A method is disclosed to assign network addresses in a storage array disposed in a data storage and retrieval system comprising (P) data storage devices disposed in (N) data storage device assemblies. The method configures the (N) data storage device assemblies to comprise a spare data storage device assembly and a first storage array comprising (N-1) active data storage device assemblies, wherein each data storage device configured in the first storage array is assigned a network address, and wherein one of the spare data storage device disposed in the spare data storage device assembly is assigned a network address. In the event the method detects a failed data storage device disposed in the first storage array, then the method forms a second storage array comprising the first storage array, except the failed data storage device, in combination with the (i)th spare data storage device.