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:
- Media optimization will be performed on first load of L9/LZ media during initialization.
- Recommendation is to perform first load in the location of deployment, which should be in a stable environment that meets the recommended environmental specification (see Environmental Specifications for details).
- Media optimization is a one-time operation that can be completed on any drive in the environment, enabling the media to be used across all tape drives without further optimization.
Other considerations for media optimization:
- Media optimization averages 40 minutes per first load of a cartridge to a tape drive. Although most media optimizations will complete within 60 minutes some media optimizations may take up to 2 hours.
- Interruption of the process is not recommended.
- A different mount will not necessarily improve the time to complete the one-time optimization.
An update to software may be required. Contact your software application provider for more details. Customized software, not provided as a standard market product, may require modification to ensure the software can handle the extended first mount time. For additional details, review the detailed section of the IBM LTO SCSI Reference.