| 摘要 |
A data storage library features a dual purpose data/control path between a host computer and one or more media drives. The dual purpose path conveys data exchange control signals and related data between the host and drive, and also conveys robotic device management signals from the host to the drive, for ultimate conveyance to a robotic device coupled to the drive. In one embodiment, the drives may comprise relay drives, each directly coupled to the robotic device by a communications path such as a bus or loop. Alternatively, the drives may include a master drive and a number of relay drives, each relay drive coupled to the master drive to relay robotic device management signals from its host to the robotic device through the master drive. The master media drive's connection to other drives, for example, may be direct or through a communications loop interconnecting all drives.
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