World Wide Identifiers; Planning The Fibre Channel Configuration; Direct Connection; San Connection - HP BL536A User's & Service Manual

SAS signal rates require clean connections and a minimum number of connections between the
HBA and the device. Do not use adapters or converters between the HBA and the device. HP
recommends a maximum SAS cable length of six meters.
CAUTION:
Always verify that the SAS cable you are using is rated for the data transfer speed of the interface
of your components. SAS cables described as "equalized" may not support 6 Gb/s data rates
and should not be used with LTO-5 tape drives unless these cables are verified for 6 Gb/s data
rates. For optimum performance, only use HP cables of the length specified as qualified for your
products.

World Wide identifiers

A SAS tape drive is identified by a unique identifier called a World Wide Name (WWN) or World
Wide Identifier (WWID). The Autoloader assigns the World Wide identifier to the drive bay. When
a tape drive is replaced, the World Wide identifier is re-assigned to the new tape drive.

Planning the Fibre Channel configuration

You can connect the Autoloader directly to the server with a host bus adapter (HBA) or indirectly
through a storage area network (SAN) with a switch.

Direct connection

If you plan to connect the Autoloader directly to the server, you will need a 2 Gb, 4 Gb, or 8 Gb
Fibre Channel HBA. An 8 Gb HBA is recommended for LTO-5 tape drives for optimal performance.
Check the EBS matrix at
and qualified for the Autoloader.
A server that uses Fibre Channel disks needs at least two FC ports. Using the same port for disk
and tape access will cause performance degradation.

SAN connection

All switches between the host and the Autoloader must be of the appropriate type. A 2 Gb switch
in the path may result in performance degradation when backing up highly compressible data.
Configure zoning on the Fibre switch so only the backup servers may access the Autoloader. See
the switch manual for information on zoning.

Choosing a location

If you plan to mount the device in a rack, select an open rack location, ideally near the center of
the rack or higher, with access to the host server and a power outlet. You may also set the
Autoloader on a shelf in the rack. In this case you must attach the feet during the installation process.
If you plan to set the Autoloader on a table, select a level area large enough to support both edges
of the Autoloader with access to the host server and a power outlet.
Choose a location that meets the criteria shown in
Table 10 Location criteria
Criteria
Tabletop requirements
20 Installing the Tape Autoloader
High quality SAS cables rated at the transfer rate of the SAS components are required.
www.hp. com/go/ebs
Definition
The Autoloader can only be placed on a flat surface if the support feet have been properly
applied or the Autoloader is mounted in the optional tabletop conversion cover. Select a
location that is flat, sturdy, and close to the host server. Ensure that all of the feet on the
Autoloader or tabletop conversion cover will be supported.
Do not place the device on the floor or other carpeted surface.
to verify that your HBA is supported on your server
Location criteria (page 20):