256 SATA or SAS end devices on LSI 9207

[maomaocake]

Hi im new to HBAs I read from the docs (page 4), that the LSI 9207 can "Supports up to 256 SATA or SAS end devices" I've only seen SFF-8087 with 4 sata ends so how will i get to 256 devices? Is it using some kind of switch like in networking?

 

[BlueFox]

Yes, they're called SAS expanders.

 

[BLinux]