If your server does not have an external SAS port, you can connect the external tape drive to an
internal port on the host controller or new HBA. This configuration may also be useful if the server
does not have a spare, internal half-height bay for an internal tape drive.

There are two connection options:

•

Use one of the recommended HP cables to connect the tape drive to a spare internal SAS port on
the host SAS controller or to an internal port on a new HBA.

•

Use one of the recommended HP cables to replace one of the existing SAS cables to the hard disk
drive bays. This requires some recabling inside the server, and also disconnects one of the hard
disk drive bays. This configuration is suitable for some HP ProLiant servers only and, if it does
disconnect a hard disk drive bay, you must be sure that the hard disk drive bay is not required
for use. If it is required, install a new HBA.

Figure 30 Example split SAS cable (connects external drive to internal port)

NOTE:

This cable is available with an internal Infiniband-style or mini-SAS connectors. The illustrations show
the Infiniband-style connectors. (The drive connector is always an external Mini-SAS.)

DAT SAS Tape Drives