Connection Using i.LINK

i.LINK devices are connected in series using i.LINK cables. This is sometimes referred to as “daisy chain” connection.

i.LINK cable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Data exchange and control are possible even when two i.LINK devices are connected through another device.

Branching also possible

With devices that have 3 or more i.LINK connectors, it is possible to create branches mid-way through the i.LINK device chain.

Up to 63 i.LINK devices (including this drive) can be connected together. However, only 17 devices can be present on the longest individual path. (Up to 16 i.LINK cables can be used in the chain making up a path of the maximum possible length.)

The length of a path is indicated in terms of the number of i.LINK cables used, with each cable counted as one “hop.” For example, in the figure below, the path between A and C is 6 hops, while that between A and D is 3 hops.

Setup

In any of paths A->B, A->C, A->D, B->C, B->D, and C->D, the maximum number of devices that can be connected is 17. (A maximum of 16 hops.)

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