Dell + Spectra Logic: Ethernet-Connected Tape Storage with ATTO XstreamCORE 8100T
Scalable, Secure, Modern Data Backup & Archive
Modernize long-term data protection by bringing SAS LTO tape drives onto your 10GbE network via iSCSI—enabling centralized, shareable, remotely accessible tape resources without the constraints of legacy direct-attached architectures.
Why this Solution
Organizations are facing rapid data growth—from AI-driven workflows and video to financial and healthcare records—driving the need for secure, durable, sustainable long-term storage.
Tape remains compelling for archive economics and energy savings, but direct-attached SAS configurations can limit sharing and scalability across teams and sites.
Solution Overview
The Spectra Stack Tape Library paired with the ATTO XstreamCORE 8100T bridge connects SAS LTO tape drives to 10Gb Ethernet using iSCSI, allowing multiple hosts to access shared tape devices over standard network infrastructure.
The bridge sits between the tape library and the Ethernet network, simplifying deployment and enabling centralized tape services without requiring additional “front-end” servers to provide network access.
Key Benefits
- Seamless Ethernet integration: Connect tape to existing Ethernet infrastructure using iSCSI for broad interoperability.
- Scalable capacity: Expand by adding Spectra Stack modules and/or additional 8100T bridges—scaling without provisioning or managing extra servers.
- Long-distance backup and archive: Move beyond SAS distance limitations to support remote facilities without co-located servers.
- Secure access: Use CHAP authentication and Access Control Lists (ACLs) to help prevent unauthorized tape access and limit target visibility
- High throughput and shareability: Connect up to four SAS tape drives per bridge with aggregate throughput up to 2,000 MBps, supporting up to eight iSCSI host logins.
Solution Components
ATTO XstreamCORE 8100T (iSCSI-to-SAS bridge)
- 2 x 10GbE ports (SFP+/RJ45) for iSCSI connectivity.
- Supports up to 4 SAS LTO drives (LTO-5 or later) via x4 12Gb/s miniSAS HD.
- Security and management: CHAP + ACLs; dedicated management port; supports LTFS; OS independent (iSCSI initiator required).
Spectra Stack Tape Library
- Modular scaling: Up to 1 control + 6 expansion modules, supporting up to 21 full-height drives.
- Media slots: 80 per module; up to 560 max.
- Capacity and performance: Up to 22.4 PB native (max), up to 42.0 PB compressed (2.5:1), and up to 30.2 TB/hr throughput (max).
- Supports LTO-5 through LTO-10 and up to 20 concurrent library partitions.
