Sun StorageTek SL8500 Modular Library System
 

PLA-Support>Sun Systems>TAPE>Tape Hardware>SN-TP: SL3000-8500 Library
 

In this Document

Goal

Solution

References

Oracle Confidential PARTNER - Available to partners (SUN).
Reason: Confidential for Service Personnel

Applies to:

Goal

Firmware / Microcode Level Recommendations for SL8500 library.

Solution

Updated 30-Jan, 2018

FRS-8.60 Code Released - Customer Installable - Beginning with this release of firmware, the customer can perform the installation of SL8500 code.  HOWEVER -  The current firmware must be a minimum of FRS_8.51 and SLC 6.60. To install an older version, downgrade firmware, or if your current firmware version is below FRS_8.51 the customer must contact Oracle support.

The code is now posted on MOS (not the SAC) and the instructions to access the code are included in the customer facing installation instructions in the attached MOS Doc ID 2337082.1.   This procedure is for upgrading library firmware to FRS_8.60 or above.

FRS-8.60 Code - Release Notes - The customer facing release notes are in the firmware file and are attached.  They can be viewed and downloaded at https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E24306_05/index.html

Below are internal facing release notes for FRS-8.60 firmware.  This is from the TapeSupport site at https://tapesupport.us.oracle.com/Includes/Dokuwiki/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=start:sl-series_tape_libraries:sl8500_firmware_version_history  .   

Please take note of the the extensive CLI command additions along with other enhancements and requirements.  Code load instructions can be obtained from MOS in Doc ID 1306003.1 located at https://mosemp.us.oracle.com/epmos/faces/DocumentDisplay?id=1306003.1

Updated -29-June, 2016

SL8500 Microcode Recommendations - Note RoHS 2016 Hardware Support - FRS-8.51 is released and was posted on the SAC at https://sac.us.oracle.com/download/index.html in April.

The recommendations are being updated to include RoHS 2016 card support that will be needed in the near future. Please review Item "1" in the "SL8500 & SL3000 Common Library" section below in these notes for additional details.

FRS-8.51 code is required to support:

a). Bulk CAP (also requires updates to ACSLS or HSC)
b). LTO-7
c). Serial number tracking of drive trays with 18 characters and a '+' in the 8th position
d). RoHS 2016 compliant hardware that will be released soon (HBB2, HBCR2, HBT2)

 FRS-8.51 code should be used with the the following clarifications:

 If a library is received with FRS-8.51 installed, do not downlevel the code. Check with the TSC for any exceptions.
New libraries should be installed with FRS-8.51.
The special instructions noted in the release notes MUST be followed in non-partitioned libraries.
FRS-8.36 is the minimal code version that should be used. However, you must be making plans to move to FRS-8.51 or risk an incompatibility with a replacement part.
If new drive trays with 18 character serial numbers with a '+' in the 8th position are installed, FRS-8.51 is required to track the serial numbers in the SL8500
If drive trays have LOD cards, the serial numbers will populate automatically with FRS-8.51.
Do not install 8.51/8.36/8.35/8.31 if the site is currently using STA 1.x (StorageTek Analytics), upgrade to STA 2.0 first or STA will stop functioning.
If support for IPv6 is required, contact support
At this time we are now encouraging the installation of FRS-8.51. This is for any routine reliability upgrade in addition to new feature support.
Early issues with this code are resolved by following the installation instructions. The code is running well.

 General Notes:

As always... Before upgrading to any code version read the release notes. Verify that ALL warnings are understood and all prerequisites are satisfied as listed in the notes.
Be aware of ACSLS version requirements and the possibility the current server is inadequate to run the required updated version of ACSLS
Review MOS KB documents before upgrading to 8.x codes if coming from 7.0x code -
SL8500 - Possible ILC Permanently Disabled Going From 7.0x to 7.70 (Doc ID 1447375.1)
SL8500/SL3000 - Network Configuration Impacts During Upgrades to 3.60, 3.61 or 7.70 Codes (Doc ID 1431626.1)
SL8500 - FRS-8.51 Problem, Multi-Library Complex the CAPs May Fail to Come Online (Doc ID 2119349.1)
SL8500 Caps not coming online with 8.51 (Doc ID 2119349.1)

If a downgrade of code is required, please contact the TSC for guidance.
If a customer is currently using STA, an upgrade to any 8.x code from a version below 8.x will require a reconfiguration of STA and possibly the SNMP library settings.
Upgrading from FRS-6.07 code to FRS-8.xx code can be done directly. You do not need to pass through 7.x code and should not do so.
If upgrading from 3.98b and 4.xx codes follow special instructions in the FRS-8.xx release notes.
If below 3.98b, you MUST upgrade to 3.98b first.
FRS-8.51 code REQUIRES SLConsole 6.60 or higher. Please install SLConsole 6.65 that is now released on your laptop and OP Panel before proceeding with any upgrade. Notify the customer to upgrade their SLConsole level. All other lower version DO NOT WORK with FRS-8.51
ACSLS 7.3.1 supports all current code but not the enhanced features. See release notes. The "7.3.1+" and "8.0.2+" references in the code notes means that "7.3.1 or higher" or "8.0.2 or higher" software is required

(Updated 24-Jan, 2016)

SL8500 Microcode Recommendations - FRS-8.51 Released - FRS-8.51 is released as the replacement for FRS-8.50 and is posted on the SAC at https://sac.us.oracle.com/download/index.html .

FRS-8.51 code is required to support:

a). Bulk CAP (requires updates to ACSLS or HSC)
b). LTO-7
c). Serial number tracking of drive trays with 18 characters and a '+' in the 8th position

FRS-8.51 code can be used with the the following clarifications:

New libraries should be installed with FRS-8.51.
FRS-8.36 is the minimal code version that should be used.
If new drive trays with 18 character serial numbers with a '+' in the 8th position are installed, FRS-8.51 is required to track the serial numbers in the SL8500
If only legacy drive trays are installed, the drive tray serial numbers can be tracked in FRS-8.36 and FRS-8.51 is not required.
If drive trays have LOD cards, the serial numbers will populate automatically with FRS-8.51.
Do not install 8.51/8.36/8.35/8.31 if the site is currently using STA 1.x (StorageTek Analytics), upgrade to STA 2.0 first or STA will stop functioning.
If support for IPv6 is required, contact support
At this time FRS-8.36 code is recommended for any routine upgrade to enhance reliability, support new features that are not in a site's current code, or only supported in FRS-8.51.

General Notes:

As always... Before upgrading to any code you must verify that ALL prerequisites are satisfied as listed in the appropriate release notes
Be aware of ACSLS version requirements and the possibility the current server is inadequate to run the required updated version of ACSLS
Review MOS KB documents before upgrading to 8.x codes if coming from 7.0x code -
SL8500 - Possible ILC Permanently Disabled Going From 7.0x to 7.70 [Doc ID 1447375.1]
SL8500/SL3000 - Network Configuration Impacts During Upgrades to 3.60, 3.61 or 7.70 Codes (Doc ID 1431626.1)

If a downgrade of code is required, please contact the TSC for guidance.
If a customer is currently using STA, an upgrade to any 8.x code from a version below 8.x will require a reconfiguration of STA and possibly the SNMP library settings.
Upgrading from FRS-6.07 code to FRS-8.xx code can be done directly. You do not need to pass through 7.x code and should not do so.
If upgrading from 3.98b and 4.xx codes follow special instructions in the FRS-8.xx release notes.
If below 3.98b, you MUST upgrade to 3.98b first.
FRS-8.51 code REQUIRES SLConsole 6.60 or higher. Please install this level or higher on your laptop and OP Panel before proceeding. Notify the customer to upgrade their SLConsole level. All other lower version DO NOT WORK with FRS-8.51
ACSLS 7.3.1 supports all current code but not the enhanced features. See release notes. The "7.3.1+" and "8.0.2+" references in the code notes means that "7.3.1 or higher" or "8.0.2 or higher" software is required

 (Updated 14-Dec, 2015)

Updated Microcode Recommendations, FRS-8.50 Removed from the SAC - FRS-8.50 is no longer GA code and was removed from the SAC.  Due to several issues encountered with FRS-8.50 code, it is only recommended for:

a). Bulk CAP
b). LTO-7

All requests to install FRS-8.50 code require approval from support.

**Important** -

Do Not install FRS-8.50 if:

• the SL8500 is not fully licensed and is using the default slot activation assignments. Activated slots will be reassigned and cartridges will be lost.
  
• there is more than 1 library in the complex due to serious CAP problems.

FRS-8.51 code will be released in the future that will resolve the outstanding issues.


FRS-8.36 code should be used in all other cases with the the following clarifications:

•     New libraries should be brought down to FRS-8.36 if they are not fully licensed.
  
•     The CAP issue does not affect new libraries, only older libraries that contain an older internal file version.
  
•     Do not install 8.36/8.35/8.31 if the site is currently using STA 1.x (StorageTek Analytics), upgrade to STA 2.0 first or STA will stop functioning.
•     If support for IPv6 is required, contact support
  
•     8.36 code is recommended for any routine upgrade to enhance reliability or support new features that are not in a site's current code.

General Notes:

•     As always... Before upgrading to any code you must verify that ALL prerequisites are satisfied as listed in the appropriate release notes
•     Be aware of ACSLS version requirements and the possibility the current server is inadequate to run the required updated version of ACSLS
•     Review MOS KB documents before upgrading to 8.x codes if coming from 7.0x code -
• SL8500 - Possible ILC Permanently Disabled Going From 7.0x to 7.70 [Doc ID 1447375.1]
• SL8500/SL3000 - Network Configuration Impacts During Upgrades to 3.60, 3.61 or 7.70 Codes (Doc ID 1431626.1)

•     If a downgrade of code is required, please contact the TSC for guidance.
•     If a customer is currently using STA, an upgrade to any 8.x code from a version below 8.x will require a reconfiguration of STA and possibly the SNMP library settings.
•     Upgrading from FRS-6.07 code to FRS-8.36 code can be done directly. You do not need to pass through 7.x code and should not do so.
•     If upgrading from 3.98b and 4.xx codes follow special instructions in the release notes.
•     If below 3.98b, you MUST upgrade to 3.98b first.
•     FRS-8.36 code REQUIRES SLConsole 6.50 or higher. SLConsole 6.60 is recommended.  Please install this level or higher on your laptop and OP Panel before proceeding.  All other lower version DO NOT WORK with FRS-8.36
•     ACSLS 7.3.1 supports all current code but not the enhanced features. See release notes.  The "7.3.1+" and "8.0.2+" references in the code notes means that "7.3.1 or higher" or "8.0.2 or higher" software is required

===================================================================================================================================================

(Updated 27-Oct-2015)

Updated Microcode Recommendations - FRS-8.50 code was released on 10/9/2015 and is posted on the SAC at https://sac.us.oracle.com/download/index.html .  FRS-8.50 code REQUIRES SLConsole 6.60 or higher.

Release notes are attached.

This GA code should now be used in all cases with the the following clarifications:

•     Do not install 8.50/8.36/8.35/8.31 if the site is currently using STA 1.x (StorageTek Analytics), upgrade to STA 2.0 first or STA will stop functioning.
•     If support for IPv6 is required, contact support
  
•     8.50 code should be installed with all new installations,  all Bulkcap upgrades, and sites requiring fixes for issues addressed in 8.50
•     8.36 code is recommended for any routine upgrade to enhance reliability or support new features that are not in a site's current code.
•     SNBI for 8.50 from manufacturing is 51600020148

Some enhancements in FRS-8.50 over FRS-8.36 (see Release Notes for full list of changes):

•     Added support for the new bulk CAP Feature and full CAP sharing/dedication.
•     Drive Tray Serial Number Tracking feature now accepts 18 characters and the "+" character
•     Enhanced RE stability
•     Bug Fixes
•     New Commands
•     Added a port bond monitor to monitor and display status of the internal network.

General Notes:

•     As always... Before upgrading to any code you must verify that ALL prerequisites are satisfied as listed in the appropriate release notes
•     Be aware of ACSLS version requirements and the possibility the current server is inadequate to run the required updated version of ACSLS
•     Review MOS KB documents before upgrading to 8.x codes if coming from 7.0x code -
• SL8500 - Possible ILC Permanently Disabled Going From 7.0x to 7.70 [Doc ID 1447375.1]
• SL8500/SL3000 - Network Configuration Impacts During Upgrades to 3.60, 3.61 or 7.70 Codes (Doc ID 1431626.1)

•     If a downgrade of code is required, please contact the TSC for guidance.
•     If a customer is currently using STA, an upgrade to any 8.x code from a version below 8.x will require a reconfiguration of STA and possibly the SNMP library settings.
•     Upgrading from FRS-6.07 code to FRS-8.50/8.36 code can be done directly. You do not need to pass through 7.x code and should not do so.
•     If upgrading from 3.98b and 4.xx codes follow special instructions in the release notes.
•     If below 3.98b, you MUST upgrade to 3.98b first.
•     FRS-8.50 code REQUIRES SLConsole 6.60 or higher. Please install this level or higher on your laptop and OP Panel before proceeding.  All other lower version DO NOT WORK with FRS-8.50
•     ACSLS 7.3.1 supports all current code but not the enhanced features. See release notes.  The "7.3.1+" and "8.0.2+" references in the code notes means that "7.3.1 or higher" or "8.0.2 or higher" software is required

(Updated 2-Dec-2014)

FRS-8.36 code is released and is posted on the SAC at https://sac.us.oracle.com/download/index.html .

This GA code should now be used in all cases except as follows:

• Do not install 8.36/8.35/8.31 if the site is currently using STA 1.x (StorageTek Analytics), upgrade to STA 2.0 first or STA will stop functioning.

• If support for IPv6 is required, use FRS-7.07

• 8.36 code is recommended for all other configurations.

Some features in FRS-8.36/ over FRS-8.07:

• Bug Fixes

• Drive media validation

• Port bonding (allows LAN-B activation in RE environments)

• Complex partitioning (across multiple SL8500 libraries)

• New Commands

• Drive Tray Serial Number Tracking

• Library Media Validation

• T10K-D support

• Enhanced Rail Statistics
• Possible controller crash resolved
• Device recovery after switch/crash is resolved
  
• RE Switching issue resolved
• HP LTO Drive Bezel Damage Fixed
• IBM LTO Drive State Properly Reported (fixes mount/ready issue with some ISV applications)
  

General Notes:

• The latest version of SL8500 code is FRS-8.35/8.36 includes enhanced T10K-D support when used with STA 2.x.

• As always... Before upgrading to any code you must verify that ALL prerequisites are satisfied as listed in the appropriate release notes

• Be aware of ACSLS version requirements and the possibility the current server is inadequate to run the required updated version of ACSLS

• Review ISP documents before upgrading to 8.x codes if coming from 7.0x code -

• SL8500 - Possible ILC Permanently Disabled Going From 7.0x to 7.70 [Doc ID 1447375.1]

• SL8500/SL3000 - Network Configuration Impacts During Upgrades to 3.60, 3.61 or 7.70 Codes (Doc ID 1431626.1)

• If a downgrade of code is required, please contact the TSC for guidance.

• If a customer is currently using STA, an upgrade to any 8.x code from a version below 8.x will require a reconfiguration of STA and possibly the SNMP library settings.

• Upgrading from FRS-6.07 code to FRS-8.35/8.36 code can be done directly. You do not need to pass through 7.x code and should not do so.
  
• If upgrading from 3.98b and 4.xx codes follow special instructions in the release notes.
• If below 3.98b, you MUST upgrade to 3.98b first.
  

• FRS-8.36 code REQUIRES SLConsole 6.50 or higher. Please install this level or higher on your laptop and OP Panel before proceeding. SLConsole 6.51 is released and highly recommended.

• ACSLS 7.3.1 supports all current code. The "7.3.1+" and "8.0.2+" references in the code notes means that "7.3.1 or higher" or "8.0.2 or higher" software is required.

======================================================================================================

IBM LTO Notes:

Minimum Library Code for IBM LTOs

• LTO 6                    7.70 8500 / 3.61 3000       
• LTO 6 ADI             8.02 8500 /4.00 3000      

Minimum ACSLS

• IBM-LTO5            IBM LTO Generation 5   ACSLS 7.3.1
• IBM-LTO6            IBM LTO Generation 6   ACSLS 8.1

Recommended Code Levels

• ACSLS 8.3
• SL8500 8.31
• IBM LTO5 = D2AC
• IBM LTO6 = D2DA
• Belisarius Combo Code = 4.17.12.35

Some features in FRS-8.3

• Bug Fixes
• Drive media validation
• Port bonding (to allow LAN-B activation)
• Complex partitioning (more than a single SL8500)
• New Commands

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