Media Validation

Media validation evaluates tapes by verifying that the drive can read the data written on the tape.

To use the media validation feature, the library must be at firmware version 3.70 or above . For StorageTek Tape Analytics (STA) initiated media validation, the library must be at firmware version 3.80 or above.

A drive can validate a tape by reading the data previously written on it. The tape is considered valid if the drive does not encounter errors during the read. The drive will report SCSI sense data for any errors encountered to help identify the issue.

There are three levels of media validation: Basic, Standard, and Complete. Basic reads the cartridge memory. Standard reads up to the first two wraps of data on the tape. Complete reads all data on the tape.

Media validation requires at least one drive dedicated to media validation. You can assign only IBM LTO6 or higher drives to the media validation pool (HP LTO drives are not supported). There is no limit on the number of drives you can add to the pool, but there must be at least one bridged drive in the library. Bridged drives cannot be used for media validation. Media validation drives are invisible to host applications and can only be used for media validation. While a tape is being validated, the library spoofs the tape's original location to the host. If a host requests a tape currently being validated, the library will cancel the validation and return the tape to its original slot to allow the tape to then be mounted by the host command.

About Media Validation

• Media Validation Types
• Effects of a Library Restart on Media Validation
• Why Aren't the Media Validation Drives Showing in STA?

Configure Media Validation

• Add a Drive to the Media Validation Pool
• Remove a Drive from the Media Validation Pool

Start, Stop, or Monitor Media Validation

• Start a Media Validation
• Manually Cancel a Validation in Progress
• Monitor Media Validation
• Clear a Media Validation Drive Reservation