Abstract: Described is a storage system that operates with a diskless enclosure. The diskless enclosure comprises a communication port connected to an arbitrated loop, a plurality of storage ports each being connectable to a disk module, and port bypass control circuitry. The port bypass control circuitry includes retimer circuitry for retiming communication signals passing through the communication port to and from the arbitrated loop. The port bypass control circuitry forwards retimed communication signals to the arbitrated loop without any storage port of the plurality of storage ports having a disk module connected thereto.

Abstract: Described are a system and method of detecting an improperly connected cable in a storage system. A system includes an enclosure having boards. Each board of the enclosure has a communications port that receives a message identifying a redundant backend network to which that board is connected. The enclosure determines whether the system has an improper cable connection by determining from the messages whether the boards are connected to the same redundant backend network.

Abstract: Described is an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) disk drive module for use in a data storage system having an enclosure with slots constructed to receive Fibre Channel disk drive modules. The ATA disk drive module comprises an ATA disk drive, an adapter board connected to the ATA disk drive, and a carrier assembly including spaced apart carrier sleds mounted to the ATA disk drive and to the adapter board. The spaced apart carrier sleds have mechanical dimensions that enable the carrier assembly to slide into an enclosure slot constructed to receive a Fibre Channel disk drive module. The adapter board provides an electrical interface and a mechanical interface between the ATA disk drive and a midplane of the enclosure when the carrier assembly is inserted in the enclosure slot and the ATA disk drive module is plugged into the midplane.