6 Configuring Capacity

Note:

The library controller automatically assigns capacity in a partitioned library. You can only configure capacity in a non-partitioned library.

Applying the Default Capacity Configuration in a Single Library

For a non-partitioned single library with a single host, the library can automatically activate the capacity after you install the hardware activation file.

As of firmware FRS_8.31, the default configuration activates capacity from the drives-outward until the capacity license is exhausted.

  1. To prevent conflicts, coordinate with other library users before configuring the library.

  2. From standalone or web-launched SLC, select Tools > Select Active Cells.

  3. Click the Design By Library tab.

  4. Click Apply Default Capacity.

    Note:

    Applying the default capacity removes all drives from the media validation pool. To re-add the drives, see "Defining the Media Validation Pool".

    Caution:

    If there are warnings, DO NOT commit the changes. Click Details >>, then perform recovery moves on the orphaned cartridges (see "Moving Cartridges (Recovery Moves)").
  5. Reconfigure library host applications to recognize the changes (see the host software documentation).

Creating a Custom Capacity Configuration in a Single Library

Note:

You can click Refresh to discard uncommitted changes and restore the last saved configuration. You must apply the configuration to save it to the library controller.
  1. To prevent conflicts, coordinate with other library users before configuring the library.

  2. From standalone or web-launched SLC, select Tools > Select Active Cells > Design By Library tab.

  3. Select areas of the library from the drop-down lists. Then, click Add (to select the area for activation) or Remove (to deactivate the area).

  4. After you complete the configuration, click Apply User Design.

    Caution:

    If there are warnings, DO NOT commit the changes. Click Details >>, then perform recovery moves on the orphaned cartridges (see "Moving Cartridges (Recovery Moves)").
  5. Reconfigure library host applications to recognize the changes (see the host software documentation).

Creating a Custom Capacity Configuration in a Library Complex

Note:

You can click Refresh to discard uncommitted changes and restore the last saved configuration. You must apply the configuration to save it to the library controller.
  1. To prevent conflicts, coordinate with other library users before configuring the library.

  2. From standalone or web-launched SLC, select Tools > Active Cells.

    Note:

    Clicking Reset Capacity removes the current capacity configuration and all drives from the media validation pool, requiring you to create a new custom capacity design.
  3. Select areas of the library (you can click the Rail or Library buttons, or click individual areas). Then, click Add (to activate) or Delete (to deactivate).

    Red sections indicate activate capacity. White sections indicate inactive capacity. The smallest capacity activation increment is a quarter rail for a maximum of 16 regions per library.

  4. After you complete the configuration, click Apply User Design.

    Caution:

    If there are warnings, DO NOT commit the changes. Click Details >>, then perform recovery moves on the orphaned cartridges (see "Moving Cartridges (Recovery Moves)").
  5. Reconfigure library hosts to recognize the changes (see the host software documentation).

Resolving Orphaned Cartridges Caused by Capacity Changes

Changing the active capacity of the library may cause orphaned cartridge errors. A cartridge becomes orphaned when it is inaccessible to the host.

To resolve orphaned cartridges, you can:

For partitioned libraries, see "Resolving Orphaned Cartridges Caused by Partitioning Changes".

Guidelines for Customizing Capacity Activation

  • Select storage resources in the largest blocks possible (rails, library sides, or library walls). Avoid selecting individual drives and storage arrays.

  • For best access to drives, activate library inner and outer library walls together and activate storage slots near the tape drives.

  • When rapid import and export of cartridges is a priority, activate storage slots near the Cartridge Access Ports (CAPs).

  • Avoid deactivating a slot containing a cartridge or manually moving a cartridge to an inactive slot. This will create an orphaned cartridge.

Effect on HLI Hosts after Modifying the Capacity Configuration

Initiate an audit through the host software after modifying the capacity configuration.

After activating capacity, the affected library will temporarily go offline and then come back online. While offline, the library stops accepting new incoming host jobs, but will complete the jobs already accepted. There is no need to disconnect and re-connect the HLI host.

The library controller sends an asynchronous message to any host, notifying them that the library configuration has changed. ACSLS hosts must perform an audit of a non-partitioned library to account for the new capacity. Hosts can continue processing jobs while the audit takes place.