A SAS expander module literally expands the number of end devices that you can connect together with existing RAID enclosure having CD-ROM size slot. Expander devices, typically embedded into an expander module to connect system backplane, support large configurations of SAS end devices, including SAS RAID adapters, SAS and SATA disk drives.
With expander devices, you can build large and complex storage topologies. Areca presents its ultra-high performance and high reliability SAS expander module in a cost-effective, enterprise-class enclosure. It support 4 SFF-8087 internal connector for customer to connect to the backplane with SFF-8087 connector. Areca SAS RAID adapters can typically support up to 128 end devices using ARC-8020 expander box and can communicate with both SAS and SATA devices. Areca SAS external RAID controllers can typically support up to 122 end devices using ARC-8020 expander box and can communicate with both SAS and SATA devices. In the backplane solution, SAS/SATA drives are directly connected to SAS system backplane. The system backplane is attached to the SAS RAID controller through an expander module. Areca SAS expander module supports daisy chain expansion to the next expander module. The Areca SAS RAID controller/SAS RAID adapter can support daisy-chain up to 8 enclosures.