Abstract: A system including a memory with arrays, a register, and a port. The memory stores an interrupt service routine (ISR). The arrays store respective fields. The port is connected to initiators of a host device and includes a physical layer (PHY) device and a control module. The PHY device: transfers a first frame between the port and a first initiator; and transfers a second frame between the port and the first or a second initiator. The frames include first and second information including respective world wide name addresses and connection rates. The PHY device: compares the first and second information; if there is not a match, interrupts servicing the first frame; and stores an index value for one of the arrays in the register. The control module, based on the index value, executes the ISR to service the second frame based on the fields in the one of the arrays.

Abstract: A serial attached small computer systems interface (SAS) module includes a first port with (i) a first physical layer device and (ii) a first port control module. The first physical layer device communicates with a plurality of initiators. The first port control module comprises a first world wide number (WWN) table. The first WWN table comprises connection rates of the plurality of initiators during communication with the first physical layer device. Each of the connection rates is a last connection rate of a respective one of the plurality of initiators.

Abstract: A data storage controller includes a link module that selectively sets an interrupt. A control module is external to the link module that includes N buffers where N is an integer greater than 0. The controller allocates at least one of the N buffers to store world wide name (“WWN”) table data in response to the interrupt. The controller also internally manages the WWN table data.