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Title
Tape drive going offline IBM TS3500 when control path is shared among different server -
Description
Tape drive going offline IBM TS3500 when control path is shared among different server
Error:Information 2018/08/06 04:07:09 0 0 0 Media NETVAULT (NETVAULT: 1-0.2.1 (IBM 03584L32)) Move media 'ED0009L6' from 'DRIVE 4:NETVAULT' to 'SLOT 2' succeeded......Information 2018/08/06 06:34:38 99 333 6 Media NETVAULT (NETVAULT: 1-0.2.1 (IBM 03584L32)) Move media 'ID0009L6' from 'SLOT 5' to 'DRIVE 4:NETVAULT' succeededError 2018/08/06 06:34:39 99 333 6 Media NETVAULT Command failed, re-initializing driver -
Cause
Control path is a logical path to the TS4500 tape library. A control path is the path for SCSI Medium Changer commands sent by a server to control a specific logical library. The TS3500 tape library has no direct SCSI connection to a server. Thus, when a server communicates with the library, it must send the communication through an Ultrium tape drive or 3592 tape drive that is designated as a control path.The default configuration for the TS3500 tape library allows a single application to operate the library through a single control path .Control Path is a good feature to leverage for medium changer device presentation in simplified SAN or direct attach environments, It is always recommended that the control path drive not to be shared among different servers. When the control path is shared across different server each servers can send request to the tape library simultaneously (load /unload ) this can cause a sense of confusion and may lead to tape drive going offline
How to find the control path (IBM TS 3500 )From the Work Items navigation pane, select Drives —> Control Paths. The Control Paths screen shows where the control path (drive) for each logical library is located (which frame and row), and whether the control path is required, enabled, or disabled. -
Resolution
It is always recommended that the control path drive is not shared among servers or smart clients while adding the tape library onto Netvault console. Make sure that backup server or smart client has exclusive control over the control path for example if the control path drive is drive 1 select the backup server or smart client only while adding drive 1