SRB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I download/access BIRN SRB clients?

• BIRN SRB clients are available here.

What is a collection?

• A collection is analogous to a folder or directory on your computer. However, unlike on your computer, the data in an SRB collection is not necessarily stored on a single BIRN rack. For example, an SRB collection may have in it data from Duke which is stored on Duke's BIRN rack, *AND* data from Harvard which is stored on Harvard's BIRN rack. These collections, which span multiple, disparate, geographically separate storage media are effectively what make the individual BIRN racks appear as a single data repository.

What is the best way to transfer a small number of large files?

• Use the Sput/Sget Scommands. Be sure to use the -m switch in order to take advantage of multi-threaded transfer capability. (See Scommand FAQ.)

What is the best way to transfer large numbers of relatively small files?

• Use the Sbload/Sbunload Scommands. (See Scommand FAQ.) Sbload requires use of a container.

Is it better to transfer a few big files, or large numbers of smaller files?

• In general, a few big files will transfer more quickly due to the overhead involved in getting information about each file into the MCAT. Be sure to use the -m switch on Sput and/or Sget if you are using the Scommands in order to take advantage of multi-threaded transfer capability. (See Scommand FAQ.)

Is there a User Guide available for InQ?

• The InQ User Guide is available here.

Where can I look for error messages when using InQ?

• InQ displays error messages in the small strip at the very bottom of the window.

I get "could not upload <filename> : illegal filename" as an error message when trying to upload a single file using either the up button on the right hand side or Drag'n'Drop. What's wrong?

• Check the choice in the "Use Resource | Container" drop down box at the top of the window. Because the physical resource or container you are trying to put the file on or in is part of the filename in the SRB, using an invalid resource or container will result in an illegal filename.

I tried to upload a large number of files using the up button on the right hand side, but it didn't work, why?

• You can upload only a limited number of files using the up button due to a character string length limit. To upload an unlimited number of files, use the Drag'n'Drop functionality (i.e. drag a folder from your desktop or explorer window to the InQ window).

I tried to recursively change permissions on a collection, but it didn't work. Why?

• To change permissions recursively using InQ, be sure to:

  1. select the collection in the left hand pane
  2. click the permissions tool "key" on the right hand side
  3. click the "Recursive" box before you
  4. click the "Add" button
  5. select the domain for the user you want to give access on the left
  6. select the user from the list on the left
  7. select the level of permission you want the user to have from the drop down menu
  8. click "Ok"

  For large collections, this may take a while.

I followed the directions on the FAQ for recursively changing permissions on a collection, but it doesn't look like it worked. What's wrong?

• For BIRN, the SRB was modified so that users could not view data for which they did not have access permission. One of the ramifications of this, as of this writing, is that when permissions are changed, the changes are not visible. Furthermore, because of the way InQ caches information, it may look like it worked and then stopped, or as if it only partially worked. However, if you followed the directions above correctly, the permissions should be changed even if the changes are not reflected in the display.

How do I set metadata using InQ?

• To set metadata using InQ, be sure to:

  1. select the collection or file in the left hand pane
  2. click the metadata tool "M" on the right hand side
  3. type the attribute name in the box where the cursor is at the top
  4. type a carriage return
  5. type the value for the attribute you just added
  6. type a carriage return

Is documentation available for the Scommands?

• Yes. Each Scommand has a manpage detailing use of the command, including available flags/switches. The manpages are available on the web They are also usually accessible on the machine where they are installed using Sman <scommand>.

  Alternatively, brief syntax/usage information is usually available on the machine where they are installed by typing the Scommand in questions without any arguments or with a --help option (e.g. Sbload<return> or Sls --help)

Who is responsible for administration of the BIRN SRB?

• There is generally a BIRN Rack administrator at each BIRN testbed/site who should have been trained in basic SRB operations, important files and directories, etc.

What troubleshooting tasks can/should be performed by a user and/or BIRN Rack Administrator before contacting the BIRN-CC for assistance?

• A BIRN Rack Administrator should try:

  • Running chksrb to verify that the SRB Master and at least one SRB Server are running on the rack
  • Verifying that the rack has network connectivity
  • Checking the SRB log files for any obvious error messages

  A user can try:

  • Verifying that they have network connectivity
  • Checking their connection parameters.