Sun Microsystems SL8500 manual Host to Library Communications, Host Interfaces

CH A P T E R 3

Host to Library Communications

This chapter describes host and server support, the connections from the library to the server.

Host Interfaces

Host interface connections to the library are done with one of two methods:

■TCP/IP protocol over an Ethernet 10/100-baseT physical interface.

■Fibre Channel physical interface using SCSI commands and protocol.

TCP/IP

The SL8500 library uses TCP/IP protocol over an Ethernet physical interface to manage and communicate with the library. This interface enables both enterprise-level (HSC) and open system platforms (ACSLS) to connect to and communicate with the SL8500.

Note – A private network connection to an Ethernet hub or switch is recommended for maximum throughput and minimum resource contention.

The HBC card is the library controller responsible for coordinating all component operations within the library and providing the interface connection with the host.

There are two separate Ethernet connections on the HBC card for host to library communications—Ports 2A and 2B.

■Port 2A provides the Dual TCP/IP host connection—this is an optional feature for SL8500 libraries..

■Port 2B provides the primary connection for host communications—this is the standard connection for SL8500 libraries.

96154 • Revision K 39