Data storage
Table of content
Data Storage System
The center addresses the continuously growing demand from users for fast access to ever-larger datasets. It also supports efficient analysis through an advanced data storage system integrated with supercomputing and cloud computing resources.
Thanks to its infrastructure distributed across three Data Centers, Cyfronet enables automatic backup creation in multiple physical locations, significantly enhancing data storage security.
To request data storage services described below, please send your inquiry to: helpdesk (at) plgrid.pl
SAN network
The core communication component of the Data Storage System is a dedicated SAN (Storage Area Network). It is characterized by high performance and availability, achieved through redundancy of devices and access paths as well as reliable power supply. The solution implemented at ACC Cyfronet AGH is resistant to the failure of a single switch, RAID controller in the disk array, disk loop failure, and power supply failure. The installed software provides the function of automatic path failover, switching the data transmission path from a failed channel to another channel. Load balancing technology allows the simultaneous use of redundant paths under normal operating conditions, resulting in increased connection throughput.
Disk arrays and servers
The most commonly used type of disk space is the resources designated for storing users' home directories. This space must offer a very high level of availability and data security, enhanced by snapshots and backups to external tape libraries. Currently, all supercomputers at Cyfronet use scratch space implemented by Lustre. For Prometheus, this space has a capacity of 5 PB and a speed of 120 GB/s. Ares has a space with a capacity of 4 PB and a speed of 80 GB/s. In both of these computers, scratch space is implemented using mechanical disks. For Athena and Helios, user data is stored on solid-state drives. The use of this type of solution significantly increases system performance. The capacity of this type of space for Athena is 1.5 PB and achieves a throughput of 400 GB/s. For Helios, the scratch space has a capacity of 1.5 PB and a speed of 1.8 TB/s.
Tape libraries
Cyfronet currently has three tape libraries with over 9,000 slots for LTO standard magnetic tapes and 44 drives of generations 6, 7, and 9. A single LTO-9 magnetic tape has a physical capacity of 18 TB and allows writing at speeds up to 400 MB/s. These resources are used for creating current backups and archiving important informational resources of the Center's users.
Service servers
Service servers, along with specialized service and virtualization software, provide users with functionalities such as automatic backups and archives, hierarchical data storage systems, high-performance hardware file platforms, or distributed network file systems.
Nextcloud
We offer the Nextcloud service, which combines ease of use with reliable technical support. Users can store, synchronize, and share files with others. All data is encrypted during transmission and stored on our server infrastructure, ensuring it remains under full control at all times. Nextcloud allows access from any device - computer, tablet, or smartphone - and modern security mechanisms protect user privacy and confidentiality. Furthermore, you can back up your Nextcloud data as part of our backup service, providing additional protection and user convenience.
RODBUK Repository
RODBUK is a research data deposit platform initiated by the Board of Directors of the Krakow Library Group. ACC Cyfronet AGH is responsible for the technical implementation of the project, including the development of the user access interface and the long-term storage of entrusted data.
The repository is available at: https://rodbuk.pl/