CXL Memory Disaggregation and Tiering - Lessons Learned from Storage

Explore a 46-minute conference talk from the Storage Developer Conference 2023 that delves into memory disaggregation and tiering with CXL technology, drawing valuable parallels from storage evolution. Learn about the fundamental aspects of tiering software, key distinctions between storage and memory tiering, challenges posed by CXL latency, and the intricate process of developing tiering solutions across multiple operating systems. Gain insights from a real-time block storage tiering architect whose products are deployed in over one million PCs and servers, examining how CXL advances memory disaggregation while highlighting the ongoing development of OS support, drivers, and application APIs. Understand the journey from direct-attached storage to storage area networks, software-defined storage, and early disaggregated storage solutions like NVMe over fabrics, applying these lessons to modern memory management challenges.