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Dell EMC Tape Systems | Document ID | version (optional)
WORM cartridges use the same generation color coding for the front or top of the cartridge but have a grey back or bottom cover to visually differentiate.
WORM and standard Data cartridge
Page 1: ...A Dell EMC document category Dell EMC Tape Systems LTO Media Handbook Dell Engineering April 2018 ...
Page 2: ...ility or fitness for a particular purpose Use copying and distribution of any software described in this publication requires an applicable software license Copyright April 2018 Dell Inc or its subsidiaries All Rights Reserved Dell EMC and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc or its subsidiaries Other trademarks may be the property of their respective owners Published in the USA 4 10 2018 d...
Page 3: ...dia Description 16 11 2 Inspection 16 11 3 Handle the Cartridge Carefully 17 11 4 Ensure Proper Packaging While Shipping 19 11 5 Cartridge Storage Conditions 19 11 6 Cartridge Life 20 12 LTO7 Type M media 21 12 1 Using LTO7 Type M media in Dell EMC tape libraries 21 12 2 Using LTO7 Type M media in Dell EMC tape drives 21 12 3 Formatting an LTO7 Type M tape in a Dell EMC library 21 13 Troubleshooti...
Page 4: ...4 Dell EMC Tape Systems Document ID version optional 1 Introduction This document describes media compatibility handling and usage for all Dell EMC and Dell PowerVault Linear Tape Open LTO drives ...
Page 5: ...2 Drives Dell EMC LTO tape drives are available in several form factors that can be attached internally and externally to PowerEdge servers or as part of a Dell EMC tape library solution Current LTO drive specifications Historical LTO drive specifications ...
Page 6: ...andard Data and WORM Write Once Read Many formats for each generation of LTO and is differentiated by color to be easily recognizable Cleaning cartridges are universal to all LTO generations Table 3 shows recording information about each media type Data capacity and recording formats ...
Page 7: ...es are differentiated with a grey back cover and the generational color on the front cover All genuine LTO media will have the Ultrium LTO logo and generation markings on the cartridge Dell EMC historical and current LTO generation cartridge colors The Ultrium LTO logo is displayed along with the generation number on both the outer cartridge carrier and the physical media cartridge in the lower le...
Page 8: ...tems Document ID version optional WORM cartridges use the same generation color coding for the front or top of the cartridge but have a grey back or bottom cover to visually differentiate WORM and standard Data cartridge ...
Page 9: ...e latest technology Higher bit densities allow more data to be stored on the magnetic medium within the same form factor These constant improvements to the technology results in a backwards Read Write compatibility limitation as new generations are brought to the market Table 4 demonstrates each generation s capabilities Tape drive and cartridge compatibility ...
Page 10: ...or rates The permanent errors are typically read write perms or servo related perm failures Not all read write or servo perms will trigger a clean The errors are typically sticky which means that the drive may not allow data operations unless a clean is performed even if a power cycle occurs Clean Requested also known as Clean Periodic TapeAlert 15 Clean Requested is based on usage but not media m...
Page 11: ...rsion optional If an expired UCC is inserted into an LTO drive the drive will alert the user by posting a 7 and flash the activity light amber A tape alert message is generated The clean routine will not be run and a new UCC will be required ...
Page 12: ...ia the data on the tape cannot be changed or overwritten WORM media can be appended to if data is already present on the tape The media also stores unique identifiers which allow the drive to determine whether or not the media has been tampered with WORM media offers a method of data retention for compliance laws such as the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 WORM media ...
Page 13: ...dia into the drive Do not slide the tab while media is already inserted in a drive When properly write protected a lock symbol will be visible on the red tab of the cartridge and the SCD on the drive will display the character P when cartridge is inserted If the drive does not display the character P eject the cartridge and inspect the slide tab to insure it is properly closed locked and reinsert ...
Page 14: ...formation that the drive uses to setup and calibrate The tape directory to enable a quick search for data sets You experience difficulties with the cartridge if the CM is damaged or corrupted However the user data can still be recovered To recover the data set the write protect tab on the cartridge and the load the cartridge into an Ultrium drive The drive stores enough information on tape to be a...
Page 15: ...bar code also tells the library whether the cartridge is a data cartridge or cleaning cartridge In addition the bar code includes the two character media type identifier Lx where x equals 1 8 L identifies the cartridge as an LTO cartridge and the number represents the generation of cartridge for that cartridge type Barcode label and Media Identifier Dell EMC cleaning media barcodes will have a VOL...
Page 16: ...ing When inspecting a cartridge open only the cartridge door Do not open any other part of the cartridge case The upper and lower parts of the case are held together with screws separating them destroys the usefulness of the cartridge While the door is open check that the leader pin is properly seated If the cartridge has been dropped it is likely that the pin is dislodged inside the cartridge It ...
Page 17: ...he cartridge If the cartridge drops slide the cartridge door back and ensure that the leader pin is properly seated in the pin retaining spring clips See Figure 6 Do not handle tape that is outside the cartridge Handling the tape can damage the tape surface or edges which may interfere with the read or write reliability Pulling on tape that is outside the cartridge can damage the tape and the brak...
Page 18: ...18 Dell EMC Tape Systems Document ID version optional Dropped leader pin Figure 8 shows an LTO cartridge that was dropped and caused damage to the casing Split seam on case ...
Page 19: ...ts Pack the cartridge snugly Do not allow it to move around Double box the cartridge place it inside a box then place that box inside the shipping box and add padding between the two boxes 11 5 Cartridge Storage Conditions Before you use a cartridge let it acclimate to the normal operating environment for 24 hours Ensure that all surfaces of the cartridge are dry before use Do not expose the cartr...
Page 20: ...Dell EMC Tape Systems Document ID version optional 11 6 Cartridge Life Durability 1 000 000 passes on any area of tape equates to over 20 000 end to end passes 260 full tape backups Archival life 30 years ...
Page 21: ...lone LTO8 tape drives will write or read to the 9TB format provided the drive is at firmware version of HB8x or higher and the tape has ALREADY been formatted with the LTO7 Type M format Standalone tape drives do not have a process to format uninitialized LTO7 media into the Type M format 12 3 Formatting an LTO7 Type M tape in a Dell EMC library To create Type M media from LTO7 cartridges in a Del...
Page 22: ... Once drive resets the SCD will begin a count down from 9 to 0 while the media is slowly being rewound The drive countdown may be slow depending on where the media was positioned prior to reset Wait until media is ejected by the device 13 2 Media Do s and Don ts 13 2 1 Do s Store cartridges in their protective cases Handle cartridges with great care Store the cartridge vertically Align cartridges ...
Page 23: ...23 Dell EMC Tape Systems Document ID version optional Ship the LTO drive with media loaded ...
