IBM TS3200 3573-L4U Tape Library, LTO Drives, Upgrades & Parts
IBM TS3200 3573-L4U Tape Library
IBM TS3200 3573-L4U 4U Tape Library – Up to 48 LTO Cartridges, Four Half-Height or Two Full-Height Tape Drives, Fibre Channel and SAS Connectivity
The IBM TS3200 3573-L4U is a 4U automated LTO tape library designed for backup, archive, disaster recovery, long-term retention and offline data protection. The IBM TS3200 3573-L4U LTO Tape Library provides significantly more features, media capacity and drive flexibility than a standalone LTO tape drive. The IBM TS3200 can support up to 48 physical LTO cartridge slots and as many as four half-height or two full-height LTO tape drives. Depending on the installed drive generation, supported configurations include LTO Ultrium 4, LTO 5, LTO 6 and LTO 7 drives using SAS or Fibre Channel interfaces. IBM also supports mixed full-height and half-height drives and, in qualifying configurations, mixed tape generations and interfaces.
Machine Type / Model: 3573-L4U
Form Factor: 4U Rack Mount
Maximum Cartridge Slots: 48
Maximum Drives: 4 Half-Height or 2 Full-Height LTO Drives
IBM TS3200 3573-L4U Specifications
| IBM Product | IBM TS3200 Tape Library |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | 3573 |
| Model | L4U |
| Rack Height | 4U |
| Maximum Cartridge Slots | 48 |
| Maximum Full-Height Drives | 2 |
| Maximum Half-Height Drives | 4 |
| Supported Tape Technology | LTO Ultrium |
| Supported Drive Generations | LTO 4, LTO 5, LTO 6 and LTO 7 in documented configurations |
| Interfaces | SAS and Fibre Channel; earlier supported configurations also included SCSI |
| I/O Station | Supported |
| Maximum I/O Slots | 3 |
| Logical Libraries | Up to the number of installed drives |
| Hardware Encryption | Supported with compatible LTO drives |
| WORM Media | Supported with compatible LTO generations |
| IBM Multi-Path Architecture | Supported |
IBM’s current device-support documentation continues to identify the TS3200 as a 3573 library with up to four half-height or two full-height LTO drives and 48 slots.
IBM TS3200 Capacity and Maximums
| Maximum | IBM TS3200 3573-L4U |
|---|---|
| Rack Height | 4U |
| Physical Cartridge Slots | 48 |
| Full-Height Drives | 2 |
| Half-Height Drives | 4 |
| I/O Station Slots | Up to 3 |
| Logical Libraries | Up to number of installed tape drives |
| LTO 7 Native Capacity – 48 Cartridges | Up to 288TB native |
| LTO 7 Compressed Capacity – 48 Cartridges | Up to 720TB at 2.5:1 compression |
| LTO 6 Native Capacity – 48 Cartridges | Up to 120TB native |
| LTO 6 Compressed Capacity – 48 Cartridges | Up to 300TB at 2.5:1 compression |
IBM TS3200 Supported LTO Generations
The TS3200 platform was offered across multiple LTO generations. Drive compatibility depends on the exact drive sled, library firmware and installed drive generation.
| LTO Generation | Representative TS3200 Drive Option | Native Capacity per Cartridge | Native Transfer Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTO 7 | Ultrium 7 Half-Height / Full-Height | 6TB | Up to approximately 300 MB/s |
| LTO 6 | Ultrium 6 Half-Height / Full-Height | 2.5TB | Up to approximately 160 MB/s |
| LTO 5 | Ultrium 5 Half-Height / Full-Height | 1.5TB | Up to approximately 140 MB/s |
| LTO 4 | Ultrium 4 Half-Height / Full-Height | 800GB | Up to approximately 120 MB/s |
IBM Redbooks ordering information explicitly lists TS3200 drive options for LTO 4, LTO 5, LTO 6 and LTO 7, with both SAS and Fibre Channel options across several generations.
IBM TS3200 LTO 7 Drive Options
| Feature Code | Description | Interface |
|---|---|---|
| 8444 | LTO Ultrium 7 Full-Height Tape Drive | 8Gb Fibre Channel |
| 8447 | LTO Ultrium 7 Half-Height Tape Drive | 6Gb SAS |
| 8448 | LTO Ultrium 7 Half-Height Tape Drive | 8Gb Fibre Channel |
IBM’s TS3100/TS3200 ordering guide lists feature codes 8444, 8447 and 8448 for LTO 7 drive configurations.
IBM TS3200 LTO 6 Drive Feature Codes and Part Numbers
| IBM Part Number | Feature Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 35P1609 | 8344 | LTO Ultrium 6 Full-Height 8Gb Fibre Channel Tape Drive |
| 35P1619 | 8347 | LTO Ultrium 6 Half-Height 6Gb SAS Tape Drive |
| 35P1624 | 8348 | LTO Ultrium 6 Half-Height 8Gb Fibre Channel Tape Drive |
IBM Redbooks provides direct part-number-to-feature-code mappings for these LTO 6 drive options. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
IBM TS3200 LTO 5 Drive Feature Codes and Part Numbers
| IBM Part Number | Feature Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 46X2683 | 8245 | LTO Ultrium 5 Full-Height 6Gb SAS Tape Drive |
| 46X2682 | 8244 | LTO Ultrium 5 Full-Height 8Gb Fibre Channel Tape Drive |
| 46X2685 | 8247 | LTO Ultrium 5 Half-Height 6Gb SAS Tape Drive |
| 46X2684 | 8248 | LTO Ultrium 5 Half-Height 8Gb Fibre Channel Tape Drive |
IBM’s ordering reference lists these part numbers and corresponding LTO 5 feature codes for both TS3100 and TS3200. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
IBM TS3200 LTO 4 Drive Feature Codes and Part Numbers
| IBM Part Number | Feature Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 95P5002 | 8143 | LTO Ultrium 4 Full-Height LVD SCSI Tape Drive |
| 95P5006 | 8145 | LTO Ultrium 4 Full-Height SAS Tape Drive |
| 95P5004 | 8144 | LTO Ultrium 4 Full-Height 4Gb Fibre Channel Tape Drive |
| 46X7117 | 8149 | LTO Ultrium 4 Half-Height 6Gb SAS Tape Drive |
IBM’s TS3200 ordering guide explicitly documents these LTO 4 options and corresponding part numbers. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
IBM TS3200 Library Feature Codes
| Feature Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 1682 | Path Failover – requires at least two drives |
| 5900 | Transparent LTO Encryption |
| 7002 | Rack Mount Feature |
IBM Redbooks lists feature codes 1682, 5900 and 7002 as optional TS3100/TS3200 library features. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
IBM TS3200 Multi-Path Architecture and Logical Libraries
The TS3200 supports IBM Multi-Path Architecture, allowing a physical TS3200 to be divided into logical libraries. IBM states that the number of logical libraries can equal the number of drives installed. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
This can be useful when:
- Multiple servers need dedicated tape resources
- Different backup applications share one physical library
- IBM i, AIX, Linux or Windows systems require separate logical libraries
- Different LTO drive generations are installed
- Backup workloads must be isolated logically
IBM TS3200 Mixed Drive Support
The TS3200 supports mixtures of full-height and half-height drives in the same physical library. IBM also documents support for mixed SCSI, SAS and Fibre Channel interfaces within the physical library, although mixing interface types within the same logical library is not recommended. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
IBM also permits certain mixed LTO-generation configurations where the drives share compatible media generations. Drives that do not share a common media type cannot be mixed in the same logical library. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
IBM TS3200 Encryption
Compatible LTO drives in the TS3200 support hardware-based tape encryption. IBM offered Feature Code 5900 – Transparent LTO Encryption, and later LTO drive generations include hardware encryption capabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Encryption can be particularly valuable for:
- Off-site backup media
- Disaster-recovery tapes
- Long-term archives
- Regulated information
- Physical media transportation
IBM TS3200 Path Failover
IBM Feature Code 1682 provides path-failover capability in supported TS3200 configurations and requires at least two tape drives. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Path failover can improve availability where redundant host or SAN paths are configured, but the complete host, device driver, tape drive and SAN architecture must support the feature.
IBM TS3200 I/O Station
The TS3200 supports an I/O station that allows cartridges to be imported or exported without opening the entire tape-library magazine area. IBM’s tape-device characteristics documentation identifies the TS3200 with an I/O station supporting up to three cartridge positions. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
IBM TS3200 for IBM Power Systems
The IBM TS3200 has been widely deployed with IBM Power Systems running IBM i, AIX and Linux. The exact compatibility depends on the installed tape-drive generation, host interface, SAS or Fibre Channel adapter, operating-system level, IBM device driver and backup software.
Typical IBM Power Systems applications include:
- IBM i system backups
- BRMS-managed backup and media rotation
- SAVSYS and GO SAVE procedures
- AIX system and application backup
- Linux backup
- Database backup
- Off-site media rotation
- Disaster recovery
- Long-term archive storage
IBM TS3200 for IBM i and BRMS
The TS3200 can provide automated tape handling for supported IBM i systems, reducing the need for manual cartridge changes during multi-volume backups.
When used with IBM Backup, Recovery and Media Services (BRMS), the library can support structured media management, backup scheduling, tape rotation and recovery workflows in qualifying configurations.
Before attaching a TS3200 to IBM i, verify:
- IBM Power System model
- IBM i release
- SAS or Fibre Channel adapter
- Installed LTO drive generation
- Library and drive firmware
- IBM tape device driver requirements
- BRMS compatibility
IBM TS3200 vs. TS3100
| Specification | IBM TS3200 3573-L4U | IBM TS3100 3573-L2U |
|---|---|---|
| Rack Height | 4U | 2U |
| Cartridge Slots | 48 | 24 |
| Maximum Full-Height Drives | 2 | 1 |
| Maximum Half-Height Drives | 4 | 2 |
| I/O Station | Up to 3 cartridges | 1 cartridge |
| Logical Libraries | Up to installed drive count | Up to installed drive count |
The TS3200 is the higher-capacity option for organizations that need more cartridge slots or multiple tape drives, while the TS3100 is more compact. IBM continues to describe the TS3100 as a 24-slot library and the TS3200 as a 48-slot library. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
IBM TS3200 Backup and Archive Applications
Typical applications for the IBM TS3200 include:
- Automated enterprise backup
- IBM i BRMS backup
- AIX backup
- Linux and Windows server backup
- VMware backup
- Database backup
- Off-site media rotation
- Disaster recovery
- Long-term archive storage
- WORM retention
- Encrypted tape storage
- Offline cyber-recovery copies
Offline Tape and Cyber Resilience
One of the continuing advantages of an automated LTO tape library is the ability to create removable backup copies that can be physically separated from production systems.
After cartridges are exported from the TS3200 and stored securely, they are no longer continuously accessible through the production network. This can make LTO tape useful as part of a broader cyber-recovery strategy alongside disk, replication and immutable-storage technologies.
IBM TS3200 Management and Serviceability
IBM provides a web user interface and operator-control panel for configuring and monitoring the TS3200. Administrative functions include network settings, logical-library configuration, encryption settings, drive status, cartridge inventory, event notification and firmware management.
IBM’s current TS3200 service guide includes procedures for replacing power supplies, drive sleds, controller cards and magazines, as well as firmware updates, cleaning procedures, cartridge removal and library relocation. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
IBM TS3200 Firmware Considerations
Library firmware should be kept at a level compatible with the installed drive generations and host environment. IBM continues to publish common-code guidance for the 3573 TS3100/TS3200 family. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
IBM TS3200 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IBM TS3200 3573-L4U?
The IBM TS3200 3573-L4U is a 4U automated LTO tape library supporting up to 48 cartridges and as many as four half-height or two full-height LTO tape drives.
How many tapes fit in an IBM TS3200?
The TS3200 provides up to 48 physical cartridge slots. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
How many tape drives can the TS3200 hold?
IBM supports up to four half-height or two full-height tape drives. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
What LTO generations does the TS3200 support?
IBM documentation covers TS3200 configurations using LTO 4, LTO 5, LTO 6 and LTO 7 drives, with older documentation also covering earlier generations. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Does the TS3200 support Fibre Channel?
Yes. Multiple LTO generations were offered with Fibre Channel drive options, including 4Gb and 8Gb FC depending on generation. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Does the TS3200 support SAS?
Yes. IBM offered multiple SAS LTO drive options including 3Gb and 6Gb SAS depending on drive generation. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Does the TS3200 support encryption?
Yes. Compatible LTO drives support hardware encryption, and IBM offered Feature Code 5900 for Transparent LTO Encryption. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Can a TS3200 be partitioned?
Yes. IBM Multi-Path Architecture allows the physical TS3200 to be divided into logical libraries, generally up to the number of installed tape drives. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Can different tape-drive types be mixed?
IBM supports mixtures of full-height and half-height drives, and supports mixed interfaces in the same physical library. Drive generations must share compatible media if they are placed in the same logical library. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
What is IBM Feature Code 1682?
Feature Code 1682 is the TS3200 Path Failover feature and requires at least two drives. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
What is IBM Feature Code 5900?
Feature Code 5900 provides Transparent LTO Encryption support. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
Can the IBM TS3200 be used with IBM i?
Yes, in supported IBM Power Systems configurations. The exact tape-drive generation, host interface, IBM i release and device-driver requirements must be verified before installation.
What is the difference between the TS3200 and TS3100?
The TS3200 is a 4U, 48-slot library supporting up to four half-height drives, while the TS3100 is a smaller 2U, 24-slot library supporting up to two half-height drives. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
IBM TS3200 3573-L4U Summary
The IBM TS3200 3573-L4U is a 4U automated LTO tape library designed for enterprise backup, archive and disaster recovery. It provides up to 48 cartridge positions and four half-height or two full-height tape-drive positions, making it substantially more scalable than standalone tape drives or the smaller TS3100 library.
The TS3200 supports multiple LTO generations, including LTO 4 through LTO 7 in documented configurations, with SAS and Fibre Channel connectivity. IBM Multi-Path Architecture enables logical-library partitioning, while optional features include path failover and Transparent LTO Encryption.
For IBM Power Systems environments, the TS3200 can automate IBM i, AIX and Linux tape operations and can be integrated into supported BRMS and enterprise backup workflows. Its removable-media design also makes it useful for off-site storage and offline cyber-recovery strategies.
When purchasing or upgrading a TS3200, verify the 3573-L4U chassis, installed LTO generation, full-height or half-height drive form factor, SAS or Fibre Channel interface, library firmware and host compatibility. Drive feature codes and service part numbers vary by LTO generation.
