Patent attributes
Described is a data storage system having a rack with opposing sidewalls, an open front side, an open rear side, front compartments for holding chassis received through the front side, and rear compartments for holding chassis received through the rear side. A first conduit is mounted vertically to one of the sidewalls of the rack between the front and rear compartments. A second conduit mounted vertically to the other of the sidewalls of the rack between the front and rear compartments. A first chassis and second chassis each houses disk drives and electrically connects to the first and second conduits. The first chassis residing in a front compartment of the rack with a front side of the first chassis facing the front side of the rack. The second chassis resides in a rear compartment of the rack with a front side of the second chassis facing the rear side of the rack. The back-to-back configuration of chassis in the rack enables individual frontal access to each chassis for serviceability, either from the front or from the rear of the rack.
