Data Path Port Failover may be configured on each dual-port Fiber Channel tape drive in the library. When data path port failover is configured one link is active and is the primary data path. The second link is a standby data path. The drive will verify that the second link is able to receive a Fiber Channel signal and complete speed negotiation but the drive does not fully establish a connection using the standby link.

The drive monitors the links for errors and following detection of a fault, transfers the fabric identity (worldwide names) and all settings (mode parameters, encryption settings, etc. ) over to the standby link then activates that link. When properly configured the change is minimally disruptive to the host and does not require any configuration changes on the host or in the backup application.