Large Build Configurations of Storage Systems Using 12Gb SAS Interface

Thee SCSI Trade Association (STA) announced the completion of its 16th SAS Plugfest.

The third for 12Gb SAS, the event was held September 22-26, 2014, at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL). Twenty one companies, including both STA members and non-members, participated.
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“This Plugfest was notable for the group of tests that verified the interoperability of systems of multiple SAS end devices connected through multiple SAS expanders,” said Michael Koffman, host interface support, Western Digital Corporation, and co-chairperson of the SAS Plugfest technical sommittee. “Another point of emphasis was testing the interoperability of systems implementing SAS power management.”

All Plugfests have consistently provided a verification method to preserve existing storage investments, deliver a favorable end-user experience, demonstrate interoperability and support both forward and backward compatibility.

16th SAS Plugfest was highlighted by following activities:

Extensive compatibility testing of hosts with SSDs and HDDs running at 12Gb SAS including several large build configurations
Verification of the interoperability of a system of multiple SAS end devices connected through multiple SAS expanders
Testing of the latest 12Gb SAS PHY power saving modes during times of no link activity
Interoperability testing of a small SAS system implementing zoning
Interoperability testing of SAS products, including SAS initiators, expanders and SAS targets
Testing, including pre-Plugfest testing of the new 12Gb SAS managed cable capability that allows each port to support short passive copper cables, active cables and optical cables up to 100m
Interoperability testing of a small SAS system using various interconnects, such as active or passive cables, and backplanes
Inclusion of SFF-8630 MultiLink SAS and the SAS portion of the SFF-8639 multi-function backplane connector on tested products
Physical level testing of 12Gb SAS technology

“As every business is required to improve, optimize and enhance their storage systems, SAS answers the call with improved system performance, connectivity, and scalability,” said Marty Czekalski, president, STA and interface and emerging architecture program manager, Seagate Technology LLC. “The result of this Plugfest is further validation that SAS can meet the demands of today’s business through improved flexibility and improved deployment topologies, while maintaining the legacy SCSI cost structure.”

Following companies attended September, 2014 Plugfest: