Data Domain: Troubleshooting VTL Target Visibility Issues

Troubleshooting Data Domain VTL Target Visibility

PURPOSE

This article describes how to identify and correct issues that might occur when configuring the Data Domain Virtual Tape Library (VTL) feature.

• Application reports library offline
• Client cannot see the Data Domain VTL

APPLIES TO

• All Data Domain systems with VTL
• All Data Domain Operating System (DDOS) releases

SOLUTION

Use the following steps to isolate the cause for the issue and identify the solution.

Perform the steps in order. Do not skip a step.

1.Review Data Domain: Verifying that Network Connectivity is working properly. A bad cable or Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) can cause the Data Domain VTL to not be visible

2. Verify that the Data Domain VTL is online. From DD-CLI type:

vtl status

The status must be enabled, licensed, and running.

3. Verify that the zoning is configured correctly for the Data Domain VTL per Data Domain: Configuring Fiber Channel Zoning. If zoning is configured incorrectly and the Data Domain is not isolated in a zone, the Data Domain VTL software target might not be visible.

4. Verify that the HBA model and driver are supported by the Data Domain VTL. Only certain HBA card types are supported for the Data Domain VTL. Check the e-lab navigator 

5. Verify that the fiber switch is compatible. Certain switches may not be compatible with the Data Domain VTL.

6. Verify that the initiator can be seen from the Data Domain and the Data Domain can be seen from the initiator.

a. From the Data Domain command line, type:

vtl initiator show

b. From the initiator, use the software that came with the HBA to confirm the Data Domain WWPN (worldwide port name) is listed.

7. Verify that the correct devices are connected to the Data Domain VTL. Perform a Loop Initialization Primitive (LIP) to ensure that the Data Domain VTL is connected to the correct device.