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Introduction: Dell™ PowerVault™ 132T Tape Library User's Guide

Other Documents You Might Need	Interior Components
Explanation of Symbols	Back Panel Features
Assistance	Drives
Description	Media and Media Protection
Features	Host Interface
Front Panel Features

This manual contains information and instructions necessary for the operation of the PowerVault 132T library.

Dell PowerVault 132T Library Quick Start Guide

Dell PowerVault 132T SNC User's Guide

Dell PowerVault SNC Manager User's Guide

Dell PowerVault Product Information Guide

Table 1 provides a list of symbols that highlight important information.

Table 1. Definition of symbols

Symbol	Signal Word	Definition
	CAUTION:	A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
	NOTICE:	A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
	NOTE:	A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your storage device.

An operator is responsible for ensuring that only qualified personnel perform the following procedures on the equipment:

This manual provides sufficient training information for operation of your library. It is recommend that you read through the manual before using your library.

NOTICE: Operation of the library by untrained personnel can lead to equipment malfunction and void the warranty.

CAUTION: Some work and modification can only be performed with the appropriate qualifications and training (for example, replacement of the power supply). Most importantly, know and observe all safety rules before working with this equipment. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

Dell Support

If problems cannot be solved with the aid of this document or if training is desired, contact Dell Support.

Description

The PowerVault 132T library, shown in Figure 1, is designed to provide optimal density in both rackmount and desktop environments while offering features and functionality only found in mid-range libraries. The library can provide over one month of unattended backup and fits in only 4U (7 inches) of rack space. For more information on capacity, see Table 2.

The library is the next generation entry-level/mid-range product to meet the standards of Dell customers. For additional information or questions not included in this manual, see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

The following features are standard with your library:

Multi-function Operator Panel. The Operator Panel, located on the right above the IE slot, provides an easy to read bitmap display and a five-button keypad to permit you to monitor and control the operations of your library. The liquid crystal display (LCD) provides access to library status, commands, setup, and tools. See Front Panel Features for more information. The Operator Panel is described in more detail in Operator Panel Keypad.

Robotic System. The robotic system is the media cartridge handling mechanism and responds to commands from the application software to move the cartridges between the storage slots, tape drives, and the IE slot.

Partitioning. Partitioning allows your single library to be logically partitioned so it will appear to a host as if it were two independent physical libraries. Each logical library (partition) can be independently controlled as though it were two different libraries.

IE Slot. The IE slot allows you to import and export tapes to/from the interior slots and drives without unlocking the media access door. See Interior Components for more information. The IE slot may also be configured by the user to act as a data storage slot.

Magazines. Removable cartridge magazines allow for the easy insertion and removal of tape cartridges.

System Integrity. The cartridge storage slots, drives, and robotic system are protected by a door that is lockable by key. Your library can also be configured for password access.

Cartridge Inventory. Whenever you power up your library, it will perform a physical inventory of slots.

Barcode Scanner. The barcode scanner reads barcode labels and presents label IDs to the LCD and the host without losing storage capacity.

Remote Management Unit. Your library is equipped with a Remote Management Unit (RMU), which provides remote library operation through a web browser.

Manual Cartridge Use. Individual cartridges can easily be transported to the library by manually opening the IE door and inserting the cartridge into the IE slot. The Operator Panel is then used to load the cartridge into another slot.

Reverse Cartridge Protection. The magazine and back storage slots employ a design that prevents the cartridges from being inserted incorrectly.

Built-in Diagnostics. Your library includes diagnostic firmware that tells you when drive head cleaning is required, reports diagnostic results, and drive operating status. Your library also includes real-time sensors monitoring of data locations and several types of diagnostic tests.

AutoClean. AutoClean enables the library to automatically clean the drives when cleaning is required.

Error Diagnosis. Your library includes an Error Log that is accessible from the Operator Panel.

Stored Vital Product Data for Recovery. Your library settings are stored on the RMU.

Multiple Control Paths. This feature allows your library to be controlled by more than one host system.

The following features are optional in some library configurations. Instructions for installing and/or replacing these features can be found in Installing/Replacing Hardware:

Additional Drive. If your library came with one drive, you can add an additional drive, increasing data access speed.

Rackmount Kit. Your library may be easily converted to a rackmount configuration. The available rackmount kit can be installed on any PowerVault 132T library.

Storage Networking Controller. Provides a Fibre Channel interface between the library and Storage Area Networks.

The following graphic shows the features located on the front panel of your library.

Figure 2. Front panel

The following graphic shows the components located behind the media access and IE doors of your library.

The following graphics show the features located on the back panel of your library.

Your library can be equipped with either one or two drives. The tape drives are packaged in a common drive module that is designed so that you can easily add an additional drive or replace a drive. For more detailed information on the drives, see Specifications.

Table 3 lists the types of media formats that are supported.

Table 3. Supported media

*Lower level media can be used in higher level drives; however, the capacity and transfer rates will be at the lower drive level. The library prevents higher level media from being used in lower level drives when the media is correctly barcoded.
**DLT IV media can be used in the SDLT-320 drive as read only.

Using WORM Cartridges

LTO-3 media are available in Write Once Read Many (WORM) format. Data stored on WORM tapes cannot be erased or altered. The barcode applied to a WORM cartridge uses the designation "LT". This ensures that the library manages the tape appropriately. For more information about barcodes, refer to Barcode Labels.

If you try to write to a WORM tape that has been previously written to capacity, you will receive an error message. WORM tapes cannot be used to run diagnostics tests.

NOTE: Store data cartridges in a dry, cool environment.

NOTICE: Never reset or power down your computer or library while a function is in process or a tape is moving.

A representational view of media storage as it is laid out in a library configured for LTO media is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. Storage layout for LTO media

A representational view of media storage as it is laid out in a library configured for SDLT-320 media is shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8. Storage layout for SDLT-320 media

Host Interface

The library is a SCSI target device supporting communication with a host through Fibre Channel or SCSI connections.

Native Fibre Connections

A library supporting native fibre attachments communicates with a host through an intermediary LUN-1 (Logical Unit Number) interface in one or more installed drives. In this type of connection, a host is connected directly to a drive rather than a library. Communication is accomplished as a host sends commands to and receives status or responses from one or more LUN-1 enabled drives. LTO-3 drive modules support native fibre connections. Each drive has a single LC fibre connector located in back of the module for attachments.

SCSI Connections

A SCSI drive module can be connected to a Low Voltage Differential (LVD) SCSI bus. Both ends of the bus must be terminated. The library can also be connected to a Storage Area Network (SAN) by means of an optional Storage Networking Controller (SNC). The SNC converts Fibre Channel protocol to parallel SCSI protocol.

Host Adapter

Your library can be connected directly to a host by means of the appropriate host bus adapter card. The host adapter you choose depends on your system requirements and needs. If you are not sure about your host adapter requirements, call Dell Support and ask for assistance. The interface must be installed before you connect the library. For information about drivers, see Library Driver Installation.

Terminator

If the library is the last device on the SCSI chain, a terminator is required. The terminator attaches to the SCSI connector on the drive module. Be sure to use an LVD terminator. For information on installing the terminator, see Connecting to a SCSI Bus.

A variety of backup and data storage software is available for use with your library. The software you use will depend upon your storage needs and the system you are using. Check with Dell Sales or Support if you have a question on the compatibility of a particular software package.

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