Install the Tape Drive

INSTALLING THE TAPE DRIVE

4.Obtain the necessary cables and terminator — The tape drive connects to the SCSI bus using a cable with a high-density,68-pin male connector. This cable must meet the guidelines in “SCSI Cable Requirements,” beginning on page 41. If the tape drive is the last device on the SCSI bus, you will need to install an LVD/SE terminator at the physical end of the bus.

5.Do not exceed SCSI bus length restrictions— The maximum allowable length of an LVD SCSI bus is 12 meters (39 feet) if you have more than two devices on the bus. Make sure the SCSI bus attached to the tape drive does not exceed this length. To determine the length of the bus:

a.Add together the lengths of all external SCSI cables attaching devices on the bus. External devices are those connected outside of the server’s enclosure.

b.Add together the lengths of all SCSI cables attaching internal devices on the bus. Internal devices are those installed within the server’s enclosure.

c.Add together the lengths of all internal cabling for all other SCSI devices on the bus. Refer to the individual product documentation for cable length information.

6.Make sure the SCSI bus is properly terminated— You must install an LVD or LVD/SE multimode terminator on the device at the physical end of the SCSI bus. If the tape drive is at the physical end of the SCSI bus, you must install the required terminator on one of the tape drive’s SCSI connectors.

If there are additional devices on the SCSI bus, ensure that only the device at the physical end of the bus is terminated.

1.Power down the host computer system.

Turn off all devices attached to the computer to which you plan to connect the tape drive, then turn off the computer. Disconnect all power cables.

2.Set the SCSI ID.

The tape drive is shipped with a SCSI ID of 11. If another device on the SCSI bus is already configured with this SCSI ID, you will need to change the tape drive’s SCSI ID. To change the default ID, press the + and – tabs above and below the SCSI ID indicator until the desired SCSI ID appears. See Figure 2-6.

3.Connect the SCSI cable.

a.Ensure that the cable complies with the SCSI-3 specification and has a 68-pin high-density male connector. See Table 6-5for cable specifications.

Caution	Do not use a noncompliant SCSI cable; it will degrade VXA-320performance and
	can cause random, nonreproducible errors. See Table 6-5for cable specifications.

OCTOBER 2006	VXA-320 TAPE DRIVE
OCTOBER 2006	VXA-320 TAPE DRIVE

VXA-320 (VXA-3) specifications

Tandberg Data VXA-320 (VXA-3) is a sophisticated backup solution designed for businesses seeking reliable data storage and backup capabilities. It is part of the renowned VXA series, heralded for its innovative approach to data archiving and its robust performance in diverse operating environments.

One of the standout features of the VXA-320 is its impressive data transfer rate, which reaches up to 36 GB per hour. This capability significantly enhances backup speed, making it a suitable choice for organizations with extensive data storage needs. The device supports a native capacity of 160 GB per cartridge, which can be expanded to 320 GB when data is compressed. This dual-layer cartridge system ensures that users can efficiently manage large volumes of data without constantly needing to interchange tapes.

The VXA-320 employs the unique VXA tape format, characterized by its advanced error correction and data integrity features. This format minimizes data loss risks and ensures reliable restoration of information. Additionally, the VXA-3 incorporates a one-inch data path, allowing it to handle higher track counts and thereby achieve better storage density. This design improves the efficiency of data retrieval and archiving processes.

Another significant aspect of the VXA-320 is its compatibility with a myriad of operating systems and backup applications, making it a versatile addition to various IT infrastructures. Businesses can integrate the VXA-3 into existing systems without the need for extensive reconfiguration. This flexibility enhances its appeal to organizations looking for a straightforward backup solution.

The device also includes an intelligent tape management system that tracks the status of backup jobs and the usage of tapes. This feature facilitates easier management of the backup process and ensures users remain informed about the condition of their storage media.

Tandberg Data offers extensive support documentation and tools that facilitate straightforward operation of the VXA-320. Combined with reliable performance and innovative storage technologies, the VXA-320 (VXA-3) stands out as a robust solution for data protection needs. Overall, it represents an effective investment for businesses seeking dependable data backup and archiving solutions.