Journal of Information Technology & Software Engineering
Open Access

Elevating Performance of an In-Depth Analysis for Intel Optane's Innovations in Memory and Storage Applications

Kimiko Akiko^{* *}Correspondence: Kimiko Akiko, Department of Information Engineering, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, Email:

Author info »

Description

The memory and storage developments known as Intel Optane, which was first introduced in 2017, addresses the space left by conventional DRAM and NAND storage options. Optane offers a high-performance, low-latency solution based on 3D Xpoint Technological structure with a purpose of improving system responsiveness for both consumer and business applications. The main characteristics, usage cases, and technical architecture of Intel Optane are examined with its implications for the storage and memory market. After Intel Optane has been marketed as a solution for High-Performance Computing (HPC), big data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and gaming applications have become a conventional storage or memory types are unable to meet performance requirements. Larger memory capacities, lower latency, and faster data access are becoming increasingly important in today's computing environment. While NAND-based storage has been successful in large-scale storage, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) has historically been the preferred option for high-speed data access. On the other hand, Optane's core technology, 3D XPoint, was jointly developed by Micron and Intel in response to the increasing performance difference between DRAM and Not AND (NAND). In order to lessen the distance between memory and storage, a system offering non-volatile memory (permanent storage) at speeds substantially closer to DRAM's was developed.

Optane memory modules reduce the time between a request and the availability of data by accessing data in nanoseconds. Because of its increased read and erase cycles, it is perfect for high-intensity workload applications like virtualized environments and databases that require frequent data access. Optane offers the advantages of persistent storage, as opposed to DRAM, by storing data even in the event of a power outage. Because of this, it can be helpful in situations where data resilience is necessary, including system failures or power outages. Optane is engineered to scale capacity more efficiently than DRAM. The key component of Intel Optane is its 3D XPoint architecture, which is a major departure from the technology of NAND or DRAM. 3D XPoint uses a cross-point array structure, whereas DRAM and NAND store data using transistors and capacitors and floating gate transistors respectively [1-3]. This eliminates the requirement for conventional transistors and allows it to read and write data by adjusting the voltage delivered to particular memory cells. Optane memory has been utilized to improve the performance of slower, conventional Hard Disk Drive (HDDs) for general users. Optane functions as a cache when used with an HDD, which shortens startup and application load times. Optane, for instance, speeds up finding data in games, lowering wait times along with improving the entire experience [4].

Optane technology is now an essential instrument in data centers for maximizing storage performance. It provides an agreement between more costly but faster DRAM and less expensive but slower NAND storage. Optane's low latency and capacity to handle huge amounts of data are advantageous for high-performance computing applications, virtualization, and databases. Big data applications require fast data access beyond every other requirement [5]. Workloads related to analytics are more productive because Optane facilitates quicker data processing. Large datasets are analyzed in real-time in domains like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and financial analytics, where this is especially helpful. Optane is used by cloud service providers and data center operators to lower latency and improve the effectiveness of their memory and storage systems. Optane provides the reliability and responsiveness required in a cloud environment to manage heavy workloads with various users without noticeably degrading performance [6]. Optane gives media and entertainment providers with quicker access to data for operations like editing, 3D modeling, and video projection. It works best in circumstances where huge files are regularly read and edited because of its faster reaction times and greater endurance [7].

A special place in the memory-storage system is occupied by Intel Optane. Optane is not as quick as DRAM, but DRAM is far more expensive and sensitive, especially when it comes to bigger capacity. Optane is still more expensive than conventional NAND storage even though it is less expensive than DRAM. Its adoption has been constrained by this cost premium, especially in consumer sectors where there is greater price sensitivity [8,9]. Intel is still making investments in Optane technology development and improvement. Subsequent developments will probably concentrate on lowering latency even more and packing more 3D XPoint memory cells onto each unit. Additionally, as software continues to improve, greater application optimization for Optane will certainly develop, making the technology even more attractive [10]. Optane's position in high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure and AI workloads is anticipated to increase in the enterprise market. It is a top choice for next-generation memory and storage systems due to its great durability and low latency when handling big datasets.

Conclusion

With the introduction of Intel Optane technology, memory and storage innovation has advanced significantly. Low latency, great durability, and scalability are provided by Optane, a unique solution that covers the distance between DRAM and NAND. Optane's advantages in enterprise, cloud, and data-centric applications guarantee that it will continue to have a significant part in computing's future, although difficulties with pricing and software compatibility that have prevented its broad adoption. With the way technology is developing, Intel Optane has the potential to completely change how memory and storage are organized in modern computer settings.

References

1. Raoux S, Burr GW, Breitwisch MJ, Rettner CT, Chen YC, Shelby RM, et al. Phase-change random access memory: a scalable technology. IBM J Res Dev. 2008;52(4):465-479.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

2. Chen Q, Lee H, Kim Y, Yeom HY, Son Y. Design and implementation of skiplist-based key-value store on non-volatile memory. Clust Comput. 2019;22:361-371.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

3. Xia F, Jiang DJ, Xiong J, Sun NH. A survey of phase change memory systems. J Comput Sci Tech. 2015;30(1):121-144.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

4. Apalkov D, Khvalkovskiy A, Watts S, Nikitin V, Tang X, Lottis D, et al. Spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM). ACM J Emerg Technol Comput. 2013;9(2):1-35.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

5. Currie EH. Embedded system processing and I/O protocols. Mixed-Signal Embedded Systems Design. 2021:121-145.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

6. Latti S. Design and implementation of DDR SDRAM controller for embedded processors. Int J Res Dev Technol. 2016;6(4):2349-3585.

   [Google Scholar]

7. Seok H, Park Y, Park K, Park KH. Efficient page caching algorithm with prediction and migration for a hybrid main memory. Appl Comput Rev. 2011;11(4):38-48.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

8. Zuo P, Hua Y, Wu J. Level hashing: a high-performance and flexible-resizing persistent hashing index structure. ACM TOS. 2019;15(2):1-30.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

9. Idowu S, Strüber D, Berger T. Asset management in machine learning: State-of-research and state-of-practice. ACM Comput Surv. 2022;55(7):1-35.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

10. Sarker IH, Hoque MM, Uddin MK, Alsanoosy T. Alsanoos. Mobile data science and intelligent apps: Concepts, AI-based modeling and research directions. Mobile Networks and Applications, 2021;26(1):285-303.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]