Tape Devices tab features and functionality

Tape Devices tab

 

In the Tape Devices tab - located under Clients, you can see a list of all tape hardware connected to the client or server. You will see only tape devices connected to archive managers. For standalone environments, you will see one or more tape drives connected.

You can perform LTFS operations directly on the tape currently inserted in the tape drive. To perform an operation on a tape, insert a tape in the drive. A list of allowable operations includes:

Mount/Unmount: You can mount the tape currently in the drive. The ability to mount is relevant for ensuring you correctly formatted a tape. You must unmount a tape before you can eject it.

Format: After you insert a tape for the first time, you must format it LTFS in order for it to be recognized by the DNA Evolution database. This task can be accomplished by running the format command and providing a six-character serial number. If a tape has already been formatted with LTFS and you wish to overwrite it, please check the “Force Format” option.

Performing LTFS Operations (Format, Mount, Unmount)

To perform any operation on the tape, first you will need to load it. Follow these steps:

Load the tape into the tape drive that you wish to use.

 

Browse to the archive manager (see above) that contains the tape drive with your loaded tape. This can be done by (A) browsing to “Clients,” (B) selecting the archive manager, and then (C) selecting the “Devices” sub-tab.

• Select the device.
• Once you have selected the device, you can perform the LTFS operations on the tape.

Most commonly, you will use this method to format the tape. To format a tape, click the “Format” button. Provide a six-character alphanumeric name. Ensure this is the same name with which the tape is physically labeled.

NOTE:  DNA Evolution will not allow you to format a tape with the same name as a previously formatted tape.

You also can perform LTFS mount and un-mount operations on the tape. 

NOTE:  When archive and restore jobs run, they auto-mount the tapes. You do not need to mount and unmount tapes manually. 

If you have an LTO unit with automation, you can perform additional operations by clicking on “View Auto Loader.”

 

Controlling Your Autoloader (Load/Unload/Inventory Tapes)

After clicking the “View Auto Loader” button, you can perform load and unload operations on tapes from slots to available drives.

To load a tape to a drive, select the drive and the tape (occupying a slot) you want to load into the drive. Then click “Load Tape.” If there is currently a tape in your drive, this will cause DNA Evolution to unload the current tape to its original slot and then load the new tape to the drive.

To unload a tape, select the drive and click on “Unload Tape.” The tape will be unloaded (ie moved) to its original slot in the autoloader.

To check tape inventory, click on “Refresh….”