Embracing the Future of Edge Computing: Why E1.S SSDs are the Next Big Thing!

KIOXIA Embracing the Future of Edge Computing

Embracing the Future of Edge Computing: Why E1.S SSDs are the Next Big Thing!

In the fast-evolving world of data centers, edge servers are now essential to attain low latency from connected devices. Located at the network's edge, they bring data and applications closer to users - speeding up response times, improving performance and reducing delays.  For tasks like real-time data analysis or applications needing fast interactions, such as AI and ML, edge computing is a crucial component.

Storage Challenges with Edge Servers

Edge servers store and process data locally, reducing the need to constantly connect with central servers or the cloud. This capability is especially beneficial for applications that require low latency and fast data processing. However, choosing the right storage for these servers is just as important as their processing power.

M.2 SSDs have traditionally been the go-to storage devices for edge servers because of their small size and energy efficiency, making them a good fit for tight spaces. However, as data-intensive applications are becoming more common, like AI-driven Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) and advanced Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), the performance and capacity limitations of M.2 SSDs are unmistakable for these advanced applications.

E1.S SSDs Solve Edge Server Storage Challenges

With M.2 SSD limitations (e.g., power, performance, capacity, thermals), let me introduce you to Enterprise and Datacenter Standard Form Factor (EDSFF) E1.S SSDs - a new SSD form factor architecture that is set to transform edge server storage. E1.S SSDs provide significant enhancements in performance and capacity, effectively overcoming traditional M.2 SSD limitations. Implementing an E1.S design in edge servers can provide major improvements over M.2 platforms, such as:

  • Faster Speeds1: E1.S SSDs have much faster read/write performance than M.2 SSDs, and deliver higher throughput for demanding/data-intensive workloads
  • More Storage: E1.S SSDs offer greater capacities than M.2 SSDs, and positioned to handle large datasets and complex processes better
  • Energy Efficient: E1.S SSDs provide more efficient cooling and thermal optimization than M.2 SSDs, and use multiple built-in heatsink options and thermal throttling

Our KIOXIA XD7P Series E1.S SSDs provide these improvements over M.2 SSDs as presented in the full technical brief available here, and features the 9.5 mm and 15 mm heatsink options.  Their performance specifications2 include:

XD7P

Specification

1,920 GB3

3,840 GB

7,680 GB

Sequential Read

7,200 MB/s*

7,200 MB/s

7,200 MB/s

Sequential Write

3,100 MB/s

4,800 MB/s

4,800 MB/2

Random Read

1,500,000 IOPS^

1,650,000 IOPS

1,550,000 IOPS

Random Write

95,000 IOPS

180,000 IOPS

200,000 IOPS

*MB/s = megabytes3 per second
^IOPS = input/output operations per second

A New Era for Edge Computing

While M.2 SSDs have been useful for edge servers, the future of edge computing relies more on advanced storage, like E1.S SSDs. As edge applications advance and require more from storage, switching from M.2 SSDs to E1.S SSDs will become essential as they provide higher levels of performance, capacity, cooling/thermal optimization and reliability. Adopting this new form factor design will be crucial to obtain the higher performance and efficiencies that M.2 SSDs cannot achieve.

As edge applications grow in complexity and data needs, KIOXIA is prepared to fulfill edge server storage requirements with a line-up of E1.S SSDs led by our KIOXIA XD7P Series. 


NOTES:

1 Read and write speed may vary depending on the host device, read and write conditions, and file size.

2 KIOXIA XD7P Series SSD specifications provided by KIOXIA Corporation are published, publicly available and accurate as of the date of the blog post.  Specifications are subject to change without notice.

3 Definition of capacity: KIOXIA Corporation defines a megabyte (MB) as 1,000,000 bytes, a gigabyte (GB) as 1,000,000,000 bytes, a terabyte (TB) as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes and a petabyte (PB) as 1,000,000,000,000,000 bytes. A computer operating system, however, reports storage capacity using powers of 2 for the definition of 1Gbit = 230 bits = 1,073,741,824 bits, 1GB = 230 bytes = 1,073,741,824 bytes, 1TB = 240 bytes = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes and 1PB = 240 bytes = 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes and therefore shows less storage capacity. Available storage capacity (including examples of various media files) will vary based on file size, formatting, settings, software and operating system, and/or pre-installed software applications, or media content. Actual formatted capacity may vary.

4 The XD7P SSD images shown are representations of the design models and not accurate product depictions.

TRADEMARKS:
All other company names, product names and service names may be trademarks of third-party companies.

DISCLAIMERS:
KIOXIA America, Inc. may make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time.  The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and may contain technical inaccuracies, omissions and typographical errors.  Any performance tests and ratings are measured using systems that reflect the approximate performance of KIOXIA America, Inc. products as measured by those tests. In no event will KIOXIA America, Inc. be liable to any person for any direct, indirect, special or other consequential damages arising from the use of any information contained herein, even if KIOXIA America, Inc. are advised of the possibility of such damages.

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of KIOXIA America, Inc.

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