Method and apparatus for broadcast primitive filtering in SAS

Broadcast primitive filtering in a SAS expander using virtual domains. The virtual domains can be non-overlapping or overlapping logical subsets of the physical topology, or a logical construct based on the membership of a device within a group. Broadcast event propagation is handled in accordance with predetermined policies associated with the virtual domains. These policies can, for example, include limiting the broadcast traffic within the boundaries of the logical zones defined by the subsets, or routing the broadcast events in accordance with access policies, or privileges, associated with the group.