HighPoint’s Bootable SSD6200 Series Controllers Maximize Server Uptime With Driverless Maintenance and Host NVMe RAID

While NVMe storage devices offer performance and reliability advantages over their platter-based counterparts, many Linux and VMware based applications continue to rely on older SAS and SATA solutions due to the ready availability of firmware level RAID storage and native driver support.

This combination greatly simplifies the kernel update process while minimizing downtime. RAID solutions with native driver support will be treated as embedded devices, and do not need to be updated separately to comply with the Kernel change.

SSD6202A

The SSD6200 from HihgPoint Technologies, Inc. product family was designed to address these concerns. The NVMe RAID capability is integrated at the firmware level, and functions independent of the host. In addition, SSD6200 series controllers are supported by major virtualization platforms, such as VMware, Hyper-V and Proxmox, and all current versions and distributions of Windows, Linux and FreeBSD OSs. This native, In-Box driver support ensures administrators are free to update the Kernel, apply patches, or download and install scheduled updates whenever the need arises, using standard operating procedures. No work-arounds, no hassles, no surprises.

SSD6204A

Upgrade server or workstation with dedicated NVMe host RAID architecture and in-box driver support
SSD6200 series host RAID controllers are cost-effective, bootable NVMe Storage solutions. The compact, 2 and 4 port NVMe Host RAID controllers support cost-effective, off-the-shelf M.2 SSDs of any capacity, can be integrated into any PCIe Gen3 or Gen4 PC server or workstation, and are supported by all major VM and OS platforms, such as VMware, Proxmox and Hyper-V.

In addition to the performance and data security provided by the dedicated NVMe host RAID architecture, the controllers empower administrators with a selection of management and monitoring tools designed to mitigate downtime risks by streamlining service and upgrade workflows.

Built-In redundancy for system disks
SSD6200 Series controllers feature integrated Host RAID-0 and -1 technology. RAID-1, also known as ‘data mirroring’ remains one of the most effective ways to secure a bootable system disk vs. the possibility of device failure.

RAID-1 creates a hidden, automated backup of the target drive; in this case, a bootable NVMe SSD. If the original should fail, the mirrored backup will immediately, and seamlessly, take the reins. This enables the host system to remain online, and continue to operate, unabated.

Though simple in concept, the redundancy delivered by RAID-1 is essential for many server-based applications, especially VM and hosting solutions, which must remain available for client access on a 24/7/365 basis.

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Management suite
SSD6200 Series controllers provide a suite of software management interfaces. Administrators of any experience level can configure, diagnose and maintain RAID storage and NVMe SSDs inside and outside of the host OS.

The WebGUI is a simple GUI designed to work with all modern Web browsers. It is equipped with Wizard-like configuration menus as well as a suite of tools for expert administrators.

The CLI (Command Line Interface) is for seasoned administrators or platforms that do not utilize graphical OSs.

SHI (Storage Health Inspector): The CLI and WebGUI both include firm’s SHI feature, which enables customers to monitor the health of NVMe SSD’s via SMART attributes, in real-time, such as temperature, TBW (Total Bytes Written), and operational status.

The UEFI Package is a command line RAID creation tool used to prepare NVMe configurations for OS installation without the need for a separate OS or application.

A BIOS level interface is also available for specific configurations.

Streamline installation and field maintenance workflows
SSD6200 and RocketMate 200 Series NVMe storage solutions offer a variety of management and monitoring features designed to streamline configuration, deployment and field maintenance workflows.

Versatile form-factors – SSD6200 NVMe Host RAID controllers are available with half-height or full-height form factors, and can be integrated into any standard PC workstation, server and rackmount platform with a free PCIe Gen3 or Gen4 x8 or x16 slot.

Universal compatibility – They support any off the shelf M.2 NVMe SSD, and impose no capacity limitations. SSD6202A/6202 models support 2242/2260/2280 form factors, while the SSD6204A/6204 are also capable of supporting full length 22110 SSDs.

RAID roaming – Arrays created using an SSD6200 controller can be moved to another SSD6200 controller, and will remain intact and functional, even if the NVMe SSDs are attached to a different port. This feature is for controller upgrade or replacement procedures, as the M.2 SSDs can be moved freely between any SSD6200 series controller.

RAID hardware switch – SSD6200A Variants feature a hardware switch for RAID configuration. No OS or software application required; administrators can instantly configure RAID-1 mirroring for maximum security, RAID-0 striping for maximum performance and capacity, or configure the SSDs to operate as independent disks, without having to physically install the controller.

LED indication – They feature bracket mounted LED indicators that are capable of tracking the status and I/O of RAID configurations and NVMe media. (see video)

OOB port – They provide an out-of-band management port and integrated console management interface. OOB is for field maintenance and on-site services as it allows the RAID storage to be administered directly, independent of the host platform.

Need more than DIY solution? Let HighPoint build you NVMe RAID drive.
SSD6200 Series NVMe host RAID controllers are also available as complete, turnkey storage solutions. The company’s FnL BRD6200 bootable AIC RAID drives are built to order, and are available with up to 15.36TB of preconfigured RAID-0, 1 or JBOD storage.

BRD6200 AIC drives are not just a collection of pre-assembled components – each drive model has been vetted in real-world server environments. The firm uses quality NVMe SSDs, which have been hand selected for their performance and reliability characteristics, and TBW ratings. Each FnL AIC drive is backed by a 3-year warranty. (see video)

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