Machine type, model, feature code and part number
A machine type and model identify a system or enclosure configuration. A feature code identifies an ordered option. A part number identifies a catalog or service assembly in its stated context. The numbers answer different questions even when a catalog lists them together.
For a replacement, keep the complete model label with the drive height, interface and assembly number. A feature shared across libraries does not establish that the service assemblies are interchangeable. See the TS3200 drive-assembly examples.
External drives and internal library assemblies
An external TS22xx drive includes its own standalone enclosure. A drive for a TS3100, TS3200 or TS4300 includes the library-specific sled and firmware context. A 7226 drive is an internal device assembly for that multimedia enclosure.
The LTO generation can be the same while the assembly is different. Compare standalone drives or open the 7226 internal drive options before selecting a replacement.
Host interfaces: match both ends of the connection
The host interface is the connection used to move backup data between the server and drive or appliance. The drive, host adapter, cable and operating-system support all need to agree.
SAS and Fibre Channel are common tape-drive choices. VTLs can also offer Ethernet-based attachment or other emulated tape interfaces. A cable connector that fits does not establish device support for an IBM i release.
SAS tape attachment
SAS means Serial Attached SCSI. A SAS tape configuration connects a supported host adapter to a SAS drive or library. Published interface speeds such as 6 Gb/s or 12 Gb/s describe the connection, not a guaranteed tape transfer rate.
The TS2270 and TS2280 use dual-port 6 Gb/s SAS in their dedicated specifications. The TS2290 uses dual-port 12 Gb/s SAS. Check the exact installed model before selecting the adapter and cable.
SAS cables and connector types
Mini-SAS and Mini-SAS HD are different connector families. SFF-8088 identifies the external Mini-SAS connector; SFF-8644 identifies external Mini-SAS HD. Cable length and the connector at each end are part of the order.
| Feature | Length / connectors | Source context |
|---|---|---|
| 5507 | 4 m Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS | TS2270 / TS2280 catalog option |
| AGKB | 3 m Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS HD | TS2290 catalog option |
| AGKD | 1.5 m Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS HD | TS2290 catalog option |
Keep each feature with its published drive and connector context.
Fibre Channel tape attachment
Fibre Channel connects compatible tape drives through supported FC adapters and, where configured, a storage-area network. Match the drive port speed and optics to the host and switch configuration.
A Fibre Channel TS3200 drive is a different assembly from its SAS alternative. Compare TS3200 FC and SAS drive options by feature code and service part number.
SCSI, LVD SCSI and iSCSI
SCSI is the command family used by many storage devices. LVD SCSI is a legacy parallel electrical connection found on older tape configurations. iSCSI carries SCSI commands over an IP network.
The names do not mean the same cable or host attachment. A TS3200 LVD SCSI drive and a miSAN iSCSI appliance require different interfaces. Record the complete adapter and device labels when maintaining an older installation.
SATA disks inside a VTL
SATA is a disk interface inside some VTL appliances. The Cybernetics miSAN specifications identify SATA II disks with NCQ and SMART. This describes the appliance disk hardware rather than the interface presented to IBM i.
Disk replacement must match the appliance and its RAID configuration. Understand RAID and spare disks before treating an individual drive size as usable appliance capacity.
USB device options
USB is available for some specific backup devices and configurations. A USB option on a Windows or Linux standalone tape configuration does not establish USB tape attachment for IBM i.
The 7226 enclosure can contain device-specific USB options such as RDX or DAT. Confirm the chosen device, Power model and operating-system release together. See the 7226 device configurations.
Half-height and full-height tape drives
HH means half-height and FH means full-height. The height affects how many drive positions an enclosure can hold, and some generations also have different native transfer ratings by drive height.
The TS3100 supports up to two HH drives or one FH drive. The TS3200 supports up to four HH drives or two FH drives. These are alternative chassis layouts, not drive counts to add together. Match the library-specific sled as well as the drive height.
Rack space and enclosure dimensions
A rack unit, written U, describes vertical rack space. Width, depth and rail clearance still need checking. A standalone enclosure may use a shelf that consumes more rack space than the height of the drive itself.
For installation, include rear cable bend space and service access. Use the loaded configuration for weight and floor planning. The TS4500 uses floor-standing frames; it is not a conventional rack-mounted library. See TS4500 frame and top-rack roles.
RDX removable disks and DAT tape
RDX stores backups on removable disk cartridges. DAT is a different tape technology from LTO. Their drives and cartridges cannot be substituted just because they fit the same 7226 multimedia enclosure family.
For example, EU2T / 46C2527 identifies a 2 TB RDX configuration in the 7226 source. EU16 / 46C2458 identifies a 160 GB DAT USB drive. Match the exact 7226 device and feature.
Get help with your tape configuration
Send us the installed model and the backup or restore you need to support. We can match the equipment and media before quoting the configuration. Request tape configuration help.
Tape product references
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