LTO Tape Drive User’s Guide
1 - Product Overview
10400934-001
©2020 Overland-Tandberg
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Interfaces
Depending on the model, LTO drives have either a SAS or FC interface.
SAS Interface
NOTE: For a current list of compatible SAS and FC HBAs, refer to the matrix on our website:
https://ftp1.overlandtandberg.com/website/website/TDOVRL_SAS&FC_HBA_Compatibility_
Matrix.pdf
The certain models have a dual port 6 Gbps SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) host interface using a
SFF-8088 SAS connector.
A drive with a SAS interface can be connected directly to a host server SAS HBA. SAS is a
performance improvement over traditional SCSI because SAS enables multiple devices (up to
128) of different sizes and types to be connected simultaneously with thinner and longer
cables; its full-duplex signal transmission supports 6.0 Gb/s. In addition, SAS drives can be
hot-plugged.
SAS drives auto-negotiate speed. There are no configurable topologies thus no feature
switches associated with SAS.
FC Interface
A drive with an FC interface can be connected directly to a fibre channel HBA in a host server
or to a fibre channel switch. The FC tape drives uses a multi-mode Fibre Optic interface which
supports up to 8.0 Gb/s. FC tape drives can use auto-negotiate speeds or fixed speeds and
topologies. When used with a fibre switch, it is recommended to configure a fibre zone to
include the port or WWNN of the tape drive and host server HBA in that same zone.
Supported Device Drivers
Device drivers enable the drive to interact with various servers. To properly install an IBM
device driver (if required), refer to the
IBM Tape Device Drivers Installation and User’s Guide
.
Refer to your tape backup or archive application’s documentation to determine which drivers
to use, if any.
For device drivers and driver documentation for your drive, you can access these materials at
the Overland-Tandberg Support & Service website. Refer to
Firmware Updates and Technical
NOTE: If you do not have Internet access and you need information about device drivers, contact
Overland-Tandberg Technical Support directly. See
on
Ethernet Port
The Ethernet port is used only for servicing the drive, not for data transmission.