Lane-based multiplexing for physical links in serial attached small computer system interface architectures

Methods and structure for lane-based multiplexing of physical links are provided. In one embodiment, a Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) device is provided. The SAS device comprises a physical link and a controller. The controller is able to time division multiplex the physical link into multiple lanes, and to manage a first connection along one or more of the lanes of the physical link. The controller is further able to detect a request for a second connection, to determine a link rate for the second connection, to select a number of additional lanes at the physical link based on the link rate for the second connection, and to manage the second connection along the additional lanes while the first connection is being managed.