Abstract: Data storage equipment includes a first storage processor comprising a processing circuit and a collection of packaged integrated circuit devices which has a first set of ports and a second set of ports; a second storage processor; and an interconnect coupled between the first and second storage processors. The processing circuit of the first storage processor is adapted to execute as follows. The collection of packaged integrated circuit devices of the first storage processor is configured to provide (i) communications to a set of storage devices through the first set of ports of the collection of packaged integrated circuit devices and (ii) other communications to the second storage processor through the second set of ports of the collection of packaged integrated circuit devices. Communications is passed between the first storage processor and the set of storage devices through the first set of ports of the collection of packaged integrated circuit devices.