LTO-9 at a glance
| Specification | LTO-9 |
|---|---|
| Native capacity | 18TB |
| Compressed capacity | 45TB (2.5:1) |
| Native transfer rate | 400MB/s |
| Compressed transfer rate | Up to 1,000MB/s |
| Specification | LTO-9 |
|---|---|
| Backward compatibility | Reads and writes LTO-8 cartridges |
| Security | Hardware encryption and WORM (write once, read many) support |
| File access | LTFS (Linear Tape File System) |
| Archival life | Media designed for up to 30 years when stored correctly |
Specifications from the LTO Program; archival life from LTO media manufacturer specifications.
How LTO-9 tape can help businesses
High capacity at low cost
Each cartridge holds 18TB native, so large backups and archives need fewer devices. Tape has no running power cost when it is stored on a shelf.
Protection against ransomware
A tape that has been removed from the drive is offline – an air gap between your live systems and your backup copy. Ransomware cannot reach a tape that is not connected.
Long-term archiving and compliance
LTO media is designed for up to 30 years' archival life when stored correctly. WORM tapes cannot be changed once written, which helps with compliance and regulatory retention.
An open standard
LTO is an open standard developed by the LTO Program, so you are not tied to one supplier for drives or media.
What is LTO tape?
LTO tape is the industry-standard solution for backup, archiving, and data interchange. It is widely used around the world to store petabytes of data for disaster recovery (DR) purposes. Unlike proprietary technologies, LTO tape has multiple manufacturers, ensuring it is not dependent on a single source.
Improved Data Protection
LTO-9 goes beyond capacity and speed. Its advanced error correction and robust media construction offer stronger protection against data corruption and degradation. These improvements ensure that data remains secure and reliable, even over extended periods.
Why Choose LTO-9 Tapes?
LTO-9 tapes are engineered for reliability and durability. They incorporate advanced servo technology, which ensures precise read/write head positioning. This reduces errors and extends the lifespan of the tapes. Additionally, LTO-9 tapes feature robust data encryption and compression, enhancing both the security and efficiency of data storage.
LTO-9 Tapes also support industry-standard features like the Linear Tape File System (LTFS). This compatibility simplifies data access and management, making the process intuitive for users.
Planning an LTO-9 backup or archive?
Tell us how much data you need to back up or archive, and we will recommend the right drive, autoloader or library.
LTO-9 vs LTO-10
| Feature | LTO-9 | LTO-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Native capacity | 18TB | 30TB or 40TB |
| Compressed capacity | 45TB | 75TB or 100TB |
| Native transfer rate | 400MB/s | Up to 400MB/s |
| Reads older tapes | Yes – reads and writes LTO-8 | No – cannot read or write LTO-9 or earlier |
If you have existing LTO-8 or LTO-9 tapes, LTO-9 drives can still read and write them. LTO-10 needs new LTO-10 media. Read more: LTO-10 tape
How to get started with LTO-9 tape
- Assess your storage needs – how much data you need to store and how quickly you need to restore it.
- Define the purpose – backup, disaster recovery, long-term archiving or data interchange.
- Choose the equipment – a standalone tape drive, an autoloader or a tape library.
- Decide on connectivity – LTO-9 drives connect over SAS or Fibre Channel. LTFS is a file system that lets you access tape like a disk; it is not a connection type.
- Consider WORM tapes – for data that must not be changed.
By following these steps, you can effectively integrate LTO-9 tape into your storage strategy, ensuring a secure, scalable, and cost-efficient solution for your business needs.
LTO-9 tape FAQs
How much does an LTO-9 tape hold?
18TB native, or up to 45TB with 2.5:1 compression.
How fast is LTO-9?
Up to 400MB/s native and up to 1,000MB/s compressed.
Can LTO-9 read LTO-8 tapes?
Yes. LTO-9 drives can read and write LTO-8 cartridges.
Can LTO-10 read LTO-9 tapes?
No. LTO-10 drives cannot read or write LTO-9 or earlier tapes.
How long does LTO-9 tape last?
LTO media is designed for up to 30 years' archival life when stored correctly.
Where can I buy LTO-9 tapes and drives?
Contact us for a UK quote on LTO-9 drives, autoloaders, libraries and media.
Talk to a tape specialist
Tell us what you need to back up or archive, and we will recommend the right LTO setup and give you a clear UK quote.
Prefer email? Write to solutions@fortunadata.com