Volume Categories - IBM TotalStorage 3494 Tape Library Operator's Manual

v If an unlabeled cartridge is found, the cartridge is ejected from the library unless

Volume Categories

The host can associate volumes into logical groupings in the 3494 Tape Library. A
logical grouping is called a category, which the Library Manager identifies by a
hexadecimal number from 0000 to FFFF. Table 8 shows the assignment of the
categories.
The Library Manager maintains the order in which volumes are added to a
category. The volumes chosen from a category are managed by a first-in, first-out
(FIFO) rule. However, if during the choosing of a volume from a category, the next
volume is in use, inaccessible, or misplaced, the volume is skipped, and the next
available volume is chosen.
Note: For logical volumes in a "Fast Ready" category, an odd or even volser
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3494 Tape Library Operator Guide
the unlabeled cartridge was inserted by using the Unlabeled Tape facility and
the unlabeled cartridge is found in its home cell.
See "Insert Unlabeled Cartridges" on page 336 for information regarding the use
of unlabeled cartridges.
selection algorithm is used to maximize VTS performance.
Table 8. Volume Categories
Category
(in hex) Name
0000 Null
0001 to General programming
FEFF use
Note: Categories FF00 to FFFE are reserved for hardware functions.
FF00 Insert
FF01 VTS Insert
Definition
Set when the 3494 Tape Library command specifies
that the category already associated with the volume is
to be used, or the command does not specify a
category. Using the Null category does not affect the
volume's order within the category it is assigned to.
When logical volumes are inserted using the operator
panel, they are also added to the FF00 category (see
"Manage Logical Volumes" on page 279).
The host control program assigns volumes to these
categories.
Set when a tape volume is added to the inventory. The
3494 Tape Library reads the external label on the
volume, creates an inventory entry for the volume, and
assigns the volume to this category. When one or more
volumes are assigned to this category, the attached
hosts are notified. When logical volumes are inserted
using the operator panel, they are also added to this
category (see "Manage Logical Volumes" on page 279).
Set when a stacked tape volume associated with a VTS
is added to the inventory. The 3494 Tape Library reads
the external label on the volume, creates an inventory
entry for the volume, uses the volser ranges to
associate the volume with a VTS, and assigns the
volume to this category. When one or more volumes
are assigned to this category, the associated VTS is
notified.