Mode Parameter Header for Mode Sense (6)

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For a tape library, the Mode Pages for the Mode Sense (6) command are preceded by a 4-byte Mode Parameter Header. There is one copy of this header for each initiator.

Table 1. Mode Parameter Header for Mode Select (6)
Byte Bit 7 Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
0 Mode Data Length
1 Medium Type (X'00')
2 Device-Specific Parameter (X'00')
3 Block Descriptor Length (X'00')
  • Mode Data Length: Specifies the length (in bytes) of the following data that is available to be transferred. The length field does not include itself. The Mode Data Length: field is reserved when used with the Mode Select (6) command..
  • Medium Type: Reserved on Medium Changer Devices.
  • Device-Specific Parameter: Reserved on Medium Changer Devices.
  • Block Descriptor Length: Not used on the tape library.