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Table 2-27 lists the data rates for the LTO-6 tape drives. 

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The LTO-6 tape drives are encryption capable, which means that they can convert data into a cipher that ensures data security. System-managed encryption and library-managed encryption and associated IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager (SKLM) access are all available as a chargeable licensed key (FC 1604, Transparent LTO Encryption). A key is required to encrypt and decrypt the data. How a key is generated, maintained, controlled, and transmitted depends on the operating environment where the tape drive is installed. 

Certain data management applications can manage keys. For an alternative solution, IBM provides a key manager that works with the keystore of your choice to perform all necessary key management tasks. No recovery exists for lost encryption keys. 

## Surface Control Guiding Mechanism 

The  Surface Control Guiding Mechanism  is designed to guide the tape along the tape path in the LTO-6 tape drive. This method uses the surface of the tape rather than the edges to control tape motion. 

LTO-6 tape drives use flangeless rollers so that the media can float naturally. The Surface Control Guiding Mechanism helps to reduce tape damage (especially to the edges of the tape) and tape debris that comes from the damaged edges and can accumulate in the head area. 

## Statistical Analysis and Reporting System (SARS) 

The LTO-6 tape drives communicate with the TS4500 tape library through an internal Ethernet interface and use Statistical Analysis and Reporting System (SARS) to isolate failures between media and hardware. SARS uses the data cartridge performance history that is saved in the cartridge memory module and the drive performance history that is kept in the drive flash Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) to help determine the likely cause of the failure. SARS can cause the drive to request a cleaning tape to mark the media as degraded and to indicate that the hardware is degraded. 

## Media partitioning 

Media partitioning is now available with the LTO-6 tape drive. Media partitioning allows for faster data access by splitting the cartridge into two media partitions. WORM media is not partitionable. 

