Trying to get "HP Storageworks MSL2024 Tape Library" detected by computer

[mh321]

Hello, I got the above Tape library for free along with the LTO3 Ultrium tapes, along with a free server. I have read the user manual but I still don't know how to get it working with a computer using ethernet cables.

The library's menu shows all components are in good working order. I hooked it up to power, and hooked it up to a router using ethernet cable. I tried connecting to it on my computer by typing the machine's IP address, but the connection keeps timing out. I tried pinging it in cmd, and that timed out as well. I then tried restoring it back to factory default settings, and now the IP address is all 0s and dots.

I tried connecting to it using a win xp pc and also a server running win server 2003 (but the server isn't really set up either).

Ethernet connection path is: Tape library---ATT Uverse Router---Computer

I don't have any experience working with servers or tape libraries before, can anybody please help me? For now I just want to see if the library is fully functional and I want to test backing up some music files and pictures.

Thanks

 

[GhislainG]

How is the backup server connected to the tape library? SCSI or Fibre HBAs? What enterprise backup software did you install to manage the library?

 

[mh321]

I connected it with the ethernet cable. Cable goes from the device to the router, and then from router to server/computer. The tape library has scsi connectors at the back, but I didn't connect anything to them because I don't have the cables. Is the scsi connection mandatory? The only software I installed was a tape driver pack from hp and hp library and tape tools.

I will check for any further replies in the morning, just to let everyone know

 

[GhislainG]

Have you read http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?prodSeriesId=3936307&objectID=c01514994 and http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02062544/c02062544.pdf to make sure you have everything? You need to connect the server via SCSI or Fibre to the tape library. In addition to the library did you also get the backup server with the required HBA (or at least an HBA)?

I just checked the configuration of a backup server. Device Manager shows a QLogic Fibre Channel Adapter under SCSI and RAID controllers and all tape devices under Tape drives. It looks like you setup is incomplete.

 

[mh321]

I've read the documentation but I didn't really understand it well. The free server I got happens to have an scsi card in the pcix slot. So it seems that the tape library will not work without being connected with an scsi cable to the server? Then what would be the purpose of having a LAN port on the back? Do both need to be connected to run?

So if the lack of an scsi cable is the problem, if I buy any scsi cable off ebay, it should all work then? Or what kind of scsi cable will I need then?

Thanks

 

[GhislainG]

The documentation says "Configuring the networking enables you to monitor, configure, and control most Library functions from the RMI." It doesn't say that you can perform backups through the Ethernet port. The tape library has to be detected in Device Manager just like a hard disk or other storage devices. That's why a SCSI or a FC HBA is required.

The backup server itself can perform backups through Ethernet as long as the required agents are installed on the systems to be backed up (server, NAS or SAN). Backup software like HP Data Protector works very well with that library.

You'll have to buy a SCSI cable that's compatible (correct connectors and specs); otherwise it won't work.

 

[mh321]

Can you recommend me a cheap but compatible SCSI cable on ebay or elsewhere?

The server has an adaptec 29320a pci-x scsi card.

Thanks very much

 

[GhislainG]

You confirm that the interface is Parallel SCSI? Is an Ultra2 LVD terminator already connected to one of the ports? If you're not familiar with SCSI termination you should read http://download.adaptec.com/pdfs/installation_guides/29320a_ig.pdf

According to http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF06b/12169-304612-304622-304622-304622-3936307-3741033-3741034.html?dnr=1 the following was included: (1) 6 ft VHDCI to HDTS68 SCSI cable per tape drive, (1) HDTS68 SCSI terminator per SCSI tape drive.

Seach for HP 341176-B21 (6 ft SCSI cable) and C2364A for the terminator. I can't guarantee 100% they are the correct parts; please double-check with the site you're buying from.

 

[mh321]

The library already has a terminator attached to it with a sticker saying "Wide-LVD / SE SCSI"

A sticker on the back of the LTO3 tape drive has "SCSI LVD/SE" on it.
Additional stickers say it is an Ultrium 960 Drive, spare part number 407352-001

The adaptor card on the server has this on the back: "SCSI LVD"




So this is a parallel SCSI then? Can you confirm that HP 341176-B21 still looks ok given this new information?

Thanks

 

[GhislainG]

That seems to be the correct cable.