In my new blog post, I delved into the topic of edge servers and explored the unique demands they place on storage solutions. By identifying six critical requirements, I was able to assess how Swissbit’s product portfolio aligns with the needs of edge computing. The conclusion was clear: Swissbit provides exceptional storage solutions tailored to the diverse applications of edge servers.
Requirements for Edge Servers
At first glance, edge servers may appear similar to conventional servers. However, their possibilities are vast. From compact and durable designs to specialized and ruggedized builds, edge servers cater to a wide range of applications. These systems operate in challenging conditions, from extremely low temperatures to high temperatures. Moreover, their robust construction ensures resilience against shocks and vibrations during transportation.
Edge servers often feature fanless designs that rely solely on convection for heat dissipation. Exclusive heat dissipation to the environment (fanless) does not achieve “consistent performance”. In fact, the opposite is often true. This is why it is so important that components such as SSDs can maintain consistent performance over a wide temperature range. Additionally, data security and encryption have become indispensable, with edge servers designed to meet these stringent demands.
Requirements for Edge Server Storage Products
Through my research, I identified six key requirements for edge server storage products. Below, I describe these requirements, outline relevant use cases, and highlight suitable products from Swissbit.
1. Wide Operating Temperature Range and Low Power Consumption
Use Case: Traffic Management Systems
Edge computing is pivotal in traffic management, enabling real-time processing of large data volumes directly at the source. Robust storage solutions ensure the speed, reliability, and security essential for uninterrupted operation in extreme conditions. Compact housing and challenging ambient temperatures demand components with minimal heat generation and consistent performance over a wide temperature range.
Product: Swissbit N3002
- M.2 form factor (2280, 2242)
- PCIe Gen4 / NVMe 1.4 / four lanes
- 3D NAND TLC up to 4 TB
- Optimized for industrial applications
2. Ruggedized, Miniature Storage with Sustained Write Data Rates
Use Case: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
In modern manufacturing, IIoT gateways connect equipment to centralized systems and cloud services. These gateways require storage solutions capable of continuous data logging and low-latency performance to ensure seamless operations and predictive maintenance.
Product: Swissbit N2000
- M.2 form factor (2230, 2242, 2280)
- PCIe Gen3 / NVMe 1.4 / four lanes
- 3D NAND TLC up to 960 TB
- Designed for space critical applications in rugged environments
3. Fully Encrypted SSDs with Remote Management Capability
Use Case: Healthcare
Healthcare facilities must securely store sensitive patient data while meeting stringent regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. High-performance, fully encrypted SSDs with remote management capabilities ensure data security and accessibility, crucial for handling large datasets from imaging systems and electronic health records.
Product: Swissbit N3000
- M.2 form factor (2280, 2242)
- PCIe Gen4 / NVMe 1.4 / four lanes
- 3D NAND TLC up to 4 TB
- Optimized for edge computing applications
4. High-Endurance SSDs with Extended Lifespan
Use Case: Netcom (Base Stations)
5G networks demand high-endurance SSDs to handle continuous data writes while ensuring long-term performance. Durable storage solutions reduce maintenance and replacement costs, essential for telecom infrastructures.
Product: Swissbit A1200
- M.2 form factor (2280)
- PCIe Gen4 / NVMe 1.4 / four lanes
- 3D NAND eTLC up to 2 TB
5. Power-Loss Protected SSDs for Unreliable Power Situations
Use Case: Industry – Power distribution / Smart Grids
Smart grids rely on edge devices and local servers for real-time power distribution monitoring. Power-failure protected SSDs ensure data integrity during outages, enabling continuous operation and quick recovery.
Product: Swissbit N3000
- M.2 form factor (2280, 2242)
- PCIe Gen4 / NVMe 1.4 / four lanes
- 3D NAND TLC up to 4 TB
- Ideal for power-sensitive environments
6. High Performance and Energy Efficiency for Edge Data Centers
Use Case: AI Edge Computing
Edge AI applications in data centers benefit from localized processing, reducing latency and improving real-time decision-making. Storage solutions must offer high sustained performance, exceptional quality of service (QoS), low latency, and energy efficiency to support tasks like predictive maintenance and data analytics.
Product: Swissbit D2200
- Gen5 U.2 and E1.S (15mm, 4-32 TB)
- Exceptional 4K random read/write performance
- Sequential speeds up to 14GB/s (read) and 10GB/s (write)
- Excellent energy efficiency (up to 970MB/s per watt)
Conclusion
The demands of edge servers are as diverse as their applications, ranging from traffic management and healthcare to industrial IoT and smart grids. Swissbit’s innovative storage solutions, including the N3000, N2000, A1200 and D2200, meet these challenges head-on, offering robust, efficient, and secure options for a wide array of edge computing scenarios. With Swissbit’s expertise, you can unlock the full potential of edge servers and drive forward technological innovation.
Does that sound interesting to you? Convince yourself of our expertise and contact us.
Disclaimer: This article is sourced from the official Swissbit website. As official partners of Swissbit, we have obtained permission to utilize both articles & resources for further updates with regards to Swissbit’s products.
