Dell PowerVault ML6010 Operating instructions

Dell PowerVault ML6000 Tape Library User's Guide
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Dell™ PowerVault™ ML6000 Tape Library User's Guide
Introduction
Setting Up the PowerVault ML6000 Library
Description
Understanding the User Interface
Configuring Your Library
Advanced Reporting
Capacity on Demand
Encryption Key Management
Running Your Library
Getting Information
Updating Library and Tape Drive Firmware
Installing, Removing, and Replacing
Troubleshooting
Working With Cartridges and Barcodes
Library Specifications
TapeAlert Flag Descriptions
Contacting Dell
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2005-2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and PowerVault are trademarks of Dell Inc. Microsoft is a registered
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and
names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Initial release: December 2005
Last revised: May 2010

Introduction
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Back to Contents Page
Introduction: Dell™ PowerVault™ ML6000 Tape Library
User's Guide
Product Safety Statements
Mercury Statement
Explanation of Symbols and Notes
Supported Configurations
This guide contains information and instructions necessary for the normal operation and management of the PowerVault
ML6000 library. This guide is intended for anyone interested in learning about or anyone that needs to know how to install,
configure, and operate the PowerVault ML6000 library. Be aware that administrator level privileges are required to configure
many of the features described in this guide.
Product Safety Statements
This product is designed for data storage and retrieval using magnetic tapes. Any other application is not considered the
intended use. Dell will not be held liable for damage arising from unauthorized use of the product. The user assumes all risk in
this aspect.
This unit is engineered and manufactured to meet all safety and regulatory requirements. Be aware that improper use may
result in bodily injury, damage to the equipment, or interference with other equipment.
Mercury Statement
Projectors, LCD displays, and some multifunction printers may use lamp(s) that contain a small amount of mercury
for energy-efficient lighting purposes. Mercury lamps in these products are labeled accordingly. Please manage the lamp
according to local, state, or federal laws. For more information, contact the Electronic Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org. For
lamp-specific disposal information check www.lamprecycle.org.
Explanation of Symbols and Notes
The following symbols appear throughout this document to highlight important information:
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your system.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
This manual uses the following:
•Right side — Refers to the right side as you face the component being described.
•Left side — Refers to the left side as you face the component being described.
Other Documents You Might Need
The following documents are also available for this product. These documents can be found on the product documentation CD
or on the Dell Support Web site. For the Dell Support Web site address, see Contacting Dell.
•Dell PowerVault ML6000 Getting Started Guide

Introduction
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•Dell PowerVault ML6000 SMI-S Reference Guide
•Dell PowerVault ML6000 Basic SNMP Reference Guide
•Dell PowerVault ML6000 SCSI Reference Guide
•Dell LTO Media Handbook, Version 2.0
•Servers and Storage Systems Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory information
•Servers and Storage Systems Warranty and Support Information
•Dell Software License Agreement
NOTE: Release Notes are also available for this product. The Release Notes describe changes to your system or
firmware since the last release, provide compatibility information, and discuss any known issues and workarounds.
Release Notes are included in the firmware downloads from the Dell Support Web site. See Contacting Dell for the Dell
Support Web site address.
Supported Configurations
CAUTION: ML6030 (and higher) CM and Expansion Modules require professional installation. Professional installation
may have been included with your purchase. Please call 1 800 945 3355 to schedule professional installation of your
PowerVault library.
The available PowerVault ML6000 library configurations are as follows:
•The ML6010 CM is a 5U Library Control Module
•The ML6020 CM consists of one (1) ML6010 CM 5U Library Control Module and one (1) PowerVault ML6000 EM 9U
Expansion Module (14U total)
•The ML6030 CM consists of one (1) ML6010 CM 5U Library Control Module and two (2) PowerVault ML6000 EM 9U
Expansion Modules (23U total)
In addition, the ML6030 CM configuration can be expanded as follows:
•The ML6030 CM plus one (1) PowerVault ML6000 EM 9U Expansion Module (32U total)
•The ML6030 CM plus two (2) PowerVault ML6000 EM 9U Expansion Modules (41U total)
Back to Contents Page

Setting Up the PowerVault ML6000 Library
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Back to Contents Page
Setting Up the PowerVault ML6000 Library: Dell™
PowerVault™ ML6000 Tape Library User's Guide
Finding a Location
Read this Section Before Unpacking and Installing the PowerVault ML6000
Unpacking your Library
Installing and Rack-Mounting
Before Running and Configuring the Library
Initial Administrative Login ID and Password Information
Setup Wizard
Configuration Details
This chapter provides an overview of the steps required to unpack, set up, and install the PowerVault ML6000 library.
For basic library setup instructions, see the Dell PowerVault ML6000 Getting Started Guide on the Dell PowerVault ML6000
Documentation CD. A copy of the Dell PowerVault ML6000 Getting Started Guide is also included in the product box with your
library.
For complete installation instructions, see Installing, Removing, and Replacing.
In addition, read the documents listed in Other Documents You Might Need. The information in these documents guides you
through setting up, using, and maintaining your library.
Finding a Location
To avoid damage, the library must be positioned in a stable location. Refer to the Servers and Storage Systems Safety,
Environmental, and Regulatory information document listed in Other Documents You Might Need for more information on
finding an optimal location for your library.
WARNING: The power outlet must be available near the library and must be easily accessible.
Details on positioning the library include:
•Make sure a power source (only of the type marked on the product label) is available. See Library Specifications for
power requirements.
•Route any cables to avoid walking on them or pinching them with items placed on or against them. Pay particular
attention to the cord at the wall receptacle and the point where the cord exits from the library.
•Make sure that objects will not fall and liquids will not spill into the library's chassis through openings.
Read this Section Before Unpacking and Installing the
PowerVault ML6000
This section includes important information you need to know before unpacking, installing, and powering up your PowerVault
ML6000 library.
WARNING: Without tape drives, tape cartridges, or power supplies, a 5U Library Control Module weighs
approximately 60 lbs (27.2 kg). A 9U Expansion Module, without tape drives, tape cartridges, or power
supplies, exceeds 65 lbs (29.5 kg). To avoid serious injury, two people are required to safely lift the
modules.
WARNING: All libraries must be installed in a rack having a main protective earthing (grounding)
terminal, and power must be supplied via an industrial plug and socket-outlet and/or an appliance coupler

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complying with IEC 60309 (or an equivalent national standard) and having a protective earth (ground)
conductor with a cross sectional area of at least 1.5 mm2(14 AWG).
To ensure proper airflow and access space, Allow 60 cm (24 inches) in the front and back of the library.
CAUTION: ML6030 (and higher) CM and Expansion Modules require professional installation. Professional installation
may have been included with your purchase. Please call 1 800 945 3355 to schedule professional installation of your
PowerVault library.
Before installing the library:
•Remove any power supplies. The library can have a maximum of ten power supplies. Rack-mount the library before
re-installing the power supplies. For complete rack-mounting instructions, see Installing, Removing, and Replacing.
•Remove any tape drives. The library can have a maximum of 18 drives. Rack-mount the library before re-installing the
tape drives.
•Prior to loading media into the PowerVault ML6000, be sure that all tape cartridges have barcode labels.
•Prior to powering on your library, see the information on module terminator and cable installation in the Dell
PowerVault ML6000 Getting Started Guide or in Installing, Removing, and Replacing.
NOTE: For the latest product updates, refer to http://support.dell.com.
Unpacking your Library
CAUTION: Remove all interior packaging material from the library before powering the library on or installing the
library in a rack.
NOTE: Save all packaging material in case you need to move or ship the library in the future.
•Open the I/E station door and remove the yellow strip in the I/E station.
•Remove the orange robot restraint assembly securing the robot to the floor of the library. You can access the restraint
assembly either through the library's access door or through the top of the library if you remove library's the top
cover.
Installing and Rack-Mounting
CAUTION: ML6030 (and higher) CM and Expansion Modules require professional installation. Professional installation
may have been included with your purchase. Please call 1 800 945 3355 to schedule professional installation of your
PowerVault library.
To properly and safely rack-mount the PowerVault ML6000, see the rack-mount instructions in Installing, Removing, and
Replacing.
Follow the detailed preparation and installation instructions for your library configuration.
If your
library
configuration
is: Then see these installation instructions:
ML6010 CM
— A stand-
alone
5ULibrary
Control Module
•Installing a Stand-Alone 5U Library Control Module
•Installing the Library in a Rack
ML6020 CM
— One
5U Library
Control Module
•Installing a New Multi-Module Library Configuration
•Installing the Library in a Rack

Setting Up the PowerVault ML6000 Library
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and one
9U Library
Expansion
Module
ML6030 CM
— One
5U Library
Control Module
and two
9U Library
Expansion
Modules
•Installing a New Multi-Module Library Configuration
•Installing the Library in a Rack
ML6030 CM
+ 1 ML6000
EM — One
5U Library
Control Module
and three
9U Library
Expansion
Modules
•Installing a New Multi-Module Library Configuration
•Installing the Library in a Rack
ML6030 CM
+ 2 ML6000
EMs — One
5U Library
Control Module
and four
9U Library
Expansion
Modules
•Installing a New Multi-Module Library Configuration
•Installing the Library in a Rack
Before Running and Configuring the Library
NOTE: The PowerVault ML6000 can take up to 30 minutes to perform the initial boot. It is not safe to power cycle the
library until the Setup Wizard appears in the operator panel.
NOTE: Initial power-on and initialization should occur prior to loading media. Excessive initialization time can occur
with media loaded
Initial Administrative Login ID and Password Information
•Login ID: admin
• Password: password
Setup Wizard
If you time out of the Setup Wizard or do not complete all the Setup Wizard screens, the library will apply the default
configuration settings as well as any modifications you made. See Default Configuration Settings for more information.
Configuration Details
NOTE: You must use the Web client to manually create partitions. At the initial power-on, partitions can only be
created automatically via the operator panel user interface.
•If your PowerVault ML6000 will be configured with zero I/E station slots, be sure to complete bulk loading of tape
cartridges before configuring partitions. You may also bulk load tape cartridges while the system is powered down. For

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more information on bulk loading, see Running Your Library For more details regarding configuring I/E station slots,
see Configuring Your Library.
•When configuring network settings for the Default Gateway, you must enter a valid IP address. The library will not
accept a blank value or 0.0.0.0.
•Before updating library firmware, be sure to save the library configuration. For instructions, see Saving and Restoring
the Library Configuration.
•When drive topology changes are made, the library state may need updating before the partition can be used. To
update the library state, perform one of the following actions:
•Change the partition state to offline and change the state back to online.
•Open the library door and close the door 10 seconds later.
•Remove the drive from the rear of the library and insert the drive 1 minute later.
•Reboot the library.
CAUTION: Please check your host backup software documentation for driver requirements. If Windows drivers are
required, either the Windows default driver may be used (recommended), or the PowerVault ML6000 device-specific
device driver can be found at http://support.dell.com. To avoid a possible performance reduction in a SAN
environment, please consult Microsoft Knowledge Base article 842411 when using device-specific drivers.
Back to Contents Page

Description
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Back to Contents Page
Description: Dell™ PowerVault™ ML6000 Tape Library
User's Guide
Library Configuration
Modules
Front Panel Components
Back Panel Components
Robotic System and Barcode Scanner
Tape Drive Support
Library Features
Licensable Features
The PowerVault ML6000 tape library automates the retrieval, storage, and management of tape cartridges. Tape cartridges
are stored in the library and mounted and dismounted from tape drives using firmware running on the library or software
running on the host systems.
The PowerVault ML6000 tape library offers advanced management features and reliability as well as scalable performance and
storage capacity. As your storage capacity and tape drive requirements change, 9U Library Expansion Modules can be added
to the library, allowing a configuration of up to a full 41 rack units (41U, where 1U = 1.75").
Library Configuration
The PowerVault ML6000 library is designed for ease of installation, configuration, and field upgrades. The PowerVault ML6000
library is built upon two basic building blocks: the 5U Library Control Module and 9U Library Expansion Module.
These building blocks form the basis of the following library configurations:
•The ML6010 CM is a 5U Library Control Module. Figure 1 shows the front view of the ML6010 CM.
•The ML6020 CM consists of one (1) ML6010 CM 5U Library Control Module and one (1) PowerVault ML6000 EM
9U Library Expansion Module (14U total). Figure 2 shows the front view of the ML6020 CM.
•The ML6030 CM consists of one (1) ML6010 CM 5U Library Control Module and two (2) PowerVault ML6000 EM
9U Library Expansion Modules (23U total). Figure 3 shows the front view of the ML6030 CM.
In addition, the ML6030 CM configuration can be expanded as follows:
•The ML6030 CM plus one (1) PowerVault ML6000 EM 9U Library Expansion Module (32U total)
•The ML6030 CM plus two (2) PowerVault ML6000 EM Library 9U Expansion Modules (41U total)
Figure 1 ML6010 CM Library Configuration (Standalone 5U Library Control Module)

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Figure 2 ML6020 CM Library Configuration (5U Library Control Module Plus One 9U Library Expansion
Module)
15U Library Control Module
29U Library Expansion Module
Figure 3 ML6030 CM Library Configuration (5U Library Control Module Plus Two 9U Library Expansion
Modules)

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1 5U Library Control Module
2 9U Library Expansion Module
3 9U Library Expansion Module
Warning: All libraries taller than 14U must be installed in a rack having a main protective earthing
(grounding) terminal, and power must be supplied via an industrial plug and socket-outlet and/or an
appliance coupler complying with IEC 60309 (or an equivalent national standard) and having a protective
earth (ground) conductor with a cross- sectional area of at least 1.5 mm2 (14 AWG).
To ensure proper airflow and access space, allow 60 cm (24 inches) in the front and back of the library.
Caution: ML6030 (and higher) CM and Expansion Modules require professional installation. Professional installation
may have been included with your purchase. Please call 1 800 945 3355 to schedule professional installation of your
PowerVault library.
Modules
PowerVault ML6000 libraries are modular, and you can increase the size at any time. The three base systems for the
PowerVault ML6000 library are as follows:
•ML6010 CM (5U rack height)
•ML6020 CM (14U rack height)
•ML6030 CM (23U rack height)
These configurations can be scaled up by adding PowerVault ML6000 EM 9U Library Expansion Modules to a maximum rack

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height of 41U. 9U Library Expansion Modules provide additional capacity as your storage and tape drive requirements change.
See Figure 4 for an illustration of library scalability. For information on installing, removing, and replacing modules, see
Installing, Removing, and Replacing.
Each module has a specific number of fixed storage slots, I/E station slots, and tape drive slots available. See Library capacity
is as follows. for the number of slots available for each library configurations.
Note: Slot counts in this document do not include five inaccessible slots in the bottom row of any library configuration.
For more information about these slots, see Unused Slots.
Caution: ML6030 (and higher) CM and Expansion Modules require professional installation. Professional installation
may have been included with your purchase. Please call 1 800 945 3355 to schedule professional installation of your
PowerVault library.
5U Library Control Module
The 5U Library Control Module is required in any PowerVault ML6000 library configuration. The 5U Library Control Module
contains the robotic controls, library control blade (LCB), and touch screen display. The 5U Library Control Module also
contains an import/export (I/E) station, fixed storage slots, tape drives, and at least one power supply.
9U Library Expansion Modules
9U Library Expansion Modules are supplementary modules that can be stacked above or below the 5U Library Control Module.
Each 9U Library Expansion Module contains fixed storage slots, tape drive slots, and power supply slots. The I/E stations on
9U Library Expansion Modules are included and may be configured as storage. 9U Library Expansion Modules also contain
bays for optional Fibre Channel (FC) Input/Output (I/O) blades.
If a 9U Library Expansion Module is used only for storage and does not contain tape drives or FC I/O blades, it does not need
a separate power supply. All power is derived from the 5U Library Control Module.
Stackability
The maximum rack height of the library is 41U, which consists of a 5U Library Control Module and four 9U Library Expansion
Modules. Figure 4 illustrates the stackability of the library.
Figure 4 Base Systems Plus 9U Library Expansion Modules
ML6010
(41
slots)
ML6020
(133 slots)
ML6030
(225 slots)
ML6030 CM + 1 9U Library
Expansion Module
(317 slots)
ML6030 CM + 2 9U Library
Expansion Modules
(409 slots)
9U Library Expansion Module
5U Library
Control Module 5U Library Control Module
5U Library
Control Module 9U Library Expansion Module 9U Library Expansion Module
5U Library
Control Module 9U Library Expansion Module 9U Library Expansion Module 9U Library Expansion Module
5U Library
Control
Module
9U Library
Expansion Module 9U Library Expansion Module 9U Library Expansion Module 9U Library Expansion Module

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Front Panel Components
Figure 5 shows the front panel components of the library. The paragraphs following Figure 5 describe the components in
detail.
Figure 5 Front Panel Components
1Access door
2Operator panel
3 I/E station
4Front power button
Access Door
The access door allows access to the internal components of the library. Each 5U Library Control Module and 9U Library
Expansion Module has an access door. In most cases, you will not need to access the library through this door except when
you want to bulk load or unload cartridges from the library.
The access door is locked by the I/E station door. To open the access door, you must first open the I/E station door. If you
want to prohibit access to the library, which is recommended for security reasons, lock the I/E station door. This keeps
unauthorized users from accessing tape cartridges.
You can lock and unlock the I/E station door using commands on the Operations menu. If necessary, you can also manually
unlock the I/E station door. For more information, see Locking and Unlocking the I/E Stations.
If the access door is opened, the library is not available for use. When an access door (on any module) is opened, all in-
progress motion commands are stopped, and the picker slowly lowers to the bottom of the library. When the access door is
closed, the library returns any media in the picker to its original slot and also performs a library inventory.
Caution: Care should be taken to avoid opening the access door during robotic operations since the robot will stop
immediately and will fail to complete the current operation.
I/E Station
I/E stations enable importing and exporting cartridges with minimal interruption of normal library operations. I/E stations are

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located on the front of the 5U Library Control Module and on the front of 9U Library Expansion Modules. A 5U I/E station has a
capacity of six cartridges. A 9U I/E station has a capacity of 12 cartridges.
The I/E stations can also be configured as storage as well as become part of a logical division of library resources known as a
partition. The I/E station is shared among all partitions, but the I/E station slots are owned by one partition at a time. When
an I/E station slot is assigned to a partition, only the assigned partition can access that slot.
Operator Panel
The operator panel is the touch screen display device upon which the graphical user interface (GUI) appears. The operator
panel is located on the access door of the 5U Library Control Module. The library operations and service functions are
performed from this screen. The GUI is also accessible through a remote Web client. For more information on the library user
interfaces, see Understanding the User Interface.
Front Power Button
Turning off the front power button turns off the robot and operator panel, but power still runs to the power supplies. Use the
front power button to manually shut down the library. See Shutting Down or Restarting the Library for instructions on how to
shut down or restart the library safely.
Back Panel Components
Figure 6 shows the back panel components of the library. The paragraphs following Figure 6 describe the components in
detail.
Figure 6 Back Panel Components
1Library control blade (LCB)
2FC I/O blade (optional)
3FC I/O fan blades (required with FC I/O blades)
4Rear power switch
5Power supplies

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6Upper and lower Ethernet ports on 9U Library Expansion Module
7Module terminator connectors (CAN bus connectors)
Rear Power Switches
Rear power switches are located on each power supply. Turning off the rear power switch on a power supply removes all
power from the library. The rear power switches should be used in all emergency and service situations.
Warning: Turn off the rear power switch whenever you are servicing the library. In the event of danger to
personnel or property, immediately turn off the rear power switch and remove all power cords.
Caution: Except in emergencies, use the shutdown procedure before switching off the rear power switch. See
Shutting Down or Restarting the Library for instructions on how to shut down the library.
Power System
The library supports single and redundant power configurations. The single power configuration has a single AC line input and
single DC power supply. The redundant configuration has dual AC line input and dual DC power supplies.
If you have redundant power supplies, you can "hot swap" a power supply (power to the library remains on while you
exchange the hardware), and you can "hot add" power supplies to other modules (power to the library remains on while you
are adding the hardware).
Caution: At least one power supply must be plugged in at all times.
Warning: The power outlet must be available near the library and must be easily accessible.
Caution: The 9U Library Control Module and each 9U Library Expansion Module that contains drives must have at
least one power supply for every four drives. You can add a redundant power supply to each module. Installing one
power supply in one module and another power supply in another module does not provide redundant power; the two
power supplies must reside in the same module.
The power system consists of the following components:
•Power supply
•AC power cord
The power supply has three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide status information. These LED status indicators are
green and blue in color.
•Green represents AC OK or DC OK.
•Blue represents swap-mode power status.
Figure 7 shows the power supply LEDs. For more information on the behavior of the LEDs, see Power Supply LEDs.
Figure 7 Power Supply LEDs

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1 LEDs
Library Control Blade
The library control blade (LCB) manages the entire library, including the operator panel and picker assembly, and is
responsible for running system tests to ensure that the library is functioning properly. The LCB also provides internal
communication to Fibre Channel (FC) I/O blade slots. The LCB has four Ethernet ports, supporting a total of four FC I/O
blades in the library.
The LCB indicates its status with three LED Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) status indicators. These indicators
are green, amber, and blue in color.
•Green represents processor status.
•Amber represents health status.
•Blue represents power-control status.
Figure 8 shows the location of the LCB components, including LEDs. For more information on the behavior of the LCB LEDs,
see LCB and FC I/O Blade LEDs.
Figure 8 Library Control Blade

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1LEDs (blue, amber, green)
2Gigabit Ethernet (external network) port
3Ethernet I/O blade control ports (inactive if FC I/O blades are not installed)
4Service Ethernet port
5Service serial port
Fibre-Channel input/Output Blades
9U Library Expansion Modules support optional Fibre Channel (FC) input/Output (I/O) blades that provide connections for FC
tape drives in the library. Each FC I/O blade has an embedded controller that provides connectivity and features that enhance
the performance and reliability of tape drive operations. I/O blades also aggregate FC tape drive connections, reducing switch
port and cabling requirements.
Each FC I/O blade has six auto-negotiating, 4 Gb/s FC ports and backplane connections. The FC I/O blade provides two host
communication ports and four connection ports to FC drives. Each FC I/O blade is cooled by a fan blade that is installed next
to the FC I/O blade in the 9U Library Expansion Module. FC I/O blades and fan blades are hot-swappable.
FC I/O blades cannot be installed in the 5U Library Control Module, so your library configuration must include at least one
9U Library Expansion Module to include FC I/O blades. Each 9U Library Expansion Module can house up to two FC I/O blades.
Depending on the number of installed 9U Library Expansion Modules, the library can support from one to four FC I/O blades.
No library configuration can contain more than four FC I/O blades. Any FC drive in the library, including drives in the
5U Library Control Module, can be connected to an FC I/O blade in a 9U Library Expansion Module.
Note: FC I/O menu commands are available for use only when FC I/O blades are installed in the library.
The FC I/O blade indicates its status with three LED status indicators. These indicators are green, amber, and blue in color.
•Green represents processor status.
•Amber represents health status.
•Blue represents power-control status.
Figure 9 shows the FC I/O Blade, including LEDs. For more information on the behavior of the FC I/O Blade LEDs, see LCB
and FC I/O Blade LEDs.
For information on configuring I/O blades, see Working With FC I/O Blades.

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For information on installing and cabling FC I/O blades and FC tape drives, see Installing, Removing, and Replacing.
Figure 9 FC I/O Blade
1FC ports to host(s)
2FC ports to drive(s)
3LEDs (blue, amber, green)
Each FC I/O blade is cooled by a fan blade that is installed next to the FC I/O blade in the 9U Library Expansion Module. For
information on installing the fan blade, see Adding, Removing, and Replacing the FC I/O Fan Blade.
Figure 10 shows the FC I/O fan blade, including the LED. The single amber LED represents health status. For more
information on the behavior of the FC I/O fan blade LED, see FC I/O Fan Blade LED.
Figure 10 FC I/O Fan Blade

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1LED (amber)
Robotic System and Barcode Scanner
The robotic system identifies and moves the cartridges between the storage slots, tape drives, and the I/E station. The
robotic arm (picker) has picker fingers that enable it to grab tape cartridges and move them into positions along X, Y, and Z
motion coordinates. The robotic system and the barcode scanner work together to identify the locations of resources within
the library.
Each tape cartridge must contain a barcode that the barcode scanner reads during the inventory process. During the inventory
process, the barcode scanner reads the fiducial labels to identify the types of magazines and tape drives that are installed in
the library.
Every tape cartridge must have a unique machine-readable barcode attached to it. Tape cartridges cannot have duplicate
barcode labels. This barcode identifies the cartridge. The library stores the physical location of the tape cartridge in an
inventory database. All library or host requests typically reference the location of the tape cartridges based on this barcode
number. Barcode labels are mandatory and must adhere to specific standards. For more information on barcodes, see
Working With Cartridges and Barcodes.
Tape Drive Support
Details about tape drive support include:
•Every library configuration must contain at least one tape drive.
•5U Library Control Modules can hold a maximum of two tape drives.
•9U Library Expansion Modules can hold a maximum of four tape drives.
Please see Supported Components for a list of tape drives and media supported by the PowerVault ML6000 library.
The library supports mixing different tape drive types within the library and within partitions. For information on how to do
this, see Working With Partitions.
SCSI and SAS tape drives are attached directly to the host. FC tape drives can be directly attached to hosts or to the Storage
Area Network (SAN). FC tape drives can also be attached to FC I/O blades, which manage communication between the hosts
and the drives. For more information on FC I/O blades, see Working With FC I/O Blades.
Tape drives are installed into tape drive slots in the rear of the library. If a tape drive slot is empty, a filler plate covers the

Description
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empty tape drive slots to prevent debris from entering the library. Tape drives are shipped filling the tape drive slots from the
bottom to the top of the library, but the tape drives can be reinstalled in any available tape drive slot.
Note: Tape drive filler plates must be in place for the library to operate at normal speed.
For information on adding tape drives, see Adding a Tape Drive.
Library Features
This section describes several features of PowerVault ML6000 libraries.
User Interface
The operator panel is located on the front door of the 5U Library Control Module and allows you to work locally on the library
via the user interface. The Web client allows you to view and perform library functions from remote sites and is accessible
through a browser. The operator panel and Web client contain a similar user interface and functionality.
See Understanding the User Interface for more information about the operator panel and the Web client.
Partitions
Partitions are virtual sections within a library that present the appearance of multiple, separate libraries for purposes of file
management, access by multiple users, or dedication to one or more host applications.
Organizing the library into partitions divides the resources into virtual sections. Partitions can be used to control access to
portions of the library by granting permissions to user accounts to access certain partitions.
For more information on partitions, see Working With Partitions.
Control Path Modification
The control path tape drive is used to connect a partition to a host application. Only one tape drive can be selected as the
control path at one time. For more information, see Working With Control Paths.
Support for WORM
PowerVault ML6000 tape libraries support WORM (write once, read many) technology in LTO-3, LTO-4, and LTO-5 tape drives.
WORM allows non-rewriteable and non-erasable data to be written and provides extra data security by prohibiting accidental
data erasure. The WORM feature is supported whenever you use WORM cartridges.
Licensable Features
In addition to the standard features, the following additional, licensable features are available for the PowerVault ML6000:
•Advanced Reporting, described in Advanced Reporting
•Capacity on Demand, described in Capacity on Demand
•Encryption Key Management, described in Encryption Key Management
If you purchase these features with your library, the license will be installed when you receive the library. If you upgrade or
add new features after the initial purchase, you will need to obtain and install a license key. For information on how to obtain
and install a license key, see Obtaining and Installing a License Key.
Back to Contents Page

Understanding the User Interface
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Back to Contents Page
Understanding the User Interface: Dell™ PowerVault™
ML6000 Tape Library User's Guide
Common User Interface Elements
Operator Panel
Web Client
Menu Trees
User Privileges
User Access
The user interface of PowerVault ML6000 libraries is available in two formats: the operator panel and the Web client.
Operations on the library can be performed locally on the 5U Library Control Module using the operator panel or remotely on
your computer using the Web client. Similar functionality with common elements is used for both formats.
Both the Web client and operator panel user interfaces are required to operate the library. Some functionality is only available
through the Web client, and some functionality is only available through the operator panel. However, using the Web client
rather than the operator panel to perform library operations (when possible) is recommended.
Caution: Do not perform inventory operations (for example, working with RAS tickets, creating/modifying/deleting
partitions) while the library is performing an inventory. Doing so may result in inventory discrepancies, such as missing
tape cartridges.
Common User Interface Elements
The user interface consists of the following areas:
•Header — appears on every screen and contains the company logo, product name, and the three main navigation
buttons. The main navigation buttons are:
•Home — Home page.
•Help — Context-sensitive Help for the active screen.
•Logout — Ability to log out.
•Title Bar/Menu Tabs (operator panel)— This area appears below the header. On the home page, it provides
the library/partition name and access to the menu tabs on the main screen. On all other screens, this area
is a single bar and provides the screen name.
•Menu Bar (Web client)— Lists the menu choices.
•Main — Main content area of the screen.
•Health/Navigation — provides information about the "health" of the library by means of three subsystem status
buttons: Library, Drives, and Media. See System Summary and Subsystem Status for more information on the
subsystem buttons.
Note: A message in the header alerts you when the robot is not ready to perform library functions. See
Troubleshooting "Library Not Ready" Messages for more information on "Library Not Ready" messages displayed in the
header.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the operator panel and the Web client interfaces.
Figure 1 Operator Panel User interface