Lto-4 Tape Specifications

By Author: Jessica McIntosh
Total Articles: 598
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Hardware encryption of 4th generation ultrium technology increases the media capacity, server performance and backup speed. When data is received by the LTO4 tape drive, it compresses the data and encrypts it. Then it writes it onto the LTO tape media. In hardware, the encryption of data is done at full speed and does not limit the performance of the tape drive. Verification of the encrypted information is done during the data writing process. The data is decrypted by the LTO-4 tape drive after it has been encrypted so that the data can be checked on-the-fly.

Backup software or ISVs (3rd party application developers) manage the LTO4 data encryption. Key manager or ISV application layer manage the encryption keys. The data encryption process comprises of 4 layers. During the restore reading operation, the information is decrypted.

The specification of LTO has added encryption technique that enhances the capacity and performance of the LTO-4 tape version than the prior generations. Linear tape open program led by Quantum Corporation, HP and IBM introduced the specification of LTO4 tape format. The specification ...
... of LTO-4 tape is interoperable that ensures that the tape drives of LTO-4 generation can read media of LTO-2 and LTO-3 and can record information on LTO-3 tape cartridge. IDC research findings indicate that about the share of LTO in the market of mid-range is about 82 percent.

AES-256 encryption has been added to the LTO 4 specification at drive level that elevates level of performance from its previous version (LTO-3 tape format). The LTO-3 tape drives perform their operations at 80 MB/s and the LTO-4 drives at 120 MB/second. Recording ability of LTO-4 cartridge is twice as that of LTO 3 tape. The un-compressed data of 800GB (equivalent to 300 DVD movies) can be recorded in LTO4 data tape. WORM capability is also supported by the LTO 4 format. WORM technique is also supported by the LTO3 tape format.

HP LTO4 tape format incorporates outstanding and unmatchable features that are ideal for data security and backup. HP LTO-4 C7974W is a robust and durable tape cartridge with strong base film. New technology of head cleaning system is included in HP LTO 4 cartridge. The tape cartridge also has memory chip and self diagnostic technique designed specifically for long life and outstanding durability. HP C7974W LTO-4 has exceptional data protection feature as it includes AES 256 encryption. This powerful attribute ensures security of the data. HP LTO4 cartridge can hold compressed 1.6 Terabytes of information. Bit density of HP C7974W tape has been improved by the innovative coating technique and robust base film. Improved bit-density means that with in the same physical space more data volume can be recorded. So the HP LTO-4 tape can record massive data volumes. The track numbers also has been increased to 896. For backing up data of 1 GB in the LTO-4 tape cartridge, it will approx. take about 8.3 sec at fast transfer speed of 240 MB per second. The tape cartridge has the write once read many feature as well.

LTO tape technology is more advantageous, user friendly and economical. HP C7974A tape is very robust, reliable and cost efficient. Highly durable HP LTO4 tape cartridge is available at tape4backup.

Jessica McIntosh (Marketing Manager)
34972 Newark Blvd, # 501, Newark CA 94560
Tel : 888-491-4949
Fax : 888-449-5050
Email: jessica@tape4backup.com