Combining multiple SAS expanders to provide single sas expander functionality
AssigneeLSI Corporation
InventorsStephen B. Johnson, Timothy E. Hoglund, Louis H. Odenwald, JR.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
At least one first numbered phy of a first SAS expander is grouped with at least one second numbered phy of a second SAS expander physically separate from the first SAS expander into at least one common SAS wide port. An identical SAS address is assigned to the first SAS expander and the second SAS expander for operating the first SAS expander and the second SAS expander to behave and respond as a single, cohesive SAS expander. The first SAS expander is directly connected to the second SAS expander for inter-expander communications.
Claims20
A method for combining multiple Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) expanders, comprising:
- grouping at least one first numbered phy of a first SAS expander with at least one second numbered phy of a second SAS expander physically separate from the first SAS expander into at least one common SAS wide port;
- assigning an identical SAS address to the first SAS expander and the second SAS expander;
- and
- connecting the first SAS expander directly to the second SAS expander for inter-expander communications.
A single, cohesive Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) expander including a plurality of physically separate SAS expanders, comprising:
- a first SAS expander including at least a first numbered phy;
- a second SAS expander including at least a second numbered phy, the second SAS expander physically separated from the first SAS expander, the first SAS expander and the second SAS expander sharing an identical SAS address for operating the first SAS expander and the second SAS expander as a single, cohesive SAS expander;
- and
- at least one common SAS wide port for combining at least the first numbered phy and the second numbered phy,
- wherein the first SAS expander is directly connected to the second SAS expander for inter-expander communications.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.