Capture a dump of a tape drive using the ethernet interface

Applies to

Type
Oracle SL150 Tape Library	Version All Versions and later
IBM LTO5 Tape Drive	Version All Versions and later
IBM LTO6 Tape Drive	Version All Versions and later
IBM LTO7 Tape Drive	Version All Versions and later

Requirement

To capture a drive dump an ethernet port is required. A computer has to be connected to the service "Ethernet" port on the back of the drive with a Crossover Ethernet cable.

With the newer laptops you do not need a crossover cable.

For IBM LTO5 and LTO6 drives, there are 2 Ethernet ports on the back of the drive. An "Encryption" labeled port and then a service port that is labeled "Ethernet".

Description

Solution 1 : Capture a dump on the drive using the ethernet interface follow the steps below:

The drive uses a limited version of FTP protocol to communicate on the ethernet interface. It is recommended to use a simple, command line FTP session, such as the DOS command prompt, when communicating with the drive.

Connect an ethernet patch cable to the drive's ethernet interface and to a computer.

In order to meet electromagnetic immunity requirements, a shielded ethernet cable is required.

2. Create an FTP session between the drive and the computer. The drive's IP address: 169.254.0.3.

IBM LTO7 and IBM LTO8 docs show the 169.254.0.3 IP address as the default. If the you try to set your laptop to one address higher or lower as they should and it doesn't work then we recommend to set laptop to 169.254.0.15 instead of 169.254.0.2 or 169.254.0.4 and try again. They can always connect to the drive over the data path with the IBM ITDT tool to see what the IP address for the service port is currently set to.

3. At the user prompt, type guest and press Enter.
4. At the password prompt, press Enter. No response is needed.
5. Type bin to set the communication mode to binary.
6. Type mget *.dmp to transfer a drive dump to the computer.

If a dump already exists, the drive will show you the dump name and ask if you want to transfer it to the computer. Type y to transfer the existing dump or n to skip this dump file. Then the drive will ask if you want a forced dump. Type y to force a dump and to transfer the forced dump to the computer, or type n to skip forcing a dump.

7. Type quit to end the FTP session.
8. Remove ethernet patch cable from the drive's ethernet interface and the computer.
9. Shared the captured files to Oracle Tape support for review.

Solution 2 : Capture a dump on the drive using ITDT (IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool ITDT) tool

This requires access to IBM Fix Central portal to download the version (all OS platforms are supported). The portal can be access at this url : https://www-945.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/swg/selectFixes?parent=Tape+drivers+and+software&product=ibm/Storage_Tape/IBM+Tape+Diagnostic+Tool+ITDT&release=1.0&platform=All&function=all&source=fc

The drive must be in maintenance mode to run drive diagnostics or maintenance functions.

Download ITDT Linux Version (x64) and select the Standard Edition which is a command line version.
When downloaded, execute the installation procedure and run it

[root@nodeum-prod ~]# chmod 700 install_itdt_se_Linux86_64_<version>
[root@nodeum-prod ~]# ./install_itdt_se_Linux86_64_<version>
IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool, (C) 2004, 2017 IBM Corporation
 
- The ITDT installer has extracted all files for the ITDT program now.
- Installation and usage of ITDT does not make any changes to or leave
  any traces in the system configuration.
- A folder "ITDT" has been created which contains the ITDT program file
  and 2 subfolders initially:
    - "license" folder with license files in different languages.
    - "scripts" folder for additional scripts.
- When executing the program for the first time 2 more subfolders will be
  created in the "ITDT" folder:
    - "input" folder for firmware files to be uploaded to devices.
    - "output" folder for generated log and dump files.
- To remove ITDT from your system simply erase the ITDT folder.
  Be aware that you also erase any log and dump files when doing so.
 
Please start the program by entering "itdt".
 
Installation folder is [/root/ITDT]
ITDT-SE x.x.x.xxxxxxxxxx installation successfully completed.
 
[root@nodeum-prod ~]# cd /root/ITDT
[root@nodeum-prod ~]# ./itdt

3. Then agree with the Term & Condition and you will get to the ITDT menu :

ITDT - Main menu

4. Type S for Scan and you will see all drives and library connected

ITDT - scan

5. Then select an ID number for selecting a drive . Example : 0 and type enter. You will see an X in the # column.

ITDT - drives list

6. Once done, type the D letter to execute a DUMP command on the selected drive

ITDT - Dump

7. Then the DUMP are generated and storage into the ITDT folder.

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