Dell NetWorker 19.9 Administration Guide

Libraries with volume import and export capability

The NetWorker software supports the use of the SCSI-II import/export feature found in many brands of library. Depending on the library model, this feature is also known as cartridge access port (CAP), mail slot, and loading port. The import/export feature deposits and withdraws (ejects) volumes from slots in the library. This feature enables the operator to deposit and withdraw cartridges without invalidating the device inventory list. Normally, if the operator opens the door to load or unload media, the element status of the autoloader is invalidated, which requires the reinitialization the library. The NetWorker server does not, however, automatically inventory the volume after a deposit and withdrawal.

The reinitialization usually consists of the following:

• An inventory of all slots
• A reset of the robotic arm
• A check to see whether each drive is working

The Deposit attribute causes a library to take the first available volume from the CAP and place it in the first empty library slot. The Eject/Withdraw attribute moves a volume from a slot (never from a drive) to the CAP.