What Does Non-Volatile Memory Express Mean?
Non-volatile memory express (NVM Express or NVMe) is a scalable and high performing host controller interface with command set and streamlined register interface. It is designed for data centers, systems and enterprises that make use of storage based on non-volatile memory. The devices based on NVM Express are available in 2.5 inch form factor devices and as standard-sized PCI express expansion cards. NVM Express can help industries and data centers in meeting the higher performance demands related to non-volatile memory storage.
Techopedia Explains Non-Volatile Memory Express
The focus of NVM Express is to increase the performance and interoperability on a wide range of client and enterprise systems. Similar to other solid-state devices, NVM Express makes use of parallelism levels and is completely utilized by the host application and hardware. Due to this, it reduces the input/output overhead and brings in many performance improvements compared to other logical device interfaces like reduced latency, long and multiple command queues. One of the salient features of NVM Express is that it requires no register reads in order to provide a command. It also has a streamlined storage stack. Both these factors combine in helping NVM Express achieve its low latency. NVM Express provides a single software interface standard for PCIe solid-state devices, so there are no questions about compatibility issues. NVM Express is highly optimized for memory-based storage.
There are many distinct benefits associated with NVM Express. It significantly improves sequential and random performance thanks to reduction in latency. It is capable of accessing more data per CPU cycle. It also enables high parallelism levels and helps in streamlining the command set in order to provide protection and security. Another benefit associated with NVM Express is that it gives a standards-based approach which helps in enabling adoption at a broader level and PCIe solid-state device interoperability. Compared to SATA-based solid-state devices, NVM Express devices provide lower power consumption and higher input/output operations per second. With the help of multiple queues, NVM Express ensures the CPU is utilized to its full potential and the input/output operations per second are not bottlenecked or disrupted or by single-core limitations.
