LTO (Linear Tape Open), backup

Reader Type tape backup developed by Hewlett Packard, IBM and Quantum. LTO technology is primarily an open system, marketed under license by some thirty companies, including under the designation Ultrium which is the implementation capacity of this high technology. Whatever the manufacturer, devices and media backup-up are compatible in the same version. It is currently the most efficient in computer storage capacity and speed, well ahead DLT or DAT - DDS but similar to the following versions AIT and S-AIT.

The media is divided into 4 strips, numbered 0 to 3, two consecutive however are not side by side. The 2 banks each receive a servo band that will help position the head read / write. They are created directly in the production of media. The first head writes the track 0 of a linear (other technologies typically use helical technology). Once the end met, track 1 is written back to the beginning of the tape (in reverse), and so on, until the three.

Technology has changed in 6 generations, although only the first 4 are actually being sold. The cartridges are all 10.54 inches long, 10.2 cm deep to 2.15 cm high.

1. Published in 1998, the first generation LTO1 tape accepts up to 200 GB in compressed (2:1) with a maximum speed of 40 MB / s (also in compressed mode).
2. In 2002, the second (LTO2) doubles the capacity of backup to 400 GB compressed transfer rate 80 MB / s.
3. Again in 2004, the third generation LTO3 provides 800 GB mode 2:1 for a speed of 160 MB / s maximum. It allows the mode Worm (Write Once Read Many - one writing) to comply with certain rules on data retention.
4. Generation 4 Ultrium incorporates the AES 256 encryption in the drives for a capacity up to 1.6TB (2:1) and a speed of 240 MB / s maximum (2:1). She agreed to read LTO2 tapes and 3, write LTO3.
5. The following (LTO-5), under development, yet the double capacity to 3.2 TB for a maximum transfer rate of 360 MB / s.
6. In preparation also, version 6 will accept cartridges up to backup 6.4 TB (2:1) at a speed of 540 MB / s.

All old versions are still sold. The LTO4 is only sold from early 2007, the two latest versions are in development: the rate of transfer of a LTO6 being almost equal to the connections SCSI current fastest (320 MB / s against 270 MB / s) and SAS.

The LTO Ultrium-are also used in auto-loader (libraries).

All specifications and licensing is managed by LTO-Technology.

Definitions Annexes: QIC - mammoth - DAT.