Руководство Пользователя для Spectra Logic spectra t120

Chapter 2.  Architecture Overview

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The Spectra T950 library uses Quad Interface Processors (QIPs) to provide connectivity 
between the library’s drives—typically SCSI devices—and the enterprise environment, 
which uses Fibre Channel or Gigabit Ethernet. Each QIP is essentially a bridge, but 
with additional features and intelligence built into it. 

With QIP architecture, no external bridges are needed to handle data stream 
translation, nor are any other specialized devices required to support other protocols.

QIPs provide additional functions along with connectivity:

• Each QIP defines a drive serial number for every one of its drives. This serial 

number remains constant even if the physical drive is replaced. The new drive 
simply retains the designated serial number, so drive replacement is completely 
transparent to the backup software.

• Each QIP has its own World Wide Name (WWN) based on its physical location in 

the library and a unique identifier for the library. This WWN remains constant even 
if the physical QIP is replaced. The new QIP simply retains the designated WWN, 
so QIP replacement is completely transparent to the backup software.

Drives, such as LTO and SAIT, ship on sleds that permit the drives to be easily added 
or replaced. The drives must be on sleds to work in the Spectra Library, and are 
available only from Spectra Logic. Theses drives can be connected to the library using 
QIP, or using direct-connect. 

With direct-attach Fibre Channel drives, you can attach the Spectra T950 library’s drives 
directly to a Fibre Channel SAN, ensuring a simple fit with your storage environment, 
along with fast performance. A minimum of one QIP is still required in the library for 
the purpose of exporting robotic commands, but the setup is very easy, and expense is 
minimized.