Solid State Drives: A New Problem

Abstract

This paper explores the characteristics of solid state drives (SSDs) with regard to the probability that an update to the data will require a page be relocated.  Storage characteristics of SSDs are described and the problem of drive wear is explained.  Probabilities are developed for increases and decreases in value at the byte level.  The byte-level probabilities are then extended to the SSD storage page.  The implications of those probabilities for drive wear are examined and extended to file design considerations.   In addition, the wear implications of current practices are pointed out where appropriate.  In the end, the issue of frequency of data update becomes a new consideration that must be taken into account in all phases of system design.