insert Notification process on the operator panel library. Alternatively, the cartridge can be kept as unassigned and assign it later by using the MI. If the Insert Notification feature is not enabled and the cartridge was not in the CAP, the cartridge eventually is available to all hosts.
The CAP is media type-specific. It is based on the six most significant characters of the cartridge label. The ranges of VOLSERs do not include the media-type indicator (L3, L4, JA, JJ, and so on). Therefore, two identical labels (except for the media type indicator) can be assigned to two different logical libraries; for example, libraries that contain LTO or 3592 drives.
 
Reassigning a cartridge: The Cartridge Assignment Policy does not reassign an assigned tape cartridge. To reassign a cartridge, use the procedure for assigning cartridges to a logical library.
Insert Notification
Insert Notification is an option that enables TS3500 tape library to monitor the I/O station for any new media that does not have a logical library assignment. This feature can be enabled through the operator panel or the Tape Library Specialist. With Insert Notification enabled, when new media is detected, the operator panel shows a message that prompts selection of a logical library. Any unassigned cartridges in the I/O station are assigned to the logical library that is selected (all other logical libraries are unable to access the cartridges). The library includes an option to defer any assignment, and there is a timeout period when the deferral automatically takes effect.
 
Important: When one or more 4-I/O station doors are installed, the Insert Notification cannot be enabled.
11.6.2 Virtual I/O
The TS3500 tape library has I/O stations and I/O slots that allow the importing and exporting of up to 32 cartridges at any given time. The I/O slots are also known as import/export elements (IEEs). Virtual I/O (VIO) slots increase the quantity of available I/O slots by allowing storage slots to be displayed to the host application as I/O slots. The goal of virtual I/O slots is to reduce the dependencies between the system administrator and library operator. This way, each person performs their import and export tasks without needing the other person to perform any actions. With virtual I/O slots, the library automatically moves cartridges from the I/O stations to physical storage slots and from physical storage slots to the I/O stations.
With virtual I/O slots, up to 255 virtual IEEs (VIEEs) can be configured per logical library. Each logical library has a unique VIEE address space that is not accessible by other logical libraries. By default, new logical libraries are assigned the maximum number of virtual I/O slots. Logical libraries that were defined (before ALMS is enabled) initially have the number of physical I/O slots in the library.
Before virtual I/O slots, the IEE space consisted of physical I/O station slots (10, 30, 16, or 32 depending on the frame model type) that were shared by all logical libraries. If the application or system administrator did not explicitly import the cartridges from the I/O station into library storage, the cartridges remained in the I/O station, which reduced the number of IEEs to process imports and exports and locked out other shared host applications from using the I/O slots.
With virtual I/O slots, when cartridges are inserted into the I/O station, the library works with the CAP or Insert Notification to assign a cartridge to the correct logical library VIEE space. Cartridges are automatically moved into library storage slots. If no CAP is assigned and Insert Notification is disabled for a particular cartridge, that cartridge is inserted into the VIEE space of all logical libraries and automatically moved into a library storage slot, which frees up the physical I/O slots for other host applications.
 
Important: While the TS3500 tape library automatically moves cartridges from the I/O slots into the library, the TS3500 tape library VIO firmware assigns these internal slots as I/O element addresses. The host application still is required to perform an insert operation.
The VIEE temporarily takes on the attributes of an IEE until a host moves the cartridge into a storage element (StE). When the host move occurs, if the cartridge is in a storage slot, no physical move is needed and the element changes from a VIEE to an StE. Similarly, when a host exports a cartridge from an StE, the physical storage slot is reported as a VIEE without moving the cartridge to the I/O station. The library monitors when free space is available in the I/O station and moves exported cartridges when it is convenient for the library.
If a cartridge cannot be assigned, this situation is reported as Assignment Pending. This situation can occur if the assigned logical library does not have any available VIEE slots, or if all of the logical libraries do not have a common VIEE to share. To resolve this situation, free up VIEE addresses so that they are available in all libraries, or make a specific assignment of this cartridge to a logical library.
VIO has the Hide or Show Exports option. Show Exports, which is the default option, shows a VIEE inventory of cartridges exported from the logical library. These cartridges fill one of the VIEE slots for that logical library. The Export Complete status is shown when the exported cartridge is physically in an I/O station slot.
The Hide Exports option moves the exported cartridges to a library-maintained export queue. The VIEE is available immediately for other imports or exports, and the exported cartridge is removed from the inventory data of the host application. Exporting a cartridge is reported as Export in Progress if no VIEE is available, and the process does not complete until one is available. With Hide Exports, this situation does not occur.
Support for VIO slots is provided at library Licensed Internal Code level 5360 and after and is enabled, by default, when ALMS is enabled. Existing clients who enabled ALMS on their TS3500 tape library must install a newer level of library Licensed Internal Code that supports VIO and then manually enable the VIO slots.
11.7 Host platforms and device drivers
The TS3500 tape library is supported on many operating systems. For a current list of host software versions and release levels that support the TS3500 tape library, go to the IBM Tape System resource library at this website:
11.7.1 Feature codes
The following no-charge feature codes indicate the open systems server platform to which the TS3500 tape library is attached. These features are used by IBM for device driver distribution:
•FC9210: Attached to HP-UX
•FC9211: Attached to Oracle system
•FC9212: Attached to Microsoft Windows system
•FC9213: Attached to other non-IBM system
•FC9215: Attached to Linux system
•FC9216: Attached to z Systems Linux system
•FC9218: Attached to HPSS
•FC9400: Attached to System i
•FC9600: Attached to System p
More than one platform-attach feature can be chosen because the library can be attached to more than one of these platforms. More than one of each feature cannot be added. That is, if there are two or more Windows servers that use the TS3500, only one FC9212 is required.
 
Tip: The device driver is available for each operating system from the Fix Central website:
11.8 Storage applications
Software to use the TS3500 tape library is not provided with the library. Other software support is available through products that must be obtained separately from IBM, IBM Business Partners, or independent software vendors.
Details are available for each application that supports Ultrium and 3592 tape drives and attachment methods. Also, the storage application vendor should be contacted for more information about specific versions and supported platforms. Several examples of third-party software applications with IBM LTO drives and libraries are provided in Implementing IBM Tape in Linux and Windows, SG24-6268, and Implementing IBM Tape in UNIX Systems, SG24-6502.
11.9 Specifications
The TS3500 tape library is a stand-alone tape subsystem that consists of one or more frames and is capable of modular expansion to provide large capacities. The frames join end-to-end with the base frame on the left (viewed from the front) and the expansion frames extending to the right.
11.9.1 Physical specifications
Table 11-10 lists the physical dimensions of the TS3500 tape library frames.
Table 11-10 Physical dimensions
Model
Width
Depth
Height
L23, D23, L53, D53, and HA1
72.5 cm (28.5 in.)
121.2 cm (47.72 in.)
180 cm (70.9 in.)
Table 11-11 lists the weights of the frames according to the number of installed drives, robotics, and tape cartridges.
Table 11-11 TS3500 tape library weight
Model
Weight of base frame with
1 drive and 0 cartridges
Weight of base frame with
12 drives and maximum cartridges
L53
366 kg (806 lb.)
526 kg (1160 lb.)
D53
274 kg (604 lb.)
483 kg (1065 lb.)
L23
364 kg (802 lb.)
534 kg (1178 lb.)
D23
270 kg (596 lb.)
494 kg (1089 lb.)
HA1
261 kg (575 lb.)
N/A
Each frame has a set of casters and four leveling jackscrews. The nominal height from the bottom of the jackscrews to the top of the frame is 1840 mm (72.4 in.) and can be varied by ±40 mm (±1.6 in.). The shipping height of the TS3500 tape library (on its casters and with jackscrews raised) is 1800 mm (70.9 in.).
Table 11-12 lists the physical specifications (such as height, width, depth, and weight) of the Sxx models of the TS3500 tape library.
Table 11-12 Physical characteristics of the TS3500 tape library, Model Sxx
Characteristic
S24 frame
S54 frame
Height of frame (on casters)
1800 mm (70.9 in.)
1800 mm (70.9 in.)
Width of frame with cover
782 mm (30.8 in.)
782 mm (30.8 in.)
Width of frame without covers1
725 mm (28.5 in.)
725 mm (28.5 in.)
Depth of frame (including front and rear doors)
1212 mm (47.72 in.)
1212 mm (47.72 in.)
Weight of base frame with 0 cartridges
285.8 kg (630 lb.)
290.3 kg (640 lb.)
Weight of frame with maximum cartridges
526.2 kg (1160 lb.)2
562.5 kg (1240 lb.)3
1 Frame width only. More interframe spacing of 30 mm (1.2 in.) is required.
2 Maximum 1000 3592 tape cartridges. The weight with cartridges assumes a cartridge weight of .242 kg (.534 lb.) for a standard 3592 Tape Cartridge. The weight of the library varies, depending on the configuration and cartridge capacity.
3 Maximum 1320 Ultrium Tape Cartridges. The weight with cartridges assumes a cartridge weight of .206 kg (.454 lb.) for a standard LTO Ultrium Tape Cartridge. The weight of the library varies, depending on the configuration and cartridge capacity.
When you are planning for the installation, the space implications in the computer room should be considered for the possibility of adding more frames in the future.
11.9.2 Floor requirements
The library must be installed on a raised or solid floor. The floor must have a smooth surface and, if raised, must not have ventilation panels beneath the leveling jackscrews. If carpeted, it should be confirmed that the carpet is approved for computer-room applications. To accommodate unevenness in the floor, the leveling jackscrews can be raised or lowered to the following specifications:
•The maximum allowable variance must not exceed 7 mm (0.27 in.) per 76 mm (3 in.).
•The maximum out-of-level condition must not exceed 40 mm (1.6 in.) over the entire length and width of the library.
The floor on which the library is installed must support the following weight specifications:
•Up to 4.8 kilograms per square cm (68.6 lbs. per square inch) of point loads exerted by the leveling jackscrews.
•Up to 211 kilograms per square meter (43.4 lbs. per square foot) of overall floor loading.
The number of point loads exerted depends on the number of frames that make up the library. There are four point loads per frame (at the corners of each frame).
11.9.3 Operating environment
The TS3500 tape library operates in the following environment:
•Temperature: 16–32 C (61–89 F)
•Relative Humidity: 20–80%
•Wet Bulb: 23 C (73.4 F) maximum
11.9.4 Power and cooling specifications
Power and cooling for the TS3500 tape library components are provided by the housing frame. Each base and expansion frame that contains drives has its own frame control assembly, which receives power from a client-supplied outlet and, in turn, provides DC power to all tape drives within the frame. The frame control assembly for the L53 and L23 models contains two DC power supplies. Only one DC power supply is needed to operate the entire library. Before support was provided for 16 frames, all other frame control assemblies in the D frame included one other DC power supply for redundancy.
More SDC power supplies can be ordered or made available for extra frames, as described in 11.2.2, “Library control systems” on page 329.
The frame control assembly is not required in expansion frames that do not contain tape drives.
Each frame receives single-phase (200 - 240 V AC) power on its own power cord from a client-supplied outlet. Certain countries or regions require two-phase power to achieve the 200 - 240 V AC required by the frame.
A Dual AC Power feature (FC1901), supporting 110 V AC or 220 V AC, is available for the TS3500 tape library, which provides two independent power cords that can be connected to two independent client branch circuits. A power switch connects to one of two client power feeds and passes all AC power to the frame from that feed. The switch monitors the AC line voltage from the feed that it is using and automatically switches to the alternative AC power feed if the incoming voltage drops below a preset level.
Table 11-13 lists the power requirements for the L53 and D53 frames.
Table 11-13 Power requirements for the TS3500 tape library
Power requirements
Types of line cord
220 V ac line cord
110 V ac line cord
Ac line voltage
200 - 240 V AC (nominal)
100 - 127 V AC (nominal)
Ac line frequency
50 - 60 Hz
50 - 60 Hz
Nominal power
1.4 kW
1.2 kW
Line current
8.0 A
12.0 A
kVA
1.6 kVA
1.2 kVA
Heat output
4.8 kBTU/hr.
4.1 kBTU/hr.
Inrush current
200 A (peak for ½ cycle)
100 A (peak for ½ cycle)
 
Important: The values that are shown in Table 11-13 are for frames with 12 tape drives installed.
 
1 The number of storage slots depends on the number of drives and I/O slots that are installed in these frames. The figure that is shown is the maximum number of slots.
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