How quickly can a DLT drive find a particular file on tape? What is the access time?
The Average Access Time for the DLT 2000XT is 45 seconds, for the DLT 4000 – 68 seconds, and for the DLT 7000, 60 seconds. The maximum access time, from the Beginning Of Tape (BOT) to any file, is less than 90 seconds. A DLT drive can reach its files quickly by stepping to the appropriate track on the tape. If the file is in the “middle” of a full cartridge, the drive can access it by shifting the heads to the appropriate track, greatly reducing the time to read the file.
