Product Description
IBM 3573-8348 LTO-6 Ultrium Half High Fibre Channel Tape Drive for TS3100/TS3200
The IBM 3573-8348 is an internal half-high LTO Ultrium 6 tape drive sled equipped with an 8 Gbps Fibre Channel interface. Designed as a replacement or upgrade module for the TS3100 (3573-L2U) and TS3200 (3573-L4U) tape libraries, it delivers high-capacity and efficient performance for automated backup, long-term archiving, and data protection using LTO-6 technology in enterprise setups.
Key Features
- Half-High (HH) form factor optimized for library sled installation (supports up to 2 in TS3100 or 4 in TS3200).
- 8 Gbps Fibre Channel interface for high-speed, low-latency connectivity within the library.
- Native 2.5 TB capacity per LTO-6 cartridge (up to 6.25 TB compressed at 2.5:1).
- Data transfer rate up to 160 MB/s native.
- Backward read/write compatibility with LTO-5 media; read compatibility with LTO-4.
- Supports hardware encryption and WORM media for secure, compliant data storage.
- Integrated sled/caddy for easy insertion into compatible IBM tape library chassis.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Model / Feature Code | IBM 3573-8348 (FC 8348, part 35P1624 / 35P1982 / 35P1897) |
| Generation | LTO Ultrium 6 (LTO-6) |
| Form Factor | Half Height (HH) sled/module |
| Interface | 8 Gbps Fibre Channel |
| Native Capacity | 2.5 TB per cartridge |
| Compressed Capacity | 6.25 TB per cartridge (2.5:1 typical) |
| Native Transfer Rate | Up to 160 MB/s |
| Compressed Transfer Rate | Up to 400 MB/s (2.5:1) |
| Media Compatibility | LTO-6 (write/read), LTO-5 (read/write), LTO-4 (read) |
| Installation | Internal sled for TS3100/TS3200 libraries |
This drive module significantly increases storage density and backup efficiency compared to earlier LTO generations, enabling shorter backup windows and more data per cartridge in automated libraries. The 8 Gbps Fibre Channel interface ensures high-performance integration in FC-attached environments, while backward compatibility protects investments in LTO-5 and LTO-4 media. It supports encrypted, WORM-based archiving for compliance, making it a reliable choice for secure, high-capacity data protection in Power Systems and open systems setups.
Compatibility
The IBM 3573-8348 LTO-6 HH Fibre Channel tape drive is designed for direct installation in IBM TS3100 (3573-L2U) and TS3200 (3573-L4U) tape libraries as a half-high drive sled (up to 2 HH in TS3100; up to 4 HH in TS3200). It connects via the library's internal Fibre Channel backbone and supports host connectivity through the library's external 8 Gbps Fibre Channel ports to IBM Power Systems, open systems servers, or compatible Fibre Channel HBAs. Compatible with LTO-6 Ultrium cartridges and standard backup software supporting IBM LTO drives (e.g., IBM Spectrum Protect, Arcserve Backup, CommVault, Veritas NetBackup). Backward compatibility includes read/write on LTO-5 and read on LTO-4 for legacy data access. Supports AIX, IBM i, Linux, and Windows environments with appropriate drivers and adapters.
Warranty: 60 days from DataTechComputer.com.
