What DLT8000 Autoloader functionality is supported?

Issue

What DLT8000 Autoloader functionality is supported?

Solution

NOTE: Before reading this article, Mirapoint highly recommends reading the latest version of the Mirapoint Backup and Restore Guide.

If you are using the DLT8000 Autoloader, the information concerning the functionality supported by this device is documented in this article.

This information only applies to the local mode of backup, for example, using the command Backup Full Tape.

The Mirapoint supported mode of the autoloader is 'sequential.' The unit must be set up for this mode. Operation in 'random' mode utilizing the robotic arm is not supported.

The tapes must be loaded in sequential order in the tape unit. Gaps in the order of the tapes are not allowed.

Unattended backup across multiple tapes without the above intervention is not supported.

One backup per tape is allowed if the backup load is less than the available storage on the tape.

The storage capacity per tape is a minimum of 40 gigabytes and a maximum of 80 gigabytes. The higher value indicates ideal 2:1 compression. The actual maximum storage capacity is dependent on the data type (ASCII/binary) and other factors, such as the overhead of the external backup software.

The operation of a complete backup across multiple tapes must be controlled by an external process. This could be a script acknowledging the change of tapes via the administration protocol port (10143). See the information below on the Backup and Restore commands (found in the Mirapoint Administration Protocol Reference Documentation).

Based on the above supported functionality, it is possible to make full backups of, for example, 140 gigabyte data store at a remote location. The operation of this backup needs to be supported by an external program (this can also be done by acknowledgment via the telnet/CLI) to accomplish the 'unattended remote' operating mode.

Syntax

Backup Media keyword jobid

where:

• keyword is one of:

• Changed-Informs the backup system that you have changed the media and instructs the specified backup operation to resume

• Wanted-Reports whether the backup operation is suspended waiting for you to change the media

• jobid is the job ID of the backup operation for which the media is being used.

Example:

4 Backup Media Wanted Backup-5928

* 4 Waiting for volume #2 for allansun:/dev/rmt/0c

4 OK Completed

5 Backup Media Changed Backup-5928

5 OK Completed

Syntax

Restore Media keyword jobid

where:

• keyword is one of:

• Changed-Informs the backup system that you have changed the media and instructs the specified backup operation to resume

• Wanted-Reports whether the backup operation is suspended waiting for you to change the media

• jobid is the job ID of the backup operation for which the media is being used.

Example:

3 Restore Media Wanted Restore-5928

* 3 Waiting for volume #2 for allansun:/dev/rmt/0c

3 OK Completed

4 Restore Media Changed Restore-5928

4 OK Completed

For more information on using the A.D.I.C. FastStor to back up your system, see Backing Up with the ADIC FastStor Autoloader.