StorageTek LTO User Manual

StorageTek LTO Half-Height SCSI Tape Drive
User Guide
Doc. Part number: 875–4296–12
Fourth edition: November 2010

StorageTek LTO Specifications

General

Brand	StorageTek
Technology	Linear Tape-Open (LTO)
Capacity (Native)	Varies by LTO generation
Capacity (Compressed)	Varies by LTO generation
Transfer Rate (Native)	Varies by LTO generation
Transfer Rate (Compressed)	Varies by LTO generation
Interface	Varies by model (SAS, Fibre Channel)
Backward Read Compatibility	Typically one or two generations back (e.g., LTO-8 can read LTO-7 and LTO-6 tapes)
Backward Write Compatibility	Typically one generation back (e.g., LTO-8 can write to LTO-7 tapes)
WORM Capability	Yes, available on some models
Encryption	Yes, available on some models
Partitioning	Yes

Summary

About this guide

Intended audience

Guide is for users who install, operate, and maintain the LTO tape drive.

Document conventions and symbols

Explains text conventions, symbols, and warning/caution statements used in the document.

Technical support

Websites

Documentation feedback

1 Before you start

Important information about your new tape drive

Guide describes how to install and operate Linear Tape-Open (LTO) SCSI half-height internal and external tape drives.

Supported models

Describes how to install and operate LTO-4, LTO-3, and LTO-2 tape drive models.

Which operating systems are supported?

How do I connect the drive to my server?

Internal drives

Details the installation of internal LTO tape drives into a server's drive bay and SCSI connection.

External drives

Why is the SCSI bus type important?

Supported SCSI bus types

Lists and describes supported SCSI bus types (Ultra320, Ultra160, Ultra2, etc.) for LTO drives.

Power specifications

Usage models

Drivers

Backup software

2 Installing an internal LTO SCSI tape drive

Check the internal drive's SCSI ID

Explains how to check and set the SCSI ID for internal LTO tape drives.

Prepare mounting bay

Attach mounting hardware

Install drive

Connect SCSI and power cables

Where should the SCSI terminator be?

Secure the drive

Reboot the server

3 Installing an external LTO SCSI tape drive

Check the external drive's SCSI ID

Explains how to check and set the SCSI ID for external LTO tape drives.

Connect the SCSI cable

Does the tape drive need a terminator?

Connect the power cable

Reboot the server

4 Verify installation

5 Understanding the LEDs

Your StorageTek LTO tape drive

Provides a front view diagram identifying LEDs and controls on the LTO tape drive.

Understanding LED sequences

Rear panel LEDs

6 Operating your tape drive

Loading a cartridge

Step-by-step instructions for inserting and loading a tape cartridge into the drive.

Unloading a cartridge

Removing power from the drive

7 Use the correct media

Ordering media

Information on how to order Ultrium data and cleaning tape cartridges.

Cartridges

Details on recommended cleaning cartridges and Ultrium data cartridges.

Cleaning cartridges

Information on the recommended Ultrium Universal Cleaning Cartridge and its usage.

Data cartridges

Explains the use of Ultrium tape cartridges and their compatibility with LTO drives.

WORM data cartridges

Write protecting cartridges

Cleaning the tape drive

Handling cartridges

Operating and storage environment

8 Troubleshooting

General procedure

Establishes a systematic approach to identifying and resolving problems with the tape drive system.

The problem could lie with the cartridge

Guides users to check cartridge compatibility, write protection, and cleanliness for troubleshooting.

Optimizing performance

Problems with cartridges

The cartridge is jammed

Provides steps to force eject a jammed cartridge and troubleshooting for persistent issues.

The drive will not accept the cartridge (or ejects it immediately)

Guides users to check media, orientation, and try new media for cartridge acceptance issues.

A SCSI configuration guide

SCSI in LTO devices

Explains SCSI compatibility for LTO-4, LTO-3, and LTO-2 drives with different SCSI interfaces.

SCSI terminology

Defines key SCSI terms like HBA, bus interface, and SCSI bus.

Setting up the SCSI bus

SCSI ID numbers

Identifying SCSI IDs

Setting the SCSI ID on LTO drives

SCSI termination

Internal drives

Describes SCSI termination requirements for internal LTO tape drives and supplied cables.

External drives

SCSI cables

Cable length

Details maximum cable lengths for LVDS and SE SCSI configurations.

Cable quality

Emphasizes the importance of using good quality SCSI cables for performance and reliability.

With internal devices

Specifies SCSI connector and cable requirements for internal LTO tape drives.

With external devices

Specifies the SCSI cable requirement for external LTO tape drives.

Note on SE and LVDS interfaces

Explains how SE and LVDS interfaces transmit signals and their impact on performance.