MULTI-LEVEL PORT EXPANSION FOR PORT MULTIPLIERS

摘要

A port multiplier dynamically determines and reports its identity based on a number of supported downstream port connections. The number of supported downstream port connections can dynamically change. The port multiplier identifies devices connected to its downstream ports, whether storage devices or other port multipliers. Based on a total number of downstream ports, the port multiplier reports its identity upstream. The upstream reporting can be to another port multiplier, or the host device if directly connected to the host device. The port multiplier receives storage address space allocation from upstream based on its reported identity, and allocates the storage address space to its downstream ports.