Multipath redundant storage system architecture and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a storage system and method that provides multi-path bus and component interconnection and isolation in a data storage system. A plurality of data storage devices in a removable assembly are connected to a fabric that is configurable to connect some or all of the data storage devices (or 'drives') to a drive controller and configurable to isolate one or more data storage devices from the drive controller. Multiple controllers, fabrics, and interconnecting buses may be employed to provide redundancy in the event of a connector, bus, or controller failure. Computer program code operating in a host, interface controller, and/or drive controller configures the fabric to isolate failed devices and may be employed to optimize data transfer rates. Data storage devices may be multi-ported. The fabric may comprise any device or devices capable of configurably interconnecting data storage devices to one or more controllers and may comprise multiplexers, cross point switches, port bypass controllers. Fabrics may also provide translation or conversion of one bus or interface format to another format.