How to take backup in MSL 2024 Tape library over the Network ?

[MustafaB]

Hello ,

Require solutions how to take backup in MSL 2024 Tape library over the ethernet ?

 Location A - Backup Server with backup software install , SAN Storage , SAN Switch

Location B - MSL 2024 Tape Library LTO8 FC Drive  , HP Gigabit Access layer switch

Pls Suggest the best solution using that backup server push the data over the network to MSL 2024 Tape library .

[Torsten.]

You cannot backup to the tape library via network, FC (or SAS) only!

[AshrafK]

Hello Mustafa,

There are different methods to configure the backup server with the MSL2024 unit.

Primarily, before you start with anything, you must make sure the hardware and software compatibility is met.

Kindly refer to BURA compatibility matrix which will give information on the tested hardware and software for MSL setup. ( includes supported LTO drives for MSL2024, backup software, and switches)

https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en_US&docId=emr_na-kc0124905en_us&withFrame

Backup with MSL2024 over ethernet is not possible, and supported tape drives host ports are either Fiber Channel or SAS.

If you are considering LTO8 FC tape drive, then you have to make sure that the backup server is zoned correctly with the MSL tape drives.

[MustafaB]

Hi ,

Thanks for your valuable reply .

Got your point , over the ethernet backup is not possible in Tape Library .

But can we do one thing take SAS Connectivity LTO8 Drive and use 0.5m Mini-SAS SFF-8088 to 4 SFP Splitter Cable then take it tape library into network .

[Torsten.]

The library must be connected to a server, either by SAS or FC.
Depending on your backup solution this server collect the data and write to tape.

[AshrafK]

Hello Mustafa,

You may choose the SAS LTO8 tape drive but the use of correct compatible cable depends on the SAS Adapter in use, that connects server and the tape library drives. The cable connector form factor type on the LTO tape drive is SFF-8088, but the connecter form on the server will differ based on the SAS adapter installed on the server ( sometime SFF8644),

Yes, always use spit cable for MSL tape drives. Compatible cable details are listed in the earlier mentioned BURA Compatibility link. 

If this answers your questions and there are not outstanding queries, please close this thread so that other learners can benefit. 

[Torsten.]

you wrote

But can we do one thing take SAS Connectivity LTO8 Drive and use 0.5m Mini-SAS SFF-8088 to 4 SFP Splitter Cable then take it tape library into network .


Can you please explain that?
How would you "take into network" using a SAS splitter cable?