Methods and systems for improving communication throughput of storage links

A SAS/SATA device for improving communication throughput of a link with another SAS/SATA device, wherein at least one counter is associated with the link, the SAS/SATA device comprising:

• the at least one counter;
• an establishing element for establishing the link at a first signal rate;
• an incrementing element for incrementing one of the at least one counter based on an error sensed on the link;
• a determining element for determining, based on the at least one counter, whether to maintain the first signal rate;
• and
• a re-establishing element for re-establishing the link at a second signal rate based on the determination;
• wherein the second signal rate is lower than the first signal rate;
• and
• wherein the link is one of a Serial ATA (“SATA”) link and a Serial Attached SCSI (“SAS”) link.

A system for improving communication throughput of a link between SAS/SATA devices, wherein at least one counter is associated with the link, the system comprising:

• a first SAS/SATA device comprising:
• the at least one counter;
• an incrementing element for incrementing one of the at least one counter based on an error sensed on the link;
• a determining element for determining, based on the at least one counter, whether to maintain a first signal rate;
• and
• a sending element for sending a message from the first SAS/SATA device to a second SAS/SATA device based on the determination;
• the second SAS/SATA device;
• and
• a third SAS/SATA device;
• wherein the second SAS/SATA device comprises:
• an establishing element for establishing the link to the third SAS/SATA device at the first signal rate;
• a receiving element for receiving the message;
• and
• a re-establishing element for re-establishing the link at a second signal rate to the third SAS/SATA device based on the message;
• wherein the second signal rate is lower than the first signal rate;
• and
• wherein the link is one of a Serial ATA (“SATA”) link and a Serial Attached SCSI (“SAS”) link.