Abstract: A method and a host bus adapter (HBA) are provided. The HBA includes a first port that is enabled for use in a storage area network; and a second port that is enabled after a user acquires a transceiver with a security key, wherein the HBA firmware reads the security key and validates the transceiver and enables a function for the second port. The method includes coupling a transceiver to an inactive port, wherein the transceiver stores a security key; validating the transceiver by reading the security key; enabling a function for the inactive port; downloading a software component for the inactive port; and operating the host bus adapter with more than one functional port.

Abstract: A PCI-Express slot for coupling devices to a host system is provided. The slot includes a PCI-Express connector that can couple at least two devices using at least two independent PCI-Express lanes. Four, eight, twelve, sixteen, and/or thirty PCI-Express lanes are used to couple at least two devices, and/or eight PCI-Express lanes are used to couple at least two devices.