When a cartridge is labeled according to proper IBM bar code label specifications, the last
character of its volume serial (VOLSER) number indicates the generation of the media. For
example, a cartridge with a VOLSER of 000764L5 is an Ultrium 5 cartridge; a cartridge with
a VOLSER of 000764L4 is an Ultrium 4 cartridge; a cartridge with a VOLSER of 000764L3 is
an Ultrium 3 cartridge; and a cartridge with a VOLSER of 003995L2 is an Ultrium 2
cartridge.
To enhance library performance, Ultrium 2 and newer Ultrium tape drives include speed
matching, channel calibration, and power management. Speed matching dynamically
adjusts the drive's native (uncompressed) data rate to the slower data rate of a server.
Channel calibration customizes each read/write data channel for optimum performance. The
customization enables compensation for variations in the recording channel transfer
function, media characteristics, and read/write head characteristics. Power management
reduces the drive's power consumption during idle power periods.
Encryption
Ultrium 4 and newer tape drives are encryption capable, which means they can convert data
into a cipher that ensures data security. To perform encryption, the drive must be
encryption enabled by your selection of one of three methods of encryption management.
Two of these methods, system-managed and library-managed encryption, require the
purchase of FC 1604 (Transparent LTO Encryption). A key is required to encrypt and decrypt
the data. How a key is generated, maintained, controlled, and transmitted depends on the
operating environment where the Ultrium 4 or newer tape drive is installed. Some data
management applications are capable of performing key management. For an alternative
solution, IBM provides a key manager that works in conjunction with the keystore of your
choice to perform all necessary key management tasks. There is no recovery for lost
encryption keys. For more information about encryption, see the links to related topics
below.. Also refer to the IBM Encryption Key Manager and Tivoli Key Lifecycle Manager
publications listed in the Related information section.
To ensure that your tape drive conforms to IBM's specifications for reliability, use only IBM
LTO Ultrium tape cartridges. You may use other LTO-certified data cartridges, but they may
not meet the standards of reliability that are established by IBM.
Parent topic: Supported tape drives
Related concepts
Ultrium bar code label
Tape encryption overview
Related tasks
Setting or changing a drive's method of encryption
Related reference
Drive performance
Mixing drives in frames
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