Sharing an LTO9 Tape Drive on a Network
Yes, you can share an LTO9 tape drive across a network, but there are important technical considerations and limitations to understand. Your two primary options are to add ethernet connectivity via an external bridge device, or to configure a backup server on your network that the tape drive connects to like it is currently.
Network Sharing Methods:
1. Ethernet Bridge option for your standalone tape drive (Best Solution)
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Companies like MagStor, ATTO, and others sell ethernet bridges that can sit on your ethernet network and connect to your SAS or Thunderbolt tape drive.
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SAS examples: ATTO XstreamCORE 8100T, MagStor ePro 10G Ethernet Rack Mount
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Thunderbolt examples: ATTO Thunderlink-3, MagStor TBR3-1U-SAS
2. Backup Server Architecture (Most Common)
Instead of directly sharing the drive, use a centralized backup server:
How it works:
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Install the LTO9 drive on a dedicated backup server
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Install backup software (Archiware, Hedge, Veeam, Veritas Backup Exec, etc.)
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Clients connect to the backup server over the network
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The backup software manages scheduling, media rotation, and concurrent jobs
Advantages:
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Proper job queuing and scheduling
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Centralized management
At this point, it may be worth considering an upgrade to a tape library solution to support multiple users. Some vendors like MagStor can help you with upgrade options to utilize your existing tape drive in your new tape library. With a tape library it’s easier to manage the quantity of backup tapes being managed and allows you to more easily locate the tape library in a secure location in the office.
Important Considerations when sharing a single desktop drive:
⚠️ Concurrent Access: Tape drives are sequential devices - only one backup job can write at a time. The backup software will queue multiple jobs.
⚠️ Network Bandwidth: Backups will traverse your network. LTO9 has native speeds up to 400 MB/s (compressed up to 1000 MB/s), so ensure adequate network capacity.
⚠️ Tape Capacity: LTO9 tapes hold 18TB native (45TB compressed). Plan your backup rotation accordingly.
⚠️ Drive Wear: Tape drives have finite head life. Excessive use shortens lifespan - consider backup windows and rotation.
Cost-Effective Alternative
If budget allows, consider:
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LTO9 tape library (even a small 8-slot autoloader) instead of a standalone drive
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Provides automated media management
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Better suited for multi-user environments
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Reduces manual tape swapping