After you have set up the tape library and connected it to your
system, the iSeries™ server
automatically configures it.
The system creates a device description named TAPMLB xx,
where xx is the next available device description number,
and configures any associated tape resources (MLBRSC) and tape device descriptions
(TAP xx). The system creates tape device descriptions for
each tape resource. These tape device descriptions are used for stand-alone
operations when the tape library is in stand-alone, auto, or manual mode,
and for service.
Note: A tape device description is required for each device
resource for the tape library device to operate properly.
Note: Drives
with different capabilities within the same tape library must either be connected
to separate IOAs, or the tape library must be partitioned so that each kind
of drive is in a separate logical partition. There will be a separate tape
library device description created for each kind of tape device within the
tape library.
Configure a tape library other than a 3494 tape
library
To prepare your tape library for use complete the following
procedure:
- Ensure that the tape library is set to random mode. If it is not,
use the device panel to set it to random mode.
- At the character-based interface, type WRKMLBSTS and
press Enter. This command allows you to work with the status of the device.
- In the option field next to each resource, select option 4 (ALLOCATE)
or option 5 (UNPROTECTED) and press Enter. This step makes the resource available
to the tape library.
- Add cartridges to the tape library. See the documentation for your
media management application, or the topic Make cartridges available to the
tape library inventory for more information.
Configure a 3494 tape library
The 3494 tape library
supports connections to multiple 3490, 3590, and 3592 tape devices within
the same physical unit. When the iSeries server configures these devices,
it creates a unique device description for each kind of tape device in the
physical 3494 tape library. When any of these device descriptions is varied
on, all devices of that type within that 3494 tape library will be associated
with it.
To prepare the 3494 tape library ready for use complete the
following procedure:
- Ensure that the tape library is set to automated mode. If it is not, use
the device panel to set it to automated mode.
- Create a data link for a 3494 tape library for the 3494 tape library.
Creating a data link defines the communication line associated with the tape
library.
- At a command line, type WRKMLBSTS and press Enter. This
allows you to work with the status of the device.
- In the option field next to each resource, enter option 4 (ALLOCATE) or
option 5 (UNPROTECTED) and press Enter. These options make the resource available
to the tape library.
- Add cartridges to the tape library. See the documentation for your media
management application or the topic Add cartridges to the tape library inventory
for more information.
See the following information for more configuration tasks for tape
libraries:
- Add a tape library to a LAN
- Create a data link
- Cartridge assignment when the server name changes