Using LTO tape drive media

The section introduces information about using LTO tape drive media.

The IBM® TS3500 automates the storage and movement of IBM LTO tape cartridges.

Overview of LTO tape drive media
Within the TS3500 tape library and subject to certain restrictions, the supported LTO tape drives use the following cartridge types.
WORM functionality for LTO tape drives and media
This topic describes the write-once-read-many (WORM) functionality that is used by the LTO Ultrium 3 and newer tape drives and supported cartridges.
Compatibility among LTO tape drives and cartridges
This section defines compatibility among generations of LTO tape drives and cartridges.
LTO Type M cartridge (M8)
The LTO program introduced a new capability with LTO 8 tape drives: the ability to write 9 TB (native) on a brand new LTO Ultrium 7 cartridge instead of 6 TB (native) as specified by the LTO 7 format. Such a cartridge is called an LTO Ultrium 7 cartridge initialized as Type M media (M8). These cartridges are identifiable by using an automation barcode label ending with the characters M8.
LTO data cartridge
This section describes the construction, operation, and components of the LTO data cartridge.
LTO cleaning cartridge
The LTO cleaning cartridge is used to clean LTO tape drives.
LTO diagnostic cartridge
An IBM service representative uses the LTO diagnostic cartridge to ensure that the LTO tape drives run correctly and to specification.
LTO bar code label
Each LTO data, cleaning, and diagnostic cartridge that is processed by the TS3500 tape library must bear a bar code label.
Setting the write-protect switch on an LTO tape cartridge
Use the write-protect switch to prevent data from being written to an LTO tape cartridge.
Handling LTO tape cartridges
Incorrect handling or an incorrect environment can damage IBM LTO tape cartridges or their magnetic tape. To avoid damage to your tape cartridges and ensure the continued high reliability of your IBM LTO tape drives, handle them properly as described in the following topics.
Repositioning or reattaching a leader pin in an LTO tape cartridge
Use the following procedures to move a leader pin into its proper position in an LTO tape cartridge, or to reattach the pin if it has separated from the tape.
Environmental and shipping specifications for LTO tape cartridges
There are specific operating, storage, and shipping specifications for LTO tape cartridges.
Disposing of LTO tape cartridges
Dispose of LTO tape cartridges according to federal and other regulations.
Ordering LTO cartridges and media supplies
Order LTO tape cartridges and other media supplies as described in this topic.

Parent topic: Physical planning specifications