Abstract
NVM Express® (NVMe®) provides the capabilities to optimize data placement when writing to media using Storage Data Placement (SDP) capabilities, i.e., Flexible Data Placement (FDP), Zoned Namespaces (ZNS), or the Streams directive, which allow for reduction of the Write Amplification Factor (WAF), improvements in performance in NVMe SSDs, and segregation of data to isolate WAF impact between different applications.
This white paper will address how an FDP NVMe SSD should be configured and used for optimal performance and endurance. This white paper will also cover differences between FDP, ZNS, and the Streams directive.
This paper provides:
• An overview of the FDP, ZNS, and Streams capabilities and how they are different from a conventional (e.g., non-SDP capable) NVMe SSD.
• A definition for WAF and why it is important to minimize.
• A comparison of FDP to other SDP capabilities defined by NVM Express.
• Recommendations for how the host software should use FDP to minimize WAF.
• An overview of the Linux software stack support for FDP.