Dell PowerVault LTO 8 User manual

Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive
User's Guide

Note
Before you use this information and the product it supports, read the general information under Notices in the Dell
PowerVault LTO Tape Drive User's Guide.
NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your system.
NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and describes how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2017 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks might be
trademarks of their respective owners.
vInternal Drive Model Numbers: LTO Ultrium 8-H, LTO Ultrium 7-H, LTO Ultrium 6-H, LTO Ultrium5-H, LTO
Ultrium 4-H, LTO Ultrium 3-H
vExternal Drive Model Numbers: CSEH 001, LTO4-EH1, LTO3-EH1
vRack Mount Model Number: 2U Storage Rack A
Initial release: December 2017
iii

iv Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide

Contents
Note ................ iii
Figures .............. vii
Tables ............... ix
Introduction ............. 1
Overview ............... 1
Encryption ............... 2
Specifications and Features ......... 3
Tape Backup Software ........... 4
Front Panel ............... 4
Rear Panel ............... 6
Setting Up the Tape Drive ....... 9
Pre-installed Internal Drives ......... 9
Installing Internal Drives .......... 9
Installing the Internal Drive - Step-By-Step
Instructions.............. 9
Installing External and Rack Mount Drives .... 13
Installing the External Drive - Step-By-Step
Instructions ............. 13
Verifying Drive Operation ........ 14
Loading Device Drivers ......... 14
Ethernet Service Port Procedures ...... 15
Using the Tape Drive......... 17
Operating the Drive ........... 17
Loading, Unloading, and Write-Protecting
Cartridges ............... 18
Caring for Tape Cartridges ......... 21
Cleaning the Tape Mechanism ........ 23
Using the Tape Backup Software ... 25
Troubleshooting........... 27
Obtaining Drivers and Firmware Upgrades.... 27
Selecting a Diagnostic or Maintenance Function .. 27
General Guidelines ............ 36
Methods of Receiving Errors and Messages.... 37
Descriptions and Corrective Actions ...... 37
Drive Status .............. 41
Drive Maintenance ............ 42
Fixing SAS Connectivity Problems....... 43
Resolving Media-Related Problems ...... 44
Removing an Internal SAS Tape Drive ..... 44
TapeAlert ............... 44
Recovering a Tape Cartridge......... 47
Specifications............ 49
General Specifications ........... 49
Internal Drive ............ 49
External Drive ............ 50
Rack Mount Drive ........... 51
Contacting Dell ........... 53
Appendix. Regulatory Information ... 55
Glossary .............. 57
Index ............... 65
v

vi Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide

Figures
1. PowerVault Internal Model........ 1
2. PowerVault External Model ....... 2
3. PowerVault Rack Mount Model ...... 2
4. Front Panel ............. 4
5. Rear Panel of Internal SAS Tape Drive .... 6
6. Rear Panel of External SAS Tape Drive .... 7
7. Rear Panel of the Rack Mount Tape Drive 7
8. Air Intake Area ........... 10
9. Install the Drive ........... 11
10. Mounting Holes on Tape Drive ...... 11
11. Attaching SAS Cable ......... 12
12. Secure the Drive ........... 12
13. Connecting the SAS cable ........ 13
14. Connecting two SAS Hosts to one Tape Drive 14
15. Turning on the External Drive ...... 17
16. Turning on the Rack Mount Drive ..... 17
17. Resetting the Drive .......... 18
18. LTO Ultrium Data Cartridge ....... 19
19. Loading.............. 20
20. Setting the Write-Protect Switch...... 21
21. Drive Status page .......... 42
22. Drive Status page - details ....... 42
23. Drive Maintenance page ........ 43
vii

viii Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide

Tables
1. LTO Generation Specifications....... 3
2. SCD, Ready/Activity LED, and Fault LED
Descriptions............. 5
3. Supported Functions of Compatible Media
Types .............. 18
4. Environmental Specifications....... 22
5. Diagnostic and Maintenance Function Codes
and Descriptions ........... 28
6. General Troubleshooting ........ 36
7. Methods of Receiving Errors and Messages 37
8. Descriptions and Corrective Actions .... 37
9. TapeAlert Flags and Descriptions ..... 45
10. General specifications ......... 49
11. Internal Drive specifications ....... 49
12. External Drive specifications ....... 50
13. Rack Mount drive specifications ..... 51
ix

xDell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide

Introduction
v“Overview”
– “Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Interface” on page 2
v“Encryption” on page 2
v“Specifications and Features” on page 3
v“Tape Backup Software” on page 4
v“Front Panel” on page 4
v“Rear Panel” on page 6
Overview
The LTO PowerVault tape drive is a high-performance, high-capacity data-storage device that is designed
to back up and restore data and archive and retrieve files in an Open Systems environment. The drive
can be integrated into a system (internal model) or can be provided as a separately packaged desktop
unit (external model). There are seven generations of the Dell PowerVault tape drives in the LTO series of
products.
Figure 1 shows the internal model of the tape drive. Figure 2 on page 2 shows the separately purchased
external model of the tape drive. Figure 3 on page 2 shows the rack mount model.
a80hd004
Figure 1. PowerVault Internal Model
1

Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Interface
A drive with a SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interface can be linked directly to controllers. The SAS
interface offers the following advantages over the traditional SCSI interface:
vSAS enables multiple devices (up to 128) of different sizes and types to be connected simultaneously
with thinner and longer cables.
vIts full-duplex signal transmission supports up to 6.0 Gb/s.
vSAS drives can be hot-plugged.
Encryption
The Tape Drive has Application Managed Encryption (AME) with T10 encryption methods. You must
have an application that supports encryption to use the drive's encryption capability. Data encryption is
supported by LTO Ultrium 4 and later data cartridges only. For more details, consult your application
support documentation.
a80hd001
Figure 2. PowerVault External Model
a77ug279
Figure 3. PowerVault Rack Mount Model
2Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide

Specifications and Features
Specifications
Table 1. LTO Generation Specifications
PowerVault Generation
Specification LTO8 LTO7 LTO6 LTO5-140 LTO4-120 LTO3-80
Native
Capacity
12000 GB 6000 GB 2500 GB 1500 GB 800 GB 400 GB
2.5:1
Compressed
Capacity
30000 GB 15000 GB 6250 GB NA NA NA
2:1
Compressed
Capacity
24000 GB 12000 GB 5000 GB 3000 GB 1600 GB 800 GB
Maximum
Native Data
Transfer
300 MB/s 300 MB/s 160 MB/s 140 MB/s 120 MB/s 80 MB/s
Compressed
Maximum
Data Transfer*
750 MB/s 750 MB/s 400 MB/s 280 MB/s 240 MB/s 160 MB/s
Media
Partitioning**
X X X X NA NA
Data Safe
Mode**
X X X X NA NA
Encryption
Status LED
X X X X NA NA
* Assumes compression. The capacity and transfer rate you realize in practice depends on the data set,
which affects the actual compression ratio. LTO8, LTO7, and LTO6 support 2.5:1 compression. LTO5-140
and below support 2:1 compression.
** This feature must be supported by your tape backup software.
Features
The tape drive has the following features:
vBuilt-in read-after-write verification for a high level of data integrity
vBurst data transfer rate of 600 MB per second
v512 MB of read/write cache memory
vIntelligent LTO DC dual-mode compression algorithm
vFail-safe leader capture mechanism with pinpick error recovery.
vReads cartridge memory in LTO cartridges
vTapeAlert support for improved diagnostic and troubleshooting
vTwo 6 Gb Serial Attached SCSI interface
vSpeed matching (the drive can slow down to match the system data rate).
vSleep mode for energy conservation
vBackward read and write compatibility dependent on generation.
Introduction 3

vCompatible with all cartridges dependent on generation that bears the official Ultrium LTO logo. For
more information, see “Loading, Unloading, and Write-Protecting Cartridges” on page 18.
vAble to interchange tapes with other LTO tape drives that bear the official Ultrium LTO logo.
vSupport for WORM (Write Once Read Many) using WORM media
vData encryption capability by using LTO Ultrium 4, 5 and 6 media
vEthernet interface for transferring drive firmware and dumps only (not an iSCSI interface).
vDiagnostics of the drive over the Ethernet service port (not an iSCSI interface)
Tape Backup Software
You need backup software that supports the Dell PowerVault tape drive. As a general rule, native backup
applications (such as NTBackup and tar) do not provide the required data streaming rate to get the full
performance of your tape drive. It is recommend that you use a backup application that provides better
memory management as well as other useful features, such as TapeAlert. For the latest supported
software versions, go to the Dell support website at http://www.Dell.com/support or visit the support
site of your backup software vendor.
Front Panel
▌1▐Eject button ▌4▐Single-character display (SCD)
▌2▐Ready/Activity LED ▌5▐Single dot
▌3▐Fault LED ▌6▐Encryption Status LED
1. Eject button. The eject button enables you to perform several functions. These functions are described
in detail in “Using the Tape Drive” on page 17.
2. Ready/Activity LED. The front panel of your Dell PowerVault LTO tape drive has a green
Ready/Activity LED providing information about the state of the tape drive. The LED can be solid on
or flashing when lit. See Table 2 on page 5 for more descriptions.
3. Fault LED. The front panel of your Dell PowerVault LTO tape drive has an amber fault LED
indicating the drive has encountered an error, is not in a normal operational status, or needs cleaning.
See Table 2 on page 5 for more detailed description.
4. Single-character display (SCD). This LED presents a single-character code for diagnostic/
maintenance functions, error conditions, and informational messages.
5. Single dot. This single-character display is blank during normal operation. When a single dot
illuminates and flashes on the display, the drive has created a dump of vital technical data to drive
memory.
a80hd003
1
3
4
6
2
5
Figure 4. Front Panel
4Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide

6. Encryption status LED. This white LED indicates all data (except for the label information) on the
cartridge is encrypted. (LTO Ultrium 5 and above cartridges only.)
Table 2. SCD, Ready/Activity LED, and Fault LED Descriptions
Condition of
green
Ready/
Activity LED
Condition
of amber
Fault LED
Condition
of white
encryption
LED
Condition of
the SCD Panel
Condition of
the SCD Dot
Meaning of LEDs and SCD Panel and
SCD Dot
Off Off Off Off Off The tape drive has no power or is
powered off.
On Solid Off Off
Off or
C
Off The tape drive is powered on or (if a
solid
C
displays in the single
character display) needs cleaning.
Note: If a cartridge is loaded, the
white Encryption status light is on
when all the data on the cartridge is
encrypted (excluding the label). LTO
Ultrium 5 and above cartridges only.
Flashing once
per second
Off On or Off Off Off The tape drive is reading from the
tape, writing to the tape, rewinding the
tape, locating data on the tape, loading
the tape, or unloading the tape. The
Encryption LED will be On if all the
data on the cartridge is encrypted
during these drive operations. The
Ready/Activity LED also flashes green
if the tape drive contains a cartridge
during the power on cycle. In this case,
the drive completes POST and slowly
rewinds the tape (this process may take
approximately 13 minutes). The
Ready/Activity LED stops blinking
when the drive completes the recovery
and is ready for a read or write
operation. To eject the cartridge, press
the unload button.
Note: The white Encryption status
light is on when all the data on the
cartridge is encrypted (excluding the
label). LTO Ultrium 5 and above
cartridges only.
Off On/Solid Off On Solid On/Off The tape drive is in maintenance mode
or is displaying an error code on the
SCD in maintenance mode option 9.
Off On Solid Off Flashing once
per second
On/Off Executing the selected option while in
maintenance mode.
Introduction 5

Table 2. SCD, Ready/Activity LED, and Fault LED Descriptions (continued)
Condition of
green
Ready/
Activity LED
Condition
of amber
Fault LED
Condition
of white
encryption
LED
Condition of
the SCD Panel
Condition of
the SCD Dot
Meaning of LEDs and SCD Panel and
SCD Dot
Off Flashing
once per
second
Off On Solid Off An error occurred and the tape drive
or media may require service or drive
may require cleaning.
Note the code on the single character
display, and then go to the error code
table in the troubleshooting section to
determine the meaning of the error
codes.
If a
C
appears on the SCD, a
cleaning cartridge must be loaded.
Off Flashing
twice per
second
Off Off Off The drive is updating firmware.
Off Flashing
once every
2 seconds
Off Off Off The drive detected an error and is
performing a firmware recovery. It will
reset automatically.
Rear Panel
123
4
a80hh095
Figure 5. Rear Panel of Internal SAS Tape Drive
▌1▐SAS connector ▌3▐Library interface
▌2▐Ethernet - not iSCSI - for
transferring firmware and
dumps only
▌4▐LED controls for library drive sled
6Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide

a80hh012
2
3
14
Figure 6. Rear Panel of External SAS Tape Drive
▌1▐Power connector ▌3▐SAS connectors
▌2▐Fan enclosure ▌4▐Ethernet - not iSCSI - for transferring firmware and
dumps only
33
14
4
2
a80hh089
Figure 7. Rear Panel of the Rack Mount Tape Drive
▌1▐Power connector ▌3▐SAS connectors
▌2▐Fan enclosure ▌4▐Ethernet - not iSCSI - for transferring firmware and
dumps only
Introduction 7

8Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide

Setting Up the Tape Drive
v“Pre-installed Internal Drives”
v“Installing Internal Drives”
– “Installing the Internal Drive - Step-By-Step Instructions”
v“Installing External and Rack Mount Drives” on page 13
– “Installing the External Drive - Step-By-Step Instructions” on page 13
v“Verifying Drive Operation” on page 14
v“Loading Device Drivers” on page 14
v“Ethernet Service Port Procedures” on page 15
Pre-installed Internal Drives
Dell performs the installation and setup of internal tape drives that are shipped as part of a system. If
tape backup software is included in your system, refer to the installation instructions included with the
software.
For the latest supported software versions, go to the Dell support website http://www.Dell.com/support
or visit the support site of your backup software vendor.
Installing Internal Drives
If your internal tape drive is not pre-installed, the installation instructions are described in the following
sections:
Installing the Drive — Prerequisites
The Dell PowerVault tape drive is a 6 Gb SAS device with a burst transfer rate of 600 MB per second. It
is recommended that you use a dedicated SAS host bus adapter for this tape drive.
Mounting Bay
You need one industry-standard, 5 1/4 inch, half-height bay in which to install the PowerVault tape
drive. The only supported mounting configurations are horizontally with the base of the drive parallel to
the ground, or vertically with either the left or right side of the drive parallel to the ground.
Install and configure the drive according to the instructions provided in the Dell documentation for your
system.
Mounting Hardware
Most systems use trays or rails to mount the tape drive. If the mounting hardware is pre-installed, you
can simply slide the drive into the mounting bay. Some systems do not use slides or rails and drives
must be fixed in place with screws.
Installing the Internal Drive - Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Unpacking the Drive
Unpack the tape drive and store the packaging. You may need the packaging if you return the unit
for service.
A period of time is required if the temperature of the drive when unpacked is different than the
temperature of its operating environment (measured at the front of the bezel near the air intake area;
9

see ▌1▐in Figure 8). The recommended time is 4 hours after the drive has been unpacked or 1 hour
after any condensation that you can see has evaporated, whichever is greater. To allow the drive to
adjust to its new environment, apply the following measures:
vIf the drive is colder than its operating environment and the air contains sufficient humidity,
condensation may occur in the drive and damage it. When the drive has warmed to the operating
temperature range (greater than 10 degrees C or 50 degrees F) and no danger of condensation is
present (the air is dry), warm the drive more quickly by powering it on for 30 minutes. Use a
scratch tape to test the drive before inserting a tape that contains data.
vIf the drive is hotter than its operating environment, the tape can stick to the drive head. When the
drive has cooled to the operating temperature range (less than 40 degrees C or 104 degrees F), cool
the drive more quickly by applying airflow for 30 minutes. Power on the drive and use a scratch
tape to test it before inserting a tape that contains data.
If you are uncertain about whether the temperature of the drive is within the recommended operating
range or the humidity is sufficient to cause condensation, allow the drive to adjust to its new
environment for the full 4 hours.
▌1▐Air Intake Area
2. Removing Power from the System
a. Power-off the system.
b. Disconnect the power cord from both the electrical outlet and the system.
3. Preparing the Mounting Bay in Your System
CAUTION:
To avoid personal injury or damage to the system or tape drive, ensure that the system power cord
is disconnected before you install the drive.
Refer to your system's documentation for instructions on how to prepare the mounting bay to receive
the tape drive.
4. Attaching Mounting Hardware
a80hd002
1
Figure 8. Air Intake Area
10 Dell PowerVault LTO Tape Drive: User's Guide