Our Four Ceph Storage Clusters

Overview of mCloud Ceph Storage Clusters

Micron21’s mCloud platform leverages multiple Ceph storage clusters to provide tailored storage solutions for diverse workloads. Each cluster is designed with specific performance, scalability, and redundancy needs in mind.

Below is an in-depth look at the four Ceph storage clusters available within mCloud.




High-Performance NVMe Cluster (mSAN Performance NVMe)

  • Location: Micron21 Kilsyth Primary Datacentre

  • Storage Media: Enterprise NVMe SSDs

  • Design Purpose: For workloads requiring the fastest possible performance.

Technical Details

  • Dedicated Ceph Nodes: Enterprise-grade NVMe SSDs, dual Intel Xeon Gold CPUs, and abundant RAM.

  • 100 Gbps Networking: Cisco VXLAN Leaf and Spine network for ultra-low latency and high throughput.

  • 3N Replication: Data is replicated across three independent nodes.

Benefits

  • Maximum Performance: NVMe drives deliver unparalleled speed and low latency.

  • Consistent Low Latency: Ideal for real-time data access and processing.

  • High IOPS: Supports transactional databases and analytics workloads.

Use Cases

  • High-Frequency Trading Platforms

  • Real-Time Analytics and Big Data Processing

  • Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

  • AI and Machine Learning Workloads

Note: A feature of this cluster, mSAN Performance NVMe Encrypted, provides encryption without altering performance.




Cost-Effective Enterprise SAS 10k Cluster (mSAN Standard Hybrid)

  • Location: Micron21 Kilsyth Primary Datacentre

  • Storage Media: Enterprise SAS 10,000 RPM HDDs

  • Design Purpose: For enterprise storage where speed is important but not critical.

Technical Details

  • Dedicated Ceph Nodes: Configured with enterprise-grade 10k SAS HDDs, robust CPUs, and ample memory.

  • Optimized Networking: High-speed connectivity for balanced performance and cost.

  • 3N Replication: Ensures data durability and availability.

Benefits

  • Balanced Performance and Cost: Reliable performance at a more affordable price.

  • Reliability: Enterprise-grade HDDs designed for continuous operation.

  • Scalability: Expand storage capacity as needed.

Use Cases

  • Web Hosting and Content Management Systems

  • Enterprise Applications (CRM, ERP)

  • Email and Collaboration Platforms

  • Development and Testing Environments




Bulk Storage SAS 7.5k Cluster (mSAN Bulk SAS)

  • Location: Micron21 Kilsyth Primary Datacentre

  • Storage Media: Enterprise SAS 7,500 RPM HDDs

  • Design Purpose: For bulk storage where capacity is prioritized over speed.

Technical Details

  • Dedicated Ceph Nodes: High-capacity 7.5k SAS HDDs with sufficient CPU and memory.

  • Efficient Networking: Reliable data transfer rates.

  • 3N Replication: Maintains data redundancy and protection.

Benefits

  • Cost-Effective Storage: Ideal for large datasets.

  • High Capacity: Supports substantial data volumes.

  • Data Integrity: Securely stored and replicated data.

Use Cases

  • Data Archiving and Backup

  • Media Storage (Video, Audio, Images)

  • Big Data Repositories

  • Compliance and Regulatory Data Retention




Geographically Redundant NVMe Cluster (mSAN Geo Diverse NVMe)

  • Location: Distributed across three data centres (Kilsyth, Melbourne CBD, Port Melbourne).

  • Storage Media: Enterprise NVMe SSDs

  • Design Purpose: For mission-critical applications requiring high performance and geographic redundancy.

Technical Details

  • Distributed Ceph Nodes: NVMe-equipped nodes across three locations, over 45 km apart.

  • Synchronous Replication: Data is written to all three locations simultaneously.

  • High-Speed Interconnects: Low-latency fiber connections.

  • 3N Replication Across Data Centres: Ensures resilience against site-level failures.

Benefits

  • Disaster Resilience: Protects against data loss even in a full data centre failure.

  • High Availability: Ensures continuous operation with real-time data access.

  • Performance: NVMe speeds maintained despite geographic separation.

  • Compliance: Meets stringent regulatory requirements.

Use Cases

  • Financial Services

  • Healthcare Systems

  • E-Commerce Platforms

  • Critical Infrastructure Monitoring




Key Features Common Across All Clusters

3N Replication Strategy

  • Triple Data Copies: Data stored on three independent nodes.

  • Immediate Consistency: Confirmed only after writing to all three nodes.

  • Fault Tolerance: Withstands multiple node failures.

  • Automatic Recovery: Ceph self-healing redistributes data if a node fails.

Dedicated Ceph Nodes

  • Resource Isolation: Prevents resource contention.

  • Optimized Hardware: Configured for maximum performance.

  • Scalability: Expand clusters without service disruption.

Advanced Networking

  • 100 Gbps Connectivity: Cisco network for all clusters.

  • Redundant Paths: Eliminates single points of failure.

  • Low Latency: Critical for performance-sensitive applications.




Why Choose Micron21’s Ceph Storage Solutions?

✔ Tailored Storage Options: Choose the best cluster for your needs.
✔ Enterprise-Grade Reliability: 3N replication ensures data integrity.
✔ Performance Optimization: Designed to maximize each storage medium.
✔ Scalable and Flexible: Adjust storage as your business evolves.
✔ Expert Support: Our engineers ensure smooth storage operations.




Conclusion

Micron21’s mCloud platform provides a diverse range of Ceph storage solutions, from ultra-fast NVMe clusters to cost-effective SAS storage and geographically redundant storage. By leveraging dedicated Ceph nodes, advanced networking, and 3N replication, we deliver high-performance, scalable, and secure storage for businesses of all sizes.

With Micron21, you gain a future-proof storage solution that evolves with your business needs, ensuring resilience, speed, and reliability.


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