About NetBackup robot types

A robot is a peripheral device that mounts and unmounts media in tape drives. NetBackup uses robotic control software to communicate with the robot firmware.

NetBackup classifies robots according to one or more of the following characteristics:

The communication method the robotic control software uses; SCSI and API are the two main methods.
The physical characteristics of the robot. Library usually refers to a larger robot, in terms of slot capacity or number of drives. Stacker usually refers to a robot with one drive and low media capacity (6 - 12 media slots).
The media type commonly used by that class of robots. HCART (1/2-inch cartridge tape) and 8 mm are examples of media types.

Table: NetBackup robot types lists the NetBackup robot types, with drive and slot limits for each type.

To determine which robot type applies to the model of robot that you use, see the Symantec support web site at the following URL:

http://entsupport.symantec.com

Table: NetBackup robot types

Robot type	Description	Drive limits	Slot limits	Note
ACS	Automated Cartridge System	1680	No limit	API control. Drive limit determine by ACS library software host.
TL4	Tape Library 4mm	2	15	SCSI control.
TL8	Tape Library 8mm	No limit	16000	SCSI control.
TLD	Tape Library DLT	No limit	16000	SCSI control.
TLH	Tape Library Half-inch	256	No limit	API control.
TLM	Tape Library Multimedia	250	No limit	API control.