A method for transferring data within a network storage appliance is
disclosed. The method includes transmitting a packet on an I/O link from
a server to a first portion of a storage controller. Transmitting the
packet on the I/O link is performed within a single blade module in a
chassis enclosing the storage appliance. The method also includes
forwarding a data transfer command within the packet from the first
portion of the storage controller to a second portion of the storage
controller. Forwarding the data transfer command is performed via a local
bus on a backplane of the chassis through a connector of the blade
connecting the blade to the backplane.