Disk array memory system having bus repeater at disk backplane

A disk array memory system includes a disk subsystem, a disk director module and a cable connected between the disk subsystem and the disk director module. The disk subsystem includes a disk drive backplane having disk drive connectors interconnected by a first data bus section and disk drives mounted in the disk drive connectors and coupled to the first data bus section. The cable constitutes a second data bus section. The system further includes a bus repeater located in the disk subsystem and including a first port electrically connected to the first data bus section and a second port electrically connected to the cable. The bus repeater logically interconnects the first and second data bus sections and regenerates signals transmitted in either direction between the disk director module and the disk drives. The bus repeater may be implemented as a circuit board mounted in the disk drive backplane or as a module located in close proximity to the disk drive backplane and interconnected to the disk drive backplane.