IBM TS2280 External LTO8 SAS HH Tape Drive 3580-H8S
IBM TS2280 LTO 8 SAS Tape Drive 3580-H8S
IBM TS2280 3580-H8S LTO Ultrium 8 External SAS Tape Drive – 12TB Native, 30TB Compressed, 300 MB/s Native Transfer Rate
The IBM TS2280 3580-H8S is an external, half-height LTO 8 Ultrium 8 SAS tape drive designed for enterprise backup, archive, disaster recovery and long-term data retention. The IBM TS2280 provides up to 12TB native capacity per LTO 8 cartridge or up to 30TB with 2.5:1 compression, with a native data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s. The IBM TS2280 uses a dual-port 6 Gbps SAS interface and can be operated as a standalone external tape drive or installed in an optional rack-mount shelf. Its compact half-height design makes the IBM TS2280 particularly useful for IBM Power Systems, IBM i, AIX, Linux, Windows and other supported open-system environments requiring high-capacity removable storage without a full tape library.
IBM LTO 8 technology also provides hardware data encryption, WORM media support, media partitioning and LTFS compatibility for long-term archive and data-protection applications.
IBM Product: TS2280 Tape Drive
Tape Technology: LTO Ultrium 8 Half-Height
Host Interface: Dual-Port 6 Gbps SAS
IBM TS2280 3580-H8S Specifications
| Product | IBM TS2280 Tape Drive |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | 3580 |
| Model | H8S |
| Tape Drive | IBM LTO Ultrium 8 Half-Height |
| Number of Drives | 1 |
| Cartridges Loaded | 1 |
| Form Factor | External half-height standalone or rack-mountable drive |
| Interface | 6 Gbps SAS |
| SAS Ports | 2 |
| Drive Buffer | 1GB / 1024MB |
| LTO 8 Native Capacity | 12TB per cartridge |
| LTO 8 Compressed Capacity | 30TB per cartridge at 2.5:1 compression |
| Native Transfer Rate | Up to 300 MB/s |
| Compressed Transfer Rate | Up to approximately 750 MB/s based on 2.5:1 compression specification |
| Read / Write Media | LTO Ultrium 8 and LTO Ultrium 7 |
| LTO 8 WORM | Supported |
| LTO 7 WORM | Supported |
| LTO 6 Compatibility | Not supported |
| Hardware Encryption | Yes |
| Encryption Management | Application-managed encryption |
| LTFS | Supported |
| Media Partitioning | Supported |
| Cartridge Memory | 16KB with LTO 8 media |
| Power | 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz auto-ranging |
| Weight | 4.3 kg / 9.4 lb |
| Dimensions | 213 × 58 × 332 mm / 8.4 × 2.3 × 13.1 in. |
| Original IBM Warranty | Three-year limited warranty; service terms vary by country |
IBM TS2280 Performance
The TS2280 incorporates IBM's half-height LTO Ultrium 8 tape drive technology and provides a native sustained transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s when using LTO 8 media.
| Performance Specification | IBM TS2280 3580-H8S |
|---|---|
| Native Data Rate | Up to 300 MB/s |
| Compressed Data Rate | Up to approximately 750 MB/s at 2.5:1 compression |
| Host Interface | 6 Gbps SAS |
| Host Ports | Dual SAS |
| Internal Buffer | 1GB |
| LTO 8 Native Capacity | 12TB |
| LTO 8 Compressed Capacity | 30TB |
At the maximum native transfer rate, the theoretical amount of uncompressed data transferred in one hour is approximately: 300 MB/s × 3,600 seconds = 1,080,000 MB/hour ≈ 1.08 TB/hour
Actual backup and restore performance depends on the host system, SAS adapter, backup software, source-storage performance, file sizes, compression characteristics and the ability of the application to keep the tape drive streaming continuously.
IBM TS2280 LTO 8 Capacity
An LTO 8 cartridge provides 12TB of native storage capacity. IBM specifies a maximum compressed capacity of 30TB using the standard LTO assumption of 2.5:1 compression.
| Media | Native Capacity | Compressed Capacity | Read | Write |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTO Ultrium 8 | 12TB | 30TB* | Yes | Yes |
| LTO Ultrium 7 M8 | 9TB | 22.5TB* | Yes | Yes |
| LTO Ultrium 7 | 6TB | 15TB* | Yes | Yes |
| LTO Ultrium 6 | 2.5TB | 6.25TB* | No | No |
*Compressed capacity assumes a 2.5:1 compression ratio. Actual compression varies according to the characteristics of the stored data.
LTO 7 M8 Media Support
One useful capability of an LTO 8 drive is support for LTO 7 cartridges initialized in the LTO M8 format. An eligible LTO 7 cartridge initialized as M8 provides approximately 9TB native and 22.5TB compressed capacity instead of the normal 6TB / 15TB capacity of an LTO 7 cartridge.
IBM TS2280 Part Numbers
Several IBM part numbers are associated with the TS2280 platform. The exact part required depends on whether a complete drive, replacement CRU or other component is being ordered.
| IBM Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 01PL319 | IBM TS2280 / LTO 8 associated drive assembly or configuration part |
| 01PL317 | IBM TS2280 / LTO 8 associated assembly |
| 01PL152 | TS2280 3580-H8S Half-Height SAS Bridgebox CRU – Dual SAS Ports |
| 01PL136 | IBM LTO 8 / TS2280 associated drive component |
IBM TS2280 Feature Codes
IBM offered the following configurable features for the TS2280 3580-H8S.
| IBM Feature Code | Description | IBM Replacement / Cable Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| 5402 | 2.0m SAS to Mini-SAS 1x Cable | 00VJ140 |
| 5501 | 1.0m Mini-SAS to Mini-SAS 1x Cable | 12X4292 |
| 5502 | 2.0m Mini-SAS to Mini-SAS 1x Cable | 00VJ139 |
| 5507 | 4.0m Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS 1x Cable | 46C2900 |
| 5509 | 3.0m Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS 2x Y Cable | 46C2902 |
| 7003 | Rack-Mount Shelf Kit with PDU Line Cord | Configuration dependent |
| 8002 | Ultrium Cleaning Cartridge | Media supply item |
| 8704 | LTO Ultrium 7 Data Cartridge – Single | Media supply item |
| 8706 | LTO Ultrium 7 Data Cartridges – 5 Pack | Media supply item |
| 9210 | Attached to HP-UX System | System attachment designation |
| 9212 | Attached to Windows System | System attachment designation |
| 9215 | Attached to Linux System | System attachment designation |
| 9600 | Attached to IBM AIX System | System attachment designation |
| 9800–9847 | Country-Specific Power Cord Options | Varies by country |
| 9848 | Rack Device to PDU Line Cord | Rack power option |
IBM TS2280 SAS Cable Part Numbers
The TS2280 uses a dual-port SAS interface. IBM offered multiple SAS cable configurations to accommodate different host SAS adapters and connector types.
| Feature | IBM Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5402 | 00VJ140 | 2m SAS / Mini-SAS 1x Cable |
| 5501 | 12X4292 | 1m Mini-SAS / Mini-SAS 1x Cable |
| 5502 | 00VJ139 | 2m Mini-SAS / Mini-SAS 1x Cable |
| 5507 | 46C2900 | 4m Mini-SAS HD / Mini-SAS 1x Cable |
| 5509 | 46C2902 | 3m Mini-SAS HD / Mini-SAS 2x Cable |
| Service Tool | 95P6566 | SAS Wrap Tool |
Dual-Port 6 Gbps SAS Connectivity
The IBM TS2280 uses a dual-port 6 Gbps SAS interface. The two SAS ports provide additional attachment flexibility and can help improve availability in supported configurations.
The SAS interface automatically negotiates the supported connection speed. IBM documentation indicates that the LTO 8 SAS drive attempts to connect at 6 Gbps and can negotiate to a lower SAS speed when required by the host connection.
When configuring a TS2280, the SAS host adapter and cable should be selected according to the connector type on the server or IBM Power System.
IBM TS2280 Rack-Mount Configuration
Although the TS2280 is designed as an external standalone tape drive, IBM also offered Feature 7003 – Rack Mount Shelf Kit with PDU Line Cord.
A 19-inch rack-mount shelf can accommodate two TS2280 drives side-by-side using 2U of rack space. This configuration can be useful for environments requiring multiple independent tape drives without deploying an automated tape library.
IBM LTO 8 Tape Media
The primary media for the TS2280 is the IBM LTO Ultrium 8 12TB data cartridge. LTO 8 cartridges provide twice the native capacity of standard LTO 7 media.
| Media | Native Capacity | Compressed Capacity | TS2280 Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTO 8 Data Cartridge | 12TB | 30TB | Read / Write |
| LTO 8 WORM Cartridge | 12TB | 30TB | Read / Write |
| LTO 7 M8 | 9TB | 22.5TB | Read / Write |
| LTO 7 Data Cartridge | 6TB | 15TB | Read / Write |
| LTO 7 WORM Cartridge | 6TB | 15TB | Read / Write |
| Universal LTO Cleaning Cartridge | — | — | Supported |
WORM Support
The IBM TS2280 supports Write Once, Read Many (WORM) LTO cartridges. WORM media is designed for applications in which recorded information must be protected against alteration or overwriting.
WORM can be useful for long-term records, financial information, compliance archives and other applications requiring non-rewritable tape media. Organizations should evaluate the complete application and retention architecture when using WORM for regulatory compliance.
IBM TS2280 Hardware Encryption
The LTO 8 drive used by the TS2280 incorporates hardware encryption and decryption capabilities within the tape drive. The TS2280 supports application-managed encryption, allowing compatible backup or archive software to manage the encryption process and keys.
Hardware-based tape encryption can protect data stored on removable media without requiring the host processor to perform the encryption operation itself.
LTFS and IBM Storage Archive Support
The IBM TS2280 supports tape partitioning and the Linear Tape File System (LTFS). IBM Storage Archive uses LTFS to make supported tape media accessible through a file-oriented interface.
Instead of requiring every file to be restored through traditional backup software, LTFS can allow compatible applications and operating systems to access files stored on tape using a directory and file-oriented structure.
This capability makes the TS2280 particularly useful for:
- Long-term data archives
- Media and entertainment files
- Video archives
- Digital asset management
- Engineering data
- Research datasets
- Surveillance archives
- Cloud and offline storage
- Large-file transport and interchange
IBM TS2280 for IBM Power Systems
The TS2280 is designed for attachment to supported IBM Power Systems using a compatible SAS adapter. This makes it a useful external tape solution for organizations running IBM i, AIX and Linux on IBM Power Systems.
For IBM i environments, the TS2280 can provide removable tape storage for system saves, application backups, BRMS-managed backups, off-site media rotation and disaster-recovery copies when configured with supported IBM Power hardware, SAS adapters, operating-system levels and backup software.
IBM Power Systems compatibility should always be verified against the specific server model, operating-system release, SAS adapter and system firmware level before ordering.
IBM TS2280 Backup and Archive Applications
The TS2280 is appropriate for organizations requiring a single-drive tape solution rather than an automated tape library. Typical applications include:
- IBM i system backup
- AIX system backup
- Linux backup
- Windows server backup
- BRMS-managed IBM i backups
- Database backup
- Disaster recovery
- Off-site backup media rotation
- Long-term archive storage
- Compliance archives
- WORM data retention
- LTFS file archives
- Offline cyber-recovery copies
Offline Tape and Cyber Resilience
Removable LTO tape can provide a physical separation between production storage and backup data. Once a cartridge is removed from the TS2280 and stored securely, the data is no longer continuously accessible through the production network.
This offline characteristic can make tape a useful component of a broader cyber-resilience and disaster-recovery strategy. It can help protect backup copies from incidents that affect continuously connected production and backup storage.
Tape should be implemented as part of a comprehensive backup, recovery, retention and security strategy rather than treated as a replacement for other availability and recovery technologies.
IBM TS2280 vs. LTO 7 Tape Drive
| Specification | TS2280 LTO 8 | LTO 7 Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Native Cartridge Capacity | 12TB | 6TB |
| Compressed Capacity | 30TB | 15TB |
| Native Data Rate | Up to 300 MB/s | Up to 300 MB/s |
| LTO 8 Read / Write | Yes | No |
| LTO 7 Read / Write | Yes | Yes |
| M8 Media | Supported | No |
| WORM | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | Yes | Yes |
IBM TS2280 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IBM TS2280?
The IBM TS2280 is an external standalone LTO Ultrium 8 half-height tape drive. Its IBM machine type and model is 3580-H8S.
What capacity does the TS2280 provide?
An LTO 8 cartridge provides 12TB native capacity and up to 30TB compressed assuming 2.5:1 data compression.
How fast is the IBM TS2280?
The LTO 8 drive provides a native sustained transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s. IBM's product specification cites up to approximately 750 MB/s based on a 2.5:1 compression ratio.
What interface does the 3580-H8S use?
The TS2280 H8S uses a dual-port 6 Gbps SAS interface.
What is IBM part number 01PL152?
01PL152 is the IBM replacement TS2280 3580-H8S half-height SAS Bridgebox CRU with dual SAS ports.
Can the TS2280 read LTO 7 tapes?
Yes. The TS2280 LTO 8 drive can both read and write standard LTO Ultrium 7 cartridges.
Can an LTO 8 drive read LTO 6 tapes?
No. The LTO 8 drive does not support LTO 6, LTO 5 or earlier-generation cartridges.
Does the TS2280 support M8 cartridges?
Yes. Eligible LTO 7 cartridges initialized in the M8 format provide 9TB native capacity and up to 22.5TB compressed capacity for use with an LTO 8 drive.
Does the TS2280 support encryption?
Yes. The LTO 8 drive contains hardware encryption capabilities and the TS2280 supports application-managed encryption.
Does the IBM TS2280 support WORM?
Yes. LTO 8 and compatible LTO 7 WORM cartridges can be used for Write Once, Read Many data-retention applications.
Can the TS2280 be rack mounted?
Yes. IBM Feature Code 7003 provides a rack-mount shelf configuration. Two TS2280 drives can be mounted side-by-side in 2U of standard 19-inch rack space.
Does the TS2280 support IBM i?
The TS2280 can attach to supported IBM Power Systems used for IBM i through compatible SAS adapters. Compatibility should be verified for the specific Power System, IBM i release, SAS adapter and backup application.
Can the TS2280 be used with BRMS?
Yes, in supported IBM i configurations the TS2280 can be used as tape storage for Backup, Recovery and Media Services (BRMS). The complete hardware and software configuration should be verified against IBM compatibility requirements.
What is the difference between TS2280 and 3580-H8S?
They refer to the same basic product. TS2280 is IBM's product name, while 3580-H8S is the machine type and model designation.
IBM TS2280 3580-H8S Summary
The IBM TS2280 3580-H8S provides a compact enterprise LTO 8 tape solution with 12TB native capacity, 30TB compressed capacity, up to 300 MB/s native transfer performance and dual-port 6 Gbps SAS connectivity.
Support for LTO 8 and LTO 7 media, WORM cartridges, hardware encryption, M8 media, LTFS and IBM Storage Archive makes the TS2280 useful for both conventional backup and long-term archive applications. Its standalone design is particularly appropriate for organizations that need removable enterprise tape storage without the additional cost and complexity of an automated tape library.
For IBM Power Systems environments, the TS2280 can provide high-capacity removable storage for IBM i, AIX and Linux workloads when attached through supported SAS hardware. Optional SAS cables and the 7003 rack-mount shelf allow the drive to be adapted to a variety of server and data-center configurations.