flashtier · research

FlashTier

FlashTier is a research storage-cache architecture that couples a cache-specific flash interface with host cache management.

The SSC uses backing-disk logical addresses. Silent eviction can discard clean cached data instead of relocating it during collection; dirty data must remain protected. A later miss may require a backing-disk read. [1]

The 2012 evaluation uses simulation and emulation. The 2013 OpenSSD prototype changes mapping and persistence mechanisms, so its guarantees are not interchangeable with the original design. [1] [2]

Relations

related

Garbage collection (flash), Write-back cache

Limitations

• The hardware prototype checkpoints on ATA flush; inaccessible spare-area storage forced a different metadata log. These are historical research implementations, not a standard SSD capability. [2]

Citations

1. Saxena, Swift and Zhang. FlashTier: A Lightweight, Consistent and Durable Storage Cache. EuroSys 2012, pp. 267-280; sections 3.1-3.4, 4.3 and 6.1. (accessed 2026-11-14)
2. Saxena et al. Getting Real: Lessons in Transitioning Research Simulations into Hardware Systems. FAST 2013, pp. 215-228; sections 3.2.2 and 3.3.2. (accessed 2026-11-14)

Further reading

3. Hesela: NAND erase blocks and the FlashTier cache exception (accessed 2026-11-14)

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