IBM TS2340 User Guide - Page 69

AIX Device Driver (Atape) Reset Drive This utility resets the tape drive. To access this utility: 1. Open the Service Aids window. 2. Select Reset Drive from the IBM Tape Drive Service Aids window, then press Enter. 3. Select the device from the IBM IBMTape Drive Selection window, then press Enter. The Reset Drive operation starts, and a window opens when the operation is completed. Create an FMR Tape This utility creates a field microcode replacement (FMR) cartridge tape using the loaded functional microcode in the tape drive. To access this utility: 1. Open the Service Aids window. 2. Select Create an FMR Tape from the IBM Tape Drive Service Aids window, then press Enter. 3. Select the device from the IBMTape Drive Selection window, then press Enter. The Create an FMR Tape operation starts, and a window opens when the operation is completed. Performance Considerations This chapter describes the parameters and issues that may affect the perceived performance of the tape drive. In general, AIX applications that operate at a file level to move data between disk storage devices and tape do not exploit the full capabilities of a high end tape device. The goal of this discussion is to give an overview of the data path components involved in moving data between disk storage devices and tape. The following chapter describes basic techniques and common utilities in a specific environment that can be used to understand how a device is performing. Performance issues encountered by advanced application developers are beyond the scope of this document. v Refer to the hardware reference for the specific device for performance specifications. v Refer to the application documentation for information on device-specific application configuration. v Refer to the operating system documentation for information on disk storage device striping and other techniques for improving file system performance. Data Path The simplified model in Figure 8 shows the components involved in the data path for moving data at a file level between disk storage devices and tape. Performance analysis must be approached by determining which component of the data path impacts performance. Typically, a performance problem can be isolated by looking at one leg of the data path at a time. The goal of this analysis is to confirm that the tape data path is not impacting the performance adversely. Chapter 3. AIX Tape and Medium Changer Device Driver 51