Editing SATA (section)

== Topology ==
{{See also|Port multiplier}}
[[File:Sata controlador multiplicador cropped.svg|thumb|SATA topology: host (H), multiplier (M), and device (D)]]

SATA uses a point-to-point architecture. The physical connection between a controller and a storage device is not shared among other controllers and storage devices. SATA defines [[Port multiplier|multipliers]], which allows a single SATA controller port to drive up to fifteen storage devices. The multiplier performs the function of a hub; the controller and each storage device is connected to the hub.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sata-io.org/port-multipliers |title=Port Multipliers |publisher=SATA-IO |access-date=2014-02-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825194748/http://www.sata-io.org/port-multipliers |archive-date=2014-08-25 }}</ref> This is conceptually similar to [[SAS expander]]s.

{{As of|2012|alt=Modern}} PC systems have SATA controllers built into the motherboard, typically featuring two to eight ports. Additional ports can be installed through add-in SATA host adapters (available in variety of bus-interfaces: USB, PCI, PCIe).