/dev/rmt tape device files 1

[grega]

Following on from the 071 question on backups, a question on something I haven't got the hang of. In general, a Solaris machine will have a tape drive mounted to /dev/rmt/0 and this is usually the device used when backing up/restoring.

On my machine, the ufsdump is done to /dev/rmt/0mn

My understanding is that this is obviously still the same device, but the "m" and "n" tell the drive that it's a medium density tape, and to rewind the tape when the backup finishes.

If I'm wrong, please correct me! Also, where can I get a fuller explanation of all the device files listed under /dev/rmt ?

Greg.

 

[KenCunningham]

The n indicates a no-rewind device, so the tape doesn't rewind once the backup has finished.

 

[stevenriz]

This is something I haven't mastered yet and would like to know what all the other device files mean. Is it obvious in that"h" means high density? "l" means low density etc...?? Where might we find documentation on these device files?

 

[NavinB]

Hi All,
Well the tape drive (/dev/rmt/<drive>) has one of the following options:
l,m,h,u,c,b,n
where l=low density m=medium density
h=high density u=ultra high
c=compressed b=Berkley compatible
n=no-rewind
These options describe how the data is stored on the drive.
I hope this helps....

 

[ptwork]

In addition to what NavinB said, you can do a man on st and get copious amounts of info on the tape drive configuration files and options.

Cheers
pt