Inhibiting Firmware Down-Leveling; Sas Interface; Supported Servers And Operating Systems; Supported Device Drivers - IBM TS2280 Setup, Operator, And Service Manual

Inhibiting firmware down-leveling

The drive provides the capability to prevent loading and installing drive microcode by way of a Field
Microcode Replace (FMR tape) if the firmware level contained in the FMR tape is older than the code
level already installed. This option is controlled by the host application. No checking is done if the
firmware level is loaded by way of the host interface or the library interface.

SAS interface

The drive has a dual port 6 Gbps SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) host interface.
A drive with a SAS interface can be linked directly to controllers. SAS is a performance improvement
over traditional SCSI because SAS enables multiple devices (up to 128) of different sizes and types to be
connected simultaneously with thinner and longer cables; its full-duplex signal transmission supports 6.0
Gb/s. In addition, SAS drives can be hot-plugged.
SAS drives auto-negotiate speed. There are no configurable topologies thus no feature switches associated
with SAS.
Physical characteristics
The drive contains a dual port, SFF-8088 SAS connector. A list of compatible cables is shown in
Appendix C, "Ordering optional features, replacement parts, and power cords," on page 73.

Supported servers and operating systems

To determine the latest supported attachments, visit the web at http://www.ibm.com/storage/lto and
look for the System Storage interoperability information. For specific instructions about attaching the
drive, see "Installation" on page 7.

Supported device drivers

Device drivers enable the drive to interact with various servers. To properly install an IBM device driver
(if required), refer to the IBM Tape Device Drivers Installation and User's Guide. For applications that use
other device drivers, see the application's documentation to determine which drivers to use.
IBM maintains the levels of device drivers and driver documentation for the drive on the Internet. You
can access this material at the website http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral.
Note: If you do not have Internet access and you need information about device drivers, contact your
sales representative.
® ®
Note: The device driver for System i servers is included in the OS/400 operating system.

Ethernet port

The IBM TS2280 tape drive has a single 1 Gbps Ethernet port on the rear panel, with an RJ45 connector.
The Default IP address is 169.254.0.3, but the drive's IP address can be changed as needed. Refer to ITDT
to see how to this change is made.
The Ethernet port is used only for monitoring drive status and servicing the drive, not for data
transmission.
5
Introduction