RAMCloud: The Idea of Storing All Data in RAM
Researchers at Stanford University have an idea how to overcome latency and performance bottlenecks of hard drive and solid state disk-based storage systems.
According to a recently published paper, they believe that a RAM-based cloud system with about 1000 servers and a total RAM capacity of 64 TB can be built for about $4 million and is feasible today.
Compared to a disk-based system, a RAMCloud could have a 100-1000x lower latency than disk-based systems and 100-1000x greater throughput, the researchers said. The system would use replication and backup techniques to overcome the problem of volatility and data loss if the power supply is interrupted. The approach would provide enough performance for cloud systems to solve scalability issues for web applications, enable a "a new class of data-intensive applications" due to the extremely low latency of RAM and provide a growth path for small applications to grow into a large application on demand.
The estimate is that latencies of only 5 to 10 microseconds should be achievable by a measured RAMCloud system, which is about 1000x faster than the 5 - 10 milliseconds that is provided by disk-based systems for data that is accessed over a network. The researchers estimate that a single multi-core RAM server could support at least 1,000,000 small requests per second, while disk based systems are typically maxed out at 1000 to 10,000 requests.
Cost is the barrier for a broad use of such RAMClouds. However, the scientists noted that "the cost of DRAM today is roughly the same as the cost of disk 10 years ago ($ 10-30/GB)", which, of course, does not help much considering the massive storage space requirements today.
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Douglas Perry was a freelance writer for Tom's Hardware covering semiconductors, storage technology, quantum computing, and processor power delivery. He has authored several books and is currently an editor for The Oregonian/OregonLive.
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amk-aka-Phantom No really? This can be done for a consumer, as well. Imagine having your entire OS in the RAM? An X79 board has what, 8 RAM slots? Throw 8GB into each one and you get 64GB, that's more than enough for a full Windows installation and some programs. It will be blazing fast.Reply -
ltdementhial i really don't see an use for this type of things...although it will be nice if you are a Minecraft maniac...but in real life task even more than 8gb for now is very unnecessary and stupidly excessive.Reply -
blood_dew And how are you planning to get around the volatility problem on your home rig sir amk-aka-Pantom?Reply -
amk-aka-Phantom ltdementhiali really don't see an use for this type of things...although it will be nice if you are a Minecraft maniac...but in real life task even more than 8gb for now is very unnecessary and stupidly excessive.Reply
Prices keep going down. RAM is dirt cheap; 8GB costs $50 (2x4GB), the new 8GB chips are costly but prices WILL fall, and having your stuff in the RAM is awesome. And for servers, it's even better. Did you read this:
The researchers estimate that a single multi-core RAM server could support at least 1,000,000 small requests per second, while disk based systems are typically maxed out at 1000 to 10,000 requests.
That is, bye-bye to DDOS. -
amk-aka-Phantom NetherscourgeSounds awesome - until the power goes out.;(Reply
UPS for you :D Mine can keep my gaming rig, my lights, fans (no, not the case cooling, big ceiling fans) and so on running for 2 days straight.
blood_dewAnd how are you planning to get around the volatility problem on your home rig sir amk-aka-Phantom?
Elaborate, please!
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legendkiller ltdementhiali really don't see an use for this type of things...although it will be nice if you are a Minecraft maniac...but in real life task even more than 8gb for now is very unnecessary and stupidly excessive.more than 8GB is recommended if you do some CS5.5 or 3D uses... 8GB is need for gaming system... Your all about the games instead of what's out there in the internet that you needa experience...Reply -
Haserath blood_dewAnd how are you planning to get around the volatility problem on your home rig sir amk-aka-Pantom?There is non-volatile ram in development. Not sure if it will ever become a real product, but it's there.Reply -
viometrix amk-aka-Phantom - after you use all that 64gb of ram for your os and some programs, what ram do you have left to actually run them? sheeshReply -
surda ok so what happens if the computer turns off? screw all of you!!! your information is gone lolReply