VTL Linux Distro

An opinionated Linux distribution specifically designed for Virtual Tape Library (VTL) operations using mhvtl with iSCSI connectivity.

Features

• mhvtl Integration: Pre-configured virtual tape library with multiple tape drives and media changer
• iSCSI Target: Network-based storage connectivity for Linux and Windows clients
• Optimized Performance: Tuned kernel parameters for tape operations
• Easy Deployment: Automated installation and configuration scripts
• Minimal Footprint: Stripped-down base system focused on VTL operations

Architecture

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│     VTL Linux Distro (Server)      │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │        mhvtl                 │  │
│  │  - Virtual Tape Drives       │  │
│  │  - Media Changer             │  │
│  │  - Tape Media Management     │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────┘  │
│  ┌──────────────────────────────┐  │
│  │     iSCSI Target (tgt)       │  │
│  │  - Network Block Devices     │  │
│  │  - Multi-client Support      │  │
│  └──────────────────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
           │
           │ iSCSI (IP Network)
           │
    ┌──────┴──────┐
    │             │
┌───▼────┐   ┌───▼────┐
│ Linux  │   │Windows │
│ Client │   │ Client │
└────────┘   └────────┘

Directory Structure

/vtl/
├── build/              # Build scripts and configurations
├── config/             # System configuration files
├── scripts/            # Installation and management scripts
├── systemd/            # Systemd service files
├── docs/               # Documentation
└── iso/                # ISO build output

Quick Start

Building the ISO

cd /vtl
sudo ./build/build-iso.sh

Installation

1. Boot from the generated ISO
2. Follow the installation prompts
3. Configure network settings
4. Set up iSCSI targets and mhvtl devices

Connecting Clients

Linux Client:

iscsiadm -m discovery -t st -p <VTL_IP>:3260
iscsiadm -m node --login

Windows Client:

iscsicli QAddTargetPortal <VTL_IP>
iscsicli ListTargets
iscsicli LoginTarget <target_name>

Configuration

mhvtl Configuration

• Default library: /etc/mhvtl/
• Tape storage: /opt/mhvtl/
• Supported drives: LTO-5, LTO-6, LTO-7, LTO-8

iSCSI Configuration

• Target configuration: /etc/tgt/conf.d/
• Default port: 3260
• Authentication: CHAP supported

Requirements

• x86_64 architecture
• Minimum 2GB RAM
• 50GB+ storage for tape media
• Network interface for iSCSI

License

MIT License

Support

For issues and questions, please refer to the documentation in /vtl/docs/