Redundancy in enterprise storage networks using dual domain SAS configurations

Connectors
SATA drives are compatible with SAS connectors, but SATA connectors will not accept SAS drives
(Figure B-2). Preventing SAS drives from connecting to a SATA network is important because SATA
drives are, without the intervention of port selectors, single-ported and cannot accommodate the dual-
ported pathways used by SAS drives. These blind-pluggable connectors enable a common topology
including controllers, HBAs, backplanes and both SAS and SATA drives. Such commonality permits
the implementation of dual-domain SAS technology by providing a single standard for all storage
network pathways.
Figure B-2. SAS and SATA connectors
SAS
connector
SATA
connector
SATA connector
SAS connector
SATA connector
SAS connector
The key prevents SATA connectors
from accepting SAS drives
Key
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