Enabling logical block protection

Logical block protection and how to enable the feature for use with the IBM Spectrum Archive™.

Logical block protection (LBP) is a feature that validates data and identifies corrupted data. Beginning with version , it is possible to enable LBP between Spectrum Archive and supported tape drives. When LBP is enabled, all data that is read or written between the tape drives and Spectrum Archive is checked. An error displays if data corruption occurs.

To enable LBP, the -o scsi_lbprotect=on option must be specified with the ltfs or ltfs.exe command. The -o scsi_lbprotect=off option is used to disable LBP. For more information, see Mounting a library by using the ltfs or ltfs.exe command, Optional mkltfs parameters, and Optional ltfsck parameters.

It is also possible to enable LBP when you use formatting and checking operations with the command. For more information, see Managing a library by using the ltfsadmintool command.

Note: Even if Spectrum Archive started with LBP enabled by using the -o scsi_lbprotect=on option with the ltfs or ltfs.exe command, the user must add the -o scsi_lbprotect=on option intentionally for format or check a medium. Unless the -o scsi_lbprotect=on option is specified for format or check operations, they are performed with LBP disabled.

The default setting for LBP is disabled. Because LBP can impact read and write performance, it is recommended that the default setting is used. When LBP is needed, it is recommended that you enable the feature for each specific action, such as starting Spectrum Archive, checking a medium, and formatting a medium, and then disable it again.