Table 1. Drive information and performance specification (continued)
Generation
LTO 9
LTO 8
LTO 7
LTO 6
LTO 5
1
By using the built-in data-compression capability of the tape drive, greater data rates than the native
data transfer rate are achieved. However, the actual throughput is a function of many components, such
as the host system processor, disk data rate, block size, data compression ratio, SAS bus capabilities,
and system or application software.
2
Cartridge initialization time can vary. See “Media optimization” on page 4 for more information.
3
See “Archive mode unthread” on page 5 for more information.
Remember:
• All sustained data rates depend on the capabilities of the interconnect.
• Drive performance varies with media generation and drive interface (SAS/FC).
With the LTO M8 tape cartridge, the native capacity is 9 TB and the compressed capacity (at 2.5:1) is 22.5
TB.
Features
The tape drive has the following features.
• Built-in read-after-write verification for a high level of data integrity
• Burst data transfer rate of 1200 MB per second
• 1024 MB of read/write cache memory
• Intelligent LTO DC dual-mode compression algorithm
• Fail-safe leader capture mechanism with pinpick error recovery.
• Reads cartridge memory in LTO cartridges
• TapeAlert support for improved diagnostic and troubleshooting
• Speed matching (the drive can slow down to match the system data rate).
• Sleep mode for energy conservation
• Backward read and write compatibility dependent on generation.
• Compatible with all cartridges dependent on generation that bears the official Ultrium LTO logo. For
more information, see “Data cartridges” on page 21.
• Able to interchange tapes with other LTO tape drives that bear the official Ultrium LTO logo.
• Support for WORM (Write Once Read Many) using WORM media
• Data encryption capability by using LTO Ultrium 4, 5, 6, 7, M8, 8 and 9 media
• Ethernet interface for transferring drive firmware and dumps only (not an iSCSI interface).
• Diagnostics of the drive over the Ethernet service port (not an iSCSI interface)
Drive features
Media optimization
Media optimization is a new feature for the LTO9 tape drive with L9/LZ media.
The increased number of tracks used to write data on tape requires greater precision. Media optimization
creates a referenced calibration for each cartridge that enables the tape drive’s intelligent alignment to
optimize data placement. LTO-9 media optimization enhances LTO tape long-term media durability.
It is important to consider when media optimization will be performed:
4 Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide
