Spectra Logic T-Series Spectra T50e User Manual page 236

Appendix C — Specifications
The following table shows the media read/write compatibility for each
LTO tape drive generation supported by the library.
LTO WORM Media
Certain records retention and data security applications require a Write
Once, Read Many (WORM) method for storing data on tape. Both LTO-4
and LTO-3 tape drives enable WORM support when a WORM cartridge is
loaded into the tape drive.
WORM Media Because standard read/write media are incompatible with
the WORM feature, a specially formatted WORM cartridge is required.
Each WORM cartridge has a unique, worldwide cartridge identifier
(WWCID), which comprises the unique CM chip serial number and the
unique media serial number.
Data Security on WORM Media Certain built-in security measures help
ensure that the data written on a WORM cartridge does not become
compromised, for example:
LTO Cleaning Cartridges
The LTO cleaning cartridges are valid for 50 uses.Do not rewind and reuse
the material in a cleaning cartridge. Reusing the material may redistribute
contaminants previously removed from the tape path. If all of the cleaning
material has been used, discard the cartridge and use a new cleaning
cartridge.
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User Guide
LTO Tape Drive Generation
LTO-4
LTO-3
The format of an LTO-4 800 GB or LTO-3 400 GB WORM cartridge is
unlike that of standard read/write media. This unique format prevents
a tape drive that lacks WORM-capable firmware from writing on a
WORM cartridge.
When the tape drive senses a WORM cartridge, the firmware prohibits
the changing or altering of user data already written on the tape. The
firmware keeps track of the last appendable point on the tape.
LTO-4 Media LTO-3 Media
Read/write Read/write
Unsupported Read/write
LTO-2 Media
Read only
Read/write
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