Before You Start - HP DAT 40e Getting Started Manual

Before you start

HP StorageWorks DAT models
This guide describes how to install and operate the following HP StorageWorks DAT external
tape drive models:
• HP StorageWorks DAT 72
• HP StorageWorks DAT 40
Which operating systems are supported?
HP StorageWorks DAT drives can be connected to servers running under Windows®,
NetWare, UNIX, Tru64 and Linux. Refer to the "HP StorageWorks Tape Software
Compatibility" topic on our World Wide Web site (
information about the operating system versions that are supported.
How do I connect the drive to my server?
The following guidelines apply:
• For optimum performance the drive should be the only device on the SCSI bus.
• Always terminate the SCSI bus. Use the supplied terminator.
• Do not attach the drive to the same SCSI bus as a your disk drive or to a RAID controller.
You will need a properly installed and configured SCSI host bus adapter (HBA) or a built-in
SCSI controller on your server. Your tape drive is supplied with a VHD-to-HD cable to attach
the drive to a spare, external VHD SCSI port on the server. It is also shipped with a multimode
terminator. The cable and terminator are appropriate for a wide, low voltage differential (LVD)
or single-ended (SE) SCSI bus.
If the SCSI cable supplied with your drive is not appropriate for your computer's external SCSI
connector, you will need to order an adapter or new cable. See also "Checking the SCSI
connection" on page 9.
Why is the SCSI bus type important?
The SCSI bus type determines the speed at which data can be transferred between devices on
the bus and the maximum length of cable that can be used. The drives support a burst transfer
rate of 40 MB/sec. To benefit from this level of performance, it is important to ensure that the
drives are connected to a SCSI bus of a similar or higher specification. This means that you
need:
• An Ultra Wide, Ultra2 Wide, Ultra3 (160) or Ultra4 (320) SCSI bus. Ultra Wide SCSI
supports the maximum bus speed of 40 MB per second, Ultra2, Ultra3 and Ultra4 SCSI
exceeds this.
• LVD-rated SCSI cabling and terminators. The LVD interface enables the data to be
transferred at the drive's maximum rate and provides a maximum cable length of 12 meters.
www.hp.com/go/connect ) for more
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