How to check the utilization of tape

[Platinum]

Hi,
Is there any command can check the utilization of a tape? Or can check space left in the tape?

Thanks!

[David Ruska]

What backup application are you using? Typically the apps report how much data was written to tape (actually how much was sent to the drive, which is different if hardware compression is on).

Most of the tape drives have a data compression log page which includes how much data was recieved (from the host), how much was written to tape (compressed), and what the compression ratio was. The trick on these logs is that you need to read them while the tape is still loaded (otherwise they get cleared). You can use HP Library & Tape Tools, generate a support ticket, and look at the compression log (note: for a few drive types, the compression info is published in the device analysis section).

[Platinum]

For some reasons, we are using gnutar to make the backup.
Would you tell me how to check for our case?

[David Ruska]

What operating system are you running?

[Leif Halvarsson_2]

Hi,
There is no direct way to check the tape usage (as easy as it is for a filesystem). Either you must have an application (media management system) which keeps track of tape usage or you must read the media to find out how much data is stored.