Plasmon
V
15 AIT Tape Library User Manual
Page 60
Operating the Library in Sequential Mode
When the library is operating in Sequential mode, its internal firmware instructs the robot to move
cartridges sequentially between the cartridge slots and the tape drive. Sequential mode is useful with
software applications that support functions performed by the tape drive but not functions performed by the
library robotics.
In Sequential mode, the library performs the following steps:
1. Picks the cartridge from slot 1 and places it in the tape drive. If the slot is empty, the robot
picks the next cartridge in the magazine.
2. Waits until the tape drive ejects the cartridge, then returns the cartridge to its original slot.
3. Repeats these steps for the next cartridge until it has processed all of the cartridges.
4. Returns to the first cartridge and begins the process again or stops, depending on how the
Loop option is set.
Sequential options
To customize how Sequential mode works, you can set the Loop, Restart, and Next Cartridge options.
These options are not affected by a reset or power cycle.
Loop Option
The Loop option determines what the library does after it finishes processing the last cartridge in a
sequence. As shown in the following table, the library can either loop back to the first cartridge in the
sequence and start processing the cartridges again or stop and wait for operator intervention. (Operator
intervention typically means opening the library’s door, removing the cartridge magazine, installing a new
magazine, and closing the door.)
Table 8. Sequential Mode Loop Option
Restart Option
The Restart option determines where the library restarts after it is reset or power cycled, or after the door is
opened and closed. The library can restart either at the beginning of the cartridge sequence or where it left
off when the interruption occurred.
As shown in the following table, the Restart option determines what the library does next.
Table 9. Sequential Mode Restart Option
If Loop is... The Library...
On Returns to cartridge 1 and starts processing the cartridges again.
Off Stops processing cartridges and waits for operator intervention.
If Restart is... The Library...
On Restarts at slot 1.
Off Resumes where it left off.