345-BCRN Dell 960GB SAS-12GBPS Read Intensive TLC 2.5in Hot-plug SSD.

SAS-12Gbps Interface Technology

The SAS-12Gbps interface represents a significant advancement in storage connectivity, offering double the bandwidth of previous SAS-6Gbps solutions. This high-speed interface enables exceptional performance in enterprise environments where multiple drives are deployed in array configurations.

Benefits of SAS-12Gbps

The 12Gbps SAS interface provides several advantages over SATA and earlier SAS implementations:

• Full-duplex operation allowing simultaneous read/write operations at full speed
• Enhanced scalability for large storage deployments
• Improved signal integrity for more reliable data transmission
• Backward compatibility with SAS-6Gbps and SAS-3Gbps systems
• Dual-port capability for redundant path failover configurations

Performance Considerations

With a sustained transfer rate of up to 1250MB/s, the Dell 345-BCRN minimizes I/O bottlenecks in data-intensive applications. The high bandwidth of the SAS-12Gbps interface ensures that the drive can maintain consistent performance even under heavy workload conditions.

Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) Technology

The Dell 345-BCRN incorporates sophisticated self-encrypting technology that provides comprehensive data protection without impacting performance. This feature is critical for enterprises handling sensitive information in compliance with various regulatory requirements.

Security Protocols Implemented

• TCG Enterprise security specification compliance
• AES-256 encryption algorithm
• Instant secure erase capability
• Cryptographic erase functionality
• Authentication support for multiple security protocols

Benefits of Hardware Encryption

Hardware-based encryption offers several advantages over software-based solutions:

• Zero performance impact on host system resources
• Transparent operation requiring no special software or drivers
• Protection against cold boot attacks
• Simplified data sanitization through cryptographic erase
• Compliance with security standards including FIPS 140-2

Read-Intensive Workload Optimization

The Dell 345-BCRN is specifically engineered for read-intensive applications, making it ideal for use cases where data reading operations significantly outweigh writing operations.

Target Applications

This drive excels in environments such as:

• Web servers and content delivery networks
• Data analytics and business intelligence systems
• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
• Database servers with heavy query workloads
• Media streaming and content serving applications
• Boot drives for enterprise servers

Endurance Characteristics

With a 1 DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) endurance rating, the 345-BCRN can withstand writing its entire capacity once per day over its 5-year warranty period. This endurance level is more than sufficient for read-intensive workloads while providing excellent value compared to higher-endurance drives.

TLC NAND Technology

The drive utilizes Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND flash memory, which stores three bits of data per cell. This technology provides an optimal balance between storage density, performance, and cost-effectiveness for enterprise read-intensive applications.

Advantages of TLC NAND

Modern TLC NAND offers several benefits for enterprise storage:

• Higher storage density compared to SLC and MLC alternatives
• Improved cost-per-gigabyte metrics
• Advanced error correction algorithms ensuring data integrity
• Sophisticated wear-leveling algorithms extending drive lifespan

Reliability Considerations

While traditional TLC NAND had endurance limitations, advanced controller technology, over-provisioning, and sophisticated wear-leveling algorithms have made TLC NAND a viable option for enterprise read-intensive workloads. The Dell 345-BCRN incorporates these advancements to deliver reliable performance throughout its service life.

Hot-Plug Capability and Form Factor

The 2.5-inch hot-plug form factor makes the Dell 345-BCRN ideal for enterprise environments where uptime is critical. The hot-swappable design allows for drive replacement or expansion without powering down the system or interrupting services.

Implementation Considerations

When deploying hot-plug drives:

• Ensure proper backplane support for SAS-12Gbps drives
• Verify operating system support for hot-swap functionality
• Follow proper procedures for safe removal and insertion
• Monitor drive health through appropriate management tools

Certification and Compatibility

The Dell 345-BCRN undergoes rigorous testing and certification to ensure compatibility with a wide range of enterprise systems and storage arrays. This certification process guarantees that the drive will perform as expected in supported configurations.

Supported Systems

This drive is certified for use in:

• Dell PowerEdge servers
• Dell PowerVault storage arrays
• Dell EqualLogic SAN arrays
• Select third-party storage systems
• Compatible with major enterprise operating systems

Performance Characteristics

The Dell 345-BCRN delivers consistent performance across a range of enterprise workloads, with optimized response times and sustained transfer rates.

Sequential Performance

With sequential read speeds up to 1250MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s, the drive excels at transferring large blocks of data, making it suitable for applications such as data warehousing, video streaming, and backup operations.

Random I/O Performance

The drive delivers strong random read performance, which is critical for database applications and virtualized environments. With high IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) capabilities, it can handle numerous simultaneous requests efficiently.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Dell 345-BCRN is versatile enough for various enterprise applications while being optimized for specific use cases.

Data Center Deployment

In data center environments, the drive offers an optimal balance of performance, capacity, and efficiency. Its self-encrypting capability ensures data security, while the SAS-12Gbps interface prevents bottlenecks in high-throughput applications.

Cloud Infrastructure

For cloud service providers, the drive provides consistent performance in multi-tenant environments. The encryption features help meet security requirements for various compliance frameworks, while the read-optimized design efficiently handles typical cloud storage workloads.

Enterprise Server Applications

When used as boot drives or application storage in enterprise servers, these SSDs significantly reduce boot times and application loading times compared to traditional hard drives, improving overall system responsiveness.

Management and Monitoring

Enterprise drives require proper management to ensure optimal performance and early detection of potential issues.

Dell Management Tools

The Dell 345-BCRN is compatible with various Dell management solutions, including:

• OpenManage Server Administrator
• OpenManage Storage Services
• Dell System Center Integration
• Dell SupportAssist for proactive monitoring

S.M.A.R.T. Attributes

The drive supports comprehensive S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) attributes that provide insights into drive health, usage patterns, and potential failure indicators. Monitoring these attributes can help predict drive failures before they occur.

Environmental Specifications

The Dell 345-BCRN is designed to operate within the environmental parameters typical of data center and enterprise environments:

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
• Operating Shock: 1000G/0.5ms
• Non-operating Shock: 1000G/1.0ms
• Operating Vibration: 2.17G RMS (5-700Hz)
• Non-operating Vibration: 3.13G RMS (5-800Hz)
• Altitude: -304m to 12,192m (-1,000ft to 40,000ft)