CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)Server Hardware Installation and ManagementMedium

A technician needs to connect a server's internal SAS host bus adapter to an external JBOD disk enclosure using a single cable capable of carrying four SAS lanes. Which connector type should the technician use?

  1. ARJ-45
  2. BSFF-8482
  3. CLC duplex
  4. DSFF-8087 (Mini-SAS)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. SFF-8087 (Mini-SAS)

SFF-8087, commonly called Mini-SAS, is a connector that bundles four SAS lanes into a single cable, making it the standard choice for connecting HBAs to SAS expanders or JBOD enclosures.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. RJ-45 is used for Ethernet networking, not SAS storage connections.
  • B. SFF-8482 is a single-lane connector typically used to attach individual SAS/SATA drives.
  • C. LC duplex is a fiber optic connector used for Fibre Channel or Ethernet, not SAS.

Mini-SAS (SFF-8087) Connector

A high-density SAS connector that bundles four SAS lanes into one cable, commonly used to connect HBAs/RAID controllers to backplanes or JBOD enclosures.

  • SFF-8087 = internal mini-SAS, 4 lanes per cable
  • SFF-8088 is the external equivalent connector
  • SFF-8482 connects a single SAS/SATA drive directly

Memory trick: Mini-SAS bundles four lanes like a four-lane highway squeezed into one cable.

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