Dual domain path selection

When using a dual domain SAS topology, Smart Array has 2 paths that it could use to access each SAS drive. During power-up, Smart Array selects an optimal path based upon the path with the fewest number of SAS expanders between the controller and the drive. If both paths contain the same number of expander hops, then Smart Array distributes half of the drives to each path. For example, odd bays use path 1, while even bays use path 2.

This method has the benefit of optimizing performance by allowing the controller to use the additional bandwidth available in the secondary drive path.