Exploring Block Storage in GCP - Local SSDs V2

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Block Storage in GCP, specifically focusing on Local SSDs V2.

Hafeez Baig
13 steps
30 seconds

Google Cloud

Type "**VM instances**" in the search bar and click on the **VM instances** option

**What are VM instances?**\ \ VM instances (Virtual Machine instances) are virtualized computing environments that run on physical hardware in a cloud provider's data center. They act like independent servers, allowing you to run operating systems and applications. You can configure, start, stop, and manage VM instances to suit your computing needs.

**VM instances** wizard will open, click on the **CREATE INSTANCES** button

**Create an instance** wizard will open, scroll to the **Machine configuration** section and select the Series **N2**

**What is Machine configuration N2 Series?** \ \ Machine configuration N2 Series refers to a family of virtual machine instances offered by Google Cloud, designed for general-purpose workloads. The N2 series provides a balance of compute, memory, and networking resources, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including web applications, databases, and development environments.

Scroll to the **OS and Storage** section and click on the dropdown button

Scroll to the **Additional disks** section and click on the **Add local SSD** button

**What is ADD LOACAL SSD option?**\ \ The **ADD LOCAL SSD** option in Disks while creating a VM instance allows you to attach a local SSD (Solid State Drive) to the VM. Local SSDs provide high-performance, low-latency storage directly attached to the physical server hosting the VM, making them ideal for workloads that require fast, temporary storage, such as caching and high-performance computing. However, data on local SSDs is ephemeral, meaning it does not persist after the VM is stopped or deleted.

On the right side **Configure local SSD** wizard will open, on the **Hours before timeout** section type "**1**"

**What is the Hours before timeout option?**\ \ The **Hours before timeout** option specifies the maximum number of hours a task or operation is allowed to run before it is automatically terminated by the system. This setting helps prevent long-running tasks from consuming resources indefinitely and ensures timely completion or termination of processes.

Scroll to the **Interface** section and select the option **SCSI**

**What is the SCSI option in Interface?**\ \ The SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) option in the interface settings specifies that the virtual disk will use the SCSI protocol for communication. SCSI is a set of standards for connecting and transferring data between computers and peripheral devices, known for its performance and versatility in handling multiple devices on a single bus.

Scroll to the **Disk capacity** dropdown section, here you can select the capacity as per your need **Note:** This is for the SCSI Interface option

**What is Disk Capacity?**\ \ Disk Capacity refers to the total amount of data that a storage disk can hold, typically measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). It determines the maximum volume of data, applications, and files that can be stored on the disk.

Select the option **NVMe**

**What is the NVMe option in Interface?**\ \ The **NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)** option in the interface settings specifies that the disk will use the NVMe protocol for communication. NVMe is designed for high-speed, low-latency storage access and is used with SSDs to provide faster data transfer rates and improved performance compared to traditional storage protocols.

Scroll to the **Disk capacity** dropdown section, here you can select the capacity as per your need **Note:** This is for the NVMe Interface option

Scroll to the **Total estimated performance** section, here you can view the Total estimated performance

**What is the Total estimated performance?**\ \ **Total estimated performance** refers to an estimate of the combined performance capabilities of a system, resource, or service, based on its configuration. It typically includes metrics such as CPU, memory, storage, and network performance, giving an overall idea of how well the system is expected to perform under given conditions.

Scroll the page and click on the **SAVE** button to apply the changes

Congratulations! on completinbg this lab and Exploring Block Storage in GCP - Local SSDs V2