Retrieving Serial Numbers on Magnetic Tape
Significance of Retrieving Correct Serial Numbers on Magnetic Tape in ITAD Projects
- Alignment of Records: Verify the Serial Numbers on the Magnetic Tape provided by the data owner and confirm the storage media should be destroyed.
- Unique Identifiers for ITAD Tracking: Serial Numbers support precise ITAD tracking and auditable records for compliance and reporting requirements.
Introduction
Magnetic tape cartridges have been integral to data storage for decades, and Linear Tape-Open (LTO) technology stands out prominently. In this exploration, our focus shifts to the world of IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and the intricacies of deciphering serial numbers from magnetic tapes. LTO, an open standard supported by industry leaders like Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE), IBM, Quantum, Sony, and Fujifilm, offers a spectrum of products, including LTO-5, LTO-6, LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 tapes, as well as compatible tape drives and libraries.
Different types of Magnetic tape cartridges for Digital Data
- Digital Data Storage Cassette (DDS)
- Data8 cassette, a videocassette derivative by Exabyte
- Digital Tape Format cassette, developed by Sony (DTF)
- Digital Linear Tape cartridge (DLT)
- IBM 7340 cartridge, one of the first tape formats packaged in a cassette
- Linear Tape-Open cartridge (LTO)
Different Types of Serial Numbers on Magnetic Tape:
1. Volume Serial Number (Volser)
- Definition: Logical identifier within the file system.
- Purpose: Facilitates file system organization but lacks details about the physical tape.
2. Serial Numbers on Magnetic Tape Cartridge
- Definition: Non-unique identifier(E.g. Tape’s batch number) assigned by the manufacturer, often printed on the cartridge.
- Purpose: Crucial for physical tracking, inventory management, and batch details.
3. Serial Number in Memory Chip/Cartridge Memory (RFID)
- Definition: Embedded RFID tags contain a unique identifier and additional data in the memory chip/cartridge memory.
- Purpose: Enables electronic tracking; can be read by RFID readers, e.g., Proxmark3 and ACR122U.
- Note: Memory Chip/Cartridge Memory may or may not bundled with Magnetic Tape, and may need to be purchased separately.
Methods to read Serial Numbers on Magnetic Tape
A. Software Utility
- Example: IBM Spectrum Archive Library Edition.
- Use: Reads tape serial numbers, aiding in inventory management. Usually, the Manufacturer includes a utility for reading and managing the chip data from LTO tapes and it may not be compatible with the magnetic tape of other vendors.
B. LCD Display on Tape Drives
- Example: Some LTO tape drives.
- Use: Displays tape serial numbers directly on the drive.
C. RFID Readers
- Capabilities: Read chip data from LTO cartridges, including serial numbers, usage data, and error logs.
- Note: Chip data is stored separately from the RFID label.
- Common RFID Readers for capturing RFID Tags from cartridge memory:
- Proxmark3: Open-source reader for LF (125 kHz) and HF (13.56 MHz) RFID tags.
- ACR122U: USB NFC reader/writer operating at 13.56 MHz, designed for smart cards and NFC-enabled devices.
- Combo Readers (ALL-in-one barcode and RFID tag reader):
- Many RFID tag readers are designed for use in industrial or harsh environments:
- Examples:
- Zebra FX9600 RFID Reader (HF and UHF).
- Alien ALR-H450 Handheld RFID Reader (HF and UHF).
- Honeywell Granit 1280iFR Barcode Scanner (HF and UHF).
Procedures for reading Chip Data from LTO Cartridges:
- Process: Connect to a computer via USB or Bluetooth, controlled by computer software.
- Data Capturing: Retrieves chip data, distinct from the RFID label.
- Parsing or Decoding: Use a supported software tool to parse and decode data.
Consideration to Read RFID Tags on Multiple Magnetic Tapes simultaneously:
- Challenge: Number of readable tags depends on factors like frequency, power output, and tape interference.
- Experimentation: Optimal results may require tuning for specific conditions.
Characteristics and Frequency of Different RFID:
- Ultra High Frequency (UHF, 300 MHZ to 3 GHz; UHF Gen2 standard systems utilize the 860 to 960 MHz band) RFID Tags:
- Read range: Tested with an HP M550 desktop reader, up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft)
- Example: Alien Higgs 3 tags.
- Protocol used for UHF RFID tags (860-960 MHz): EPC Gen2.
- Interference: Metal objects and nearby readers.
- High Frequency (HF, 3 to 30 MHz; typically HF systems work at 13.56 MHz) RFID Tags:
- Read range: Shorter read range. Tested with an HP M2210 handheld reader, Up to 3 cm. (1.2 in)
- Example: Mifare Ultralight C tags
- Use Case: Contactless payment systems, access control, and inventory tracking.
- Protocols used for HF RFID tags (13.56 MHz): ISO 14443 and ISO 15693.
- Interference: Metal objects and electronic devices.
- RFID HF vs. NFC
- NFC is a subset of RFID technology.
- Data Transfer Rate: NFC has a faster rate.
- Power Supply: NFC is generally passive(without a power source).
- Protocols used for NFC tags operating at 13.56 MHz: ISO/IEC 18092 and ISO/IEC 21481
- Low Frequency (LF, 30 KHz to 300 kHz; typically LF systems work at 125 KHz or 134 kHz) RFID Tags:
- Read range: Longer read range.
- Use Case: Animal tracking, vehicle identification, and access control.
- Protocols used for LF RFID tags (125-134 kHz): ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards for animal identification.
- Interference: Depends on the specific application.
Conclusion
Unlocking the secrets of Retrieving Serial Numbers on Magnetic Tape for IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) involves understanding the diverse identifiers and technologies at play. From RFID tags to LTO tape cartridges, the landscape is rich with possibilities. By leveraging RFID readers, and software utilities, organizations can navigate the nuances of tape management, ensuring a seamless integration of physical and digital data. As technology evolves, so does the tapestry of possibilities for efficient and effective data storage.
Reference:
- List of Magnetic Tape Cartridges and Cassettes
- WP Barcode
- Unix Stack Exchange – Read the chip data from LTO tapes
- HPE Community – Ultirum LTO-3 Tape’s Serial Number
