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Direct-attached SAS: server, external SAS HBA and storage or JBOD

Direct-attached SAS is the simplest shared storage: an external SAS HBA in the server, a cable, and a storage array or JBOD enclosure. There is no switch. A dual controller array with SAS host ports can take two to four servers, each cabled to both controllers, which suits small clusters and backup targets. A JBOD (an enclosure of disks with no RAID controller of its own) is driven by the server's HBA or RAID card, and tape drives and libraries attach the same way.

Cabling: SFF-8644 to SFF-8644 (12Gb) or SFF-8088 (6Gb).

What to check

Hardware for this setup

Every model and part in the reference that fits this path, by role and brand. Open one to see what it connects to.

Servers (117)

Dell

HPE

Lenovo

Server adapters (6)

Broadcom

Dell

Lenovo

Storage (18)

Dell

HPE

Lenovo

Plan and size it

Other ways to connect

FAQ

How many servers can share a SAS array?

As many as the array has host port pairs. A typical entry array with four SAS ports per controller takes up to four servers with redundant paths, or eight without.

Can I use a RAID controller instead of an HBA?

For a JBOD, yes: an external RAID controller builds the RAID sets itself. For an array that already has RAID controllers, use a plain HBA so the array keeps control.

Do tape drives use the same HBA?

Yes, SAS LTO drives and libraries connect to an external SAS HBA. Keep tape on its own HBA port or card so disk traffic does not slow the backup stream.

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