Abstract: Apparatuses having variable communication speeds are disclose. In one example, an apparatus may comprise a controller configured to: receive a signal from a host, the signal being compatible with a data communication protocol at a first data communication speed; selectively implement a first data communication protocol from a plurality of data communication protocols to communicate with a first memory or implement a second data communication protocol from the plurality of data communication protocols to communicate with a second memory based on the data communication speed; store data in the first memory via the first data communication protocol when the data communication speed is a first speed; and store data in the second memory via the second data communication protocol when the data communication speed is a second speed that is different than the first speed.

Abstract: An optical system and method for selective transmission of light between a source of light and a set of storage disks along an optical path that includes at least one individual optical fiber. In an optical system and method that uses a magneto-optical storage medium, single-mode polarization maintaining optical fibers and a compensator may be included. Alternatively, the optical system and method may include an optical switch.