Overland-Tandberg NEOxl-Series LTO-8 Full Height Dual-Port FC Add-On Drive

Designed for enterprise-grade backup, archive, and data protection, the Overland-Tandberg NEOxl-Series LTO-8 Full Height Dual-Port Fibre Channel Add-On Drive combines rugged reliability with scalable capacity and security. This internal, 1U (1H) form-factor drive is purpose-built for dense data centers that demand superior archival performance, flexible SAN connectivity, and steadfast protection for mission-critical data. With the NEOxl-Series, you can extend your tape library capabilities, streamline growth, and simplify management in demanding workloads such as regulatory compliance, disaster recovery, and long-term retention strategies.

Engineered to integrate seamlessly into standard server racks and backup infrastructures, the LTO-8 add-on drive brings dual-port Fibre Channel connectivity for high-availability host access and robust fault tolerance. Its linear serpentine transport path ensures dependable cartridge handling and longevity, helping minimize maintenance interruptions during peak backup windows. Security is also a core feature, with encryption capabilities that protect data at rest, aligning with enterprise security policies and compliance requirements. Whether you’re refreshing a legacy tape environment or expanding a modern data-center tape strategy, this drive delivers the performance, protection, and compatibility you need for reliable, scalable storage in the era of data-intensive workloads.

• Dual-Port Fibre Channel connectivity provides redundant, high-speed paths to your SAN fabric, enabling failover routing and load balancing to maximize backup throughput and minimize downtime in critical windows.
• LTO-8 capacity and versatility delivers 12 TB native capacity with up to 30 TB compressed capacity, supporting longer retention periods and reduced cartridge swaps for efficient archival operations.
• Internal, 1U (1H) full-height design fits standard server racks and backup enclosures, enabling straightforward deployment in existing data-center footprints without sacrificing performance or expansion potential.
• Linear Serpentine data path ensures reliable cartridge handling, reduced wear, and long-term durability of the tape media and drive mechanism, which translates to consistent backup and restore operations.
• Encryption for data at rest protects sensitive information, helping meet governance, regulatory, and security requirements across backup and archival workflows.

Technical Details of Overland-Tandberg NEOxl-Series LTO-8 Full Height Dual-Port FC Add-On Drive

• Technology: LTO-8 Ultrium tape drive for enterprise-grade backup and archival performance
• Native capacity: 12 TB; Compressed capacity: up to 30 TB
• Interface: Fibre Channel, dual-port for high availability and fabric zoning flexibility
• Form factor: Internal, 1U height (1H), full-height add-on drive designed for standard server racks
• Data path: Linear Serpentine transport for reliable, long-term media handling
• Encryption: Encryption capability to protect data at rest within archival and backup workloads
• Environmental compatibility: Optimized for data-center environments with enterprise-grade reliability and cooling

how to install Overland-Tandberg NEOxl-Series LTO-8 Full Height Dual-Port FC Add-On Drive

Installing the NEOxl-Series LTO-8 add-on drive is a straightforward process when performed by qualified IT staff. Begin by verifying compatibility with your host server, tape library, and Fibre Channel fabric. Confirm there is an available internal drive bay in your 1U chassis and ensure that a suitable dual-Port Fibre Channel HBA or switch connection is present. Before physical installation, power down the system, unplug from power, and discharge static electricity using proper ESD precautions. Review your backup software and library configuration requirements to ensure seamless integration after installation.

• Power down the host and remove the server chassis cover to access the internal drive bays. Identify an available full-height 1U drive slot that matches the NEOxl-Series form factor and mounting points.
• Slide the NEOxl-Series LTO-8 add-on drive into the bay until it seats firmly in the chassis and aligns with the connector interfaces. Fasten the drive with the provided mounting screws to ensure stable operation under vibration and transport.
• Attach two Fibre Channel cables to the drive’s dual ports. Route each cable to a compatible HBA or FC switch, providing redundant paths for failover and sustained data transfer reliability.
• Power up the system and verify BIOS/UEFI and driver recognition of the new device. Check for any firmware updates recommended by Overland-Tandberg and apply them as needed to ensure compatibility with your library, media, and backup software.
• Boot into your operating system or backup software console and initialize the drive. Run a quick calibration and a test backup/restore to validate connectivity, path redundancy, and data integrity before scheduling production backups.
• Document the installation for asset management, update your maintenance windows, and confirm that encryption settings are enabled or configured according to your security policy if encryption is required for archival workloads.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What capacity does the LTO-8 NEOxl-Series drive offer? A: It provides 12 TB native capacity and up to 30 TB compressed capacity, enabling extended retention and efficient use of media in backup and archival workflows.
• Q: What interface does this drive use? A: It uses dual-port Fibre Channel connectivity, which supports high availability and flexible pathing in SAN environments.
• Q: What is the form factor? A: The drive is an internal, full-height add-on designed for 1U (1H) server racks, suitable for standard data-center installations.
• Q: Does it support encryption? A: Yes. The drive includes encryption capabilities to protect data at rest on archived media and during transfers within the fabric.
• Q: What is the data path design? A: The drive employs a Linear Serpentine data path to optimize media handling, reduce wear, and extend the life of media and transport components.
• Q: Is firmware or software required for operation? A: In most deployments, firmware updates and compatibility with backup software are recommended to ensure optimal performance and interoperability with tape libraries and HBAs.