Introduction to the 'sg_inq' Command

Introduction to the Command The sg_inq command is a powerful tool for querying SCSI devices on a Linux system. It is used to retrieve information about the device, such as its size, model, and vendor. Additionally, it can be used to query the device for its features, such as the type of SCSI protocol it supports, its block size, and the maximum number of commands it can process. With this command, users can quickly and easily determine the capabilities of the SCSI device they are using. Basic Usage and Syntax The basic syntax for the sg_inq command is: sg_inq [options] device The options available are: -e: Display the device's extended INQUIRY data -h: Display the device's header information -H: Display the device's header and extended INQUIRY data -i: Display the device's INQUIRY data -l: Display the device's logical unit information -v: Display the device's vendor information Examples of Common Use Cases One common use case for the sg_inq command is to query a device for its size. This can be done by running the command with the -h option, which will display the device's header information. This will include the size of the device in bytes. Another common use case is to query the device for its features. This can be done by running the command with the -e option, which will display the device's extended INQUIRY data. This will include information about the device's SCSI protocol support, its block size, and the maximum number of commands it can process. Advanced Options and Flags The sg_inq command also offers a number of advanced options and flags. These can be used to query the device for more specific information, such as the device's serial number, its write protect status, and its SCSI version. Examples in Real-World Scenarios The sg_inq command can be used in a variety of real-world scenarios. For example, it can be used to determine the size of a device before attempting to back up its data. It can also be used to determine the type of SCSI protocol a device supports before attempting to connect it to a system. Troubleshooting Tips and Potential Errors When using the sg_inq command, it is important to ensure that the device is properly connected to the system. If the device is not connected, the command will not be able to query the device and will return an error. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the device is powered on before attempting to query it.

Introduction to the Command

The sg_inq command is a powerful tool for querying SCSI devices on a Linux system. It is used to retrieve information about the device, such as its size, model, and vendor. Additionally, it can be used to query the device for its features, such as the type of SCSI protocol it supports, its block size, and the maximum number of commands it can process. With this command, users can quickly and easily determine the capabilities of the SCSI device they are using.

Basic Usage and Syntax

The basic syntax for the sg_inq command is:

sg_inq [options] device

The options available are:

• -e: Display the device's extended INQUIRY data
• -h: Display the device's header information
• -H: Display the device's header and extended INQUIRY data
• -i: Display the device's INQUIRY data
• -l: Display the device's logical unit information
• -v: Display the device's vendor information

Examples of Common Use Cases

One common use case for the sg_inq command is to query a device for its size. This can be done by running the command with the -h option, which will display the device's header information. This will include the size of the device in bytes.

Another common use case is to query the device for its features. This can be done by running the command with the -e option, which will display the device's extended INQUIRY data. This will include information about the device's SCSI protocol support, its block size, and the maximum number of commands it can process.

Advanced Options and Flags

The sg_inq command also offers a number of advanced options and flags. These can be used to query the device for more specific information, such as the device's serial number, its write protect status, and its SCSI version.

Examples in Real-World Scenarios

The sg_inq command can be used in a variety of real-world scenarios. For example, it can be used to determine the size of a device before attempting to back up its data. It can also be used to determine the type of SCSI protocol a device supports before attempting to connect it to a system.

Troubleshooting Tips and Potential Errors

When using the sg_inq command, it is important to ensure that the device is properly connected to the system. If the device is not connected, the command will not be able to query the device and will return an error. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the device is powered on before attempting to query it.