IBM Tape Storage TS3100 Tape Library
The IBM TS3100 Tape Library is a 2U rackmount entry tape automation system housing up to 24 tape cartridges in two removable magazines. Supporting up to two half-height or one full-height LTO Ultrium tape drive with SAS or Fibre Channel interfaces, it provides an economical air-gapped backup and archival solution for branch and mid-market data centers.
Specifications
| Brand | IBM |
|---|---|
| Family | Tape Storage |
| Form factor | 2U rackmount |
| Released | Apr 2008 |
| End of sale | Sep 2018 |
| End of support | Sep 2023 |
| Form factor | 2U rackmount |
| Cartridge capacity | 24 cartridges in 2 removable magazines |
| Drive support | Up to 2 HH or 1 FH LTO drive (LTO-3 to LTO-8) |
| Host interfaces | 8Gb FC, 6Gb SAS |
| Max capacity | Up to 720TB compressed (LTO-8) |
Generations
- Next generation: IBM Tape Storage TS4300 Tape Library
Works together
How the IBM Tape Storage TS3100 Tape Library connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
IBM Power System S922 2U rack
IBM Power System S924 4U rack
IBM Power System S1022 2U rack
IBM Power System S1024 4U rack
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen12 1U rack
HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen12 2U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Switches
Brocade 6500 Series 6510 1U
Brocade Extension 7840 2U
Cisco Nexus 5548UP 1U fixed switch
Cisco Nexus 5596UP 2U fixed switch
Optics
57-1000262-01 Brocade 16G FC SFP+ ELWL 25 km
57-1000333-01 Brocade 32G FC SFP+ SWL
57-1000487-01 Brocade 16G FC SFP+ SWL
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- What an hour of downtime costs outagecost.org
Check compatibility with IBM
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that IBM has tested with the IBM Tape Storage TS3100 Tape Library.
- Compatibility IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC)
- Specifications IBM Documentation
- Support IBM Support
Equivalent models from other brands
- HPE StoreEver MSL2024 Tape Library · compare
- Dell PowerVault TL2000 · compare
- Lenovo ThinkSystem D1212 Drive Enclosure · compare
FAQ
Can the TS3100 be used as a standalone desktop unit?
Yes, the 2U chassis can be used on a tabletop or installed in a 19-inch rack with optional rackmount rails.
What encryption standard does the library support?
It supports Application-Managed Encryption (AME) and Library-Managed Encryption (LME) using LTO drive hardware encryption.
Buying or selling TS3100 Tape Library?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- IBM TS3100 Tape Library Datasheet, checked 2026-10-28