LTO-9 Media Calibration / Initialization Requirement Reminder
Just wanted to repost this article to the top of our Storage News page as
we're still getting new customers suprised about the LTO-9 requirement for media
initialization that wasn't a requirement for earlier generations of LTO Ultrium
Tape.
LTO-9 media calibration is a new requirement for LTO-9 media. Calibration is a
one-time requirement for new cartridges prior to first-time read/write
operations; it is not a requirement for older generations including LTO-8. Due to
continued LTO innovation, with LTO-9 there is an increased number of tracks used
to write data on tape that requires greater precision. Media optimization creates
a referenced calibration for each cartridge that enables the tape drive’s intelligent
alignment to optimize data placement and enhances LTO tape long-term media
durability.
Below are the most frequently questions about LTO-9 calibration.
LTO-9 Media Calibration FAQ
Q: Is there a difference between the terms,
“optimization”, “initialization” and “calibration”, in reference to LTO-9 media?
A: No. Quantum chose to use “calibration” to
describe this one-time LTO9 media event.
Q: What is LTO-9 media
calibration?
A: Media calibration has been implemented in LTO-9
technology to optimize data placement to each LTO-9 cartridge characteristics.
New LTO-9 media requires a one-time step calibration prior to commencing
read/write operations. LTO-9 media calibration enhances LTO tape long-term media
durability.
Q: Once the LTO-9 media cartridge has been
calibrated within the recommended environmental range, does it need to be
re-calibrated when it is moved to a separate drive, separate library, separate
data center or environment.
A: No, the LTO-9 calibration process is only required
on the first load of a new and unused LTO-9 media, subsequent loads in any LTO-9
drive do not require calibration.
Q: Will LTO-8 media
require calibration on first load to an LTO-9 tape drive?
A: No. Media calibration is required only on
new LTO-9 media.
Q: How much time does the LTO-9 calibration
add to the first-time load of a new media cartridge?
A: The LTO-9 media cartridge calibration time
typically averages between 35 to 52 minutes per first load, but it could take as
long as 2 hours.
Q: Why does LTO-9 media require calibration?
A: Higher track densities (TPI) and longer
tapes using thinner polymer base substrates in LTO-9 media achieve double digit
Areal Densities and more than 21K TPI track density. A new tape calibration
algorithm was introduced, ensuring data durability, compatibility and allowing
for complex interchange requirements over the specified environmental
conditions. The length of calibration is mainly for media optimum
characterization and will vary based on these factors. This initial calibration,
also, enables the tape drive’s intelligent alignment to optimize data placement.
Q: Does LTO-9 media
calibration need to be performed in the destination site?
A: It is recommended that calibration be
performed at the final installation destination where the drives and media are
to be used, to provide optimized acclimation within the recommended
environmental ranges on Quantum product data sheets.
Q: Can the customer
disable media calibration?
A: No, the one-time calibration cannot be
disabled. For the tape to perform, it must be calibrated before first time use
and one time only
Q: Can I use uncalibrated LTO-9 media for
installation verification test (IVT)?
A: No, LTO-9 media calibration is required
before first use which includes IVT
Q: Can I use an Extended Data Life
Management (EDLM) drive to calibrate new LTO-9 media?
A: No, the EDLM scan engine will recognize
that the media is new and does not contain data and just unload it again without
loading it. This mechanism will prevent the media from getting calibrated in an
EDLM drive.
Q: Can I recalibrate an LTO-9 media cartridge?
A: Yes. The Format command with specific
field settings will reinitiate calibration. However, regardless of
recalibration, any Format command will result in loss of all existing data on
the tape.
Please don't hesitate to contact your BackupWorks Account Rep today for more information at 866 801 2944
Please Call
866-801-2944 For Lowest Price
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Please Call 866-801-2944 For Lowest Price
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Please Call 866-801-2944 For Lowest Price
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