External Storage System Application High-Performance Architecture Based on SUNIX OCuLink Expansion Card
1. Challenges in Storage Architecture Selection
With the growing demand for high-bandwidth, high-reliability, and high-capacity storage, traditional built-in storage architectures face the following challenges:
- Limited motherboard PCIe/M.2/SATA slots restrict the expansion of multiple SSDs/HDDs or RAID cards
- Interfaces like USB or Thunderbolt have insufficient bandwidth and higher latency
- Compact PCs lack physical space for integrating large storage modules
- Data centers require modular deployment and quick maintenance capability
In scenarios such as AI training, video editing, embedded systems, and smart factories, the performance and flexibility of the storage system are crucial. While traditional NAS solutions are easy to manage, they face bottlenecks in bandwidth, latency, and modular scalability. The OCuLink expansion card offers a high-performance, low-latency, and modular alternative.
2. Solution Architecture
Through SUNIX OCuLink expansion cards (OCUE4221 + OCUD4241), a modular and scalable external SAS/SATA RAID storage system can be built:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| OCUE4221 | PCIe Gen4 x4 expansion card that converts the host PCIe bus to an OCuLink port |
| OCUD4241 | External device board providing PCIe x16 slot (x4 lane active) for RAID/HBA card installation |
| RAID/HBA Controller | Supports SAS/SATA devices, offering RAID 0/1/5/10 functionality |
| External Drive Enclosure | Holds multiple 2.5"/3.5" SAS/SATA drives, supports hot-swap and redundant power |
3. Technical Advantages
1. High Bandwidth, Low Latency
- Utilizes PCIe Gen4 x4 lanes, delivering up to 16Gbps per lane (64Gbps total)
- Offers more direct data transfer and lower latency compared to USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4
- Ideal for high-IOPS RAID arrays and video processing workloads
2. Modular Deployment
- RAID cards and drive enclosures can be installed independently on OCUD4241 for easy maintenance and upgrades
- Suitable for embedded systems, industrial PCs, and Mini-ITX motherboards with space constraints
- Supports flexible deployment of GPUs, NVMe SSDs, or other PCIe devices for storage or compute expansion
3. High Compatibility and Flexibility
Smaller and more space-efficient than traditional cabling, allowing for more freedom in system design. SUNIX provides a complete OCuLink product lineup supporting mixed SAS/SATA deployments.
4. Typical Application: Video Production
Deployment Architecture:
- Install OCUE4221 expansion card on the host motherboard
- Connect to OCUD4241 external device board via OCuLink cable
- Insert RAID controller (supporting RAID 10)
- Attach eight 3.5" SATA drives to form a RAID 10 array
Benefits:
- Up to 5× faster data transfer performance
- Rendering time reduced by up to 40%
- Modular system for simplified upgrades and maintenance
5. Storage Architecture Comparison
| Item | OCuLink External RAID System | NAS Network Storage | USB 3.2 External Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | High: PCIe Gen4 x4 (64Gbps), low latency | Medium: limited by network speed (1GbE/2.5GbE/10GbE) | Medium: up to 20Gbps |
| RAID Flexibility | High: supports various RAID modes, upgradeable | Medium: depends on NAS brand/model | none |
| Modular Scalability | High: supports external GPUs, AI modules, video cards | Low: depends on NAS brand and firmware | Low: typically single-drive or basic RAID 0/1 |
| Ease of Maintenance | Medium: requires hardware setup and driver configuration | Low: GUI-based, user-friendly | Low: plug-and-play, minimal setup |
| Data Security | High: local control, supports enterprise-grade RAID cards | High: supports encryption and permissions, but network risk exists | Medium: basic encryption, limited protection layers |
| Target Users | Technical teams, embedded systems, AI/video applications | Small offices, studios, general users | Individuals, temporary storage, file exchange |
| Recommended Use Cases | High-performance RAID + GPU/AI integration | General office backup, remote collaboration | Quick access, lightweight storage |
6. Product Selection Recommendation
Choose according to your performance needs, deployment environment, and expansion flexibility.
7. Conclusion: The Future of High-Performance Storage Architecture
This white paper demonstrates how SUNIX OCuLink-PCIe expansion architecture addresses the bottlenecks of traditional NAS systems in embedded AI training servers through modular, high-bandwidth, and low-latency design.
- Build high-IOPS storage platforms for AI training and video processing
- Flexibly expand GPUs, AI modules, and capture cards for unified compute-storage systems
- Reduce deployment cost, extend hardware lifespan, and enhance maintenance efficiency
Across AI, industrial, medical, and smart factory fields, the OCuLink RAID architecture is not only a performance upgrade but a breakthrough in system integration and deployment strategy — a future-ready storage solution for teams pursuing both efficiency and scalability.
External Storage System Application High-Performance Architecture Based on SUNIX OCuLink Expansion Card
1. Challenges in Storage Architecture Selection
With the growing demand for high-bandwidth, high-reliability, and high-capacity storage, traditional built-in storage architectures face the following challenges:
- Limited motherboard PCIe/M.2/SATA slots restrict the expansion of multiple SSDs/HDDs or RAID cards
- Interfaces like USB or Thunderbolt have insufficient bandwidth and higher latency
- Compact PCs lack physical space for integrating large storage modules
- Data centers require modular deployment and quick maintenance capability
In scenarios such as AI training, video editing, embedded systems, and smart factories, the performance and flexibility of the storage system are crucial. While traditional NAS solutions are easy to manage, they face bottlenecks in bandwidth, latency, and modular scalability. The OCuLink expansion card offers a high-performance, low-latency, and modular alternative.
2. Solution Architecture
Through SUNIX OCuLink expansion cards (OCUE4221 + OCUD4241), a modular and scalable external SAS/SATA RAID storage system can be built:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| OCUE4221 | PCIe Gen4 x4 expansion card that converts the host PCIe bus to an OCuLink port |
| OCUD4241 | External device board providing PCIe x16 slot (x4 lane active) for RAID/HBA card installation |
| RAID/HBA Controller | Supports SAS/SATA devices, offering RAID 0/1/5/10 functionality |
| External Drive Enclosure | Holds multiple 2.5"/3.5" SAS/SATA drives, supports hot-swap and redundant power |
3. Technical Advantages
1. High Bandwidth, Low Latency
- Utilizes PCIe Gen4 x4 lanes, delivering up to 16Gbps per lane (64Gbps total)
- Offers more direct data transfer and lower latency compared to USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4
- Ideal for high-IOPS RAID arrays and video processing workloads
2. Modular Deployment
- RAID cards and drive enclosures can be installed independently on OCUD4241 for easy maintenance and upgrades
- Suitable for embedded systems, industrial PCs, and Mini-ITX motherboards with space constraints
- Supports flexible deployment of GPUs, NVMe SSDs, or other PCIe devices for storage or compute expansion
3. High Compatibility and Flexibility
Smaller and more space-efficient than traditional cabling, allowing for more freedom in system design. SUNIX provides a complete OCuLink product lineup supporting mixed SAS/SATA deployments.
4. Typical Application: Video Production
Deployment Architecture:
- Install OCUE4221 expansion card on the host motherboard
- Connect to OCUD4241 external device board via OCuLink cable
- Insert RAID controller (supporting RAID 10)
- Attach eight 3.5" SATA drives to form a RAID 10 array
Benefits:
- Up to 5× faster data transfer performance
- Rendering time reduced by up to 40%
- Modular system for simplified upgrades and maintenance
5. Storage Architecture Comparison
| Item | OCuLink External RAID System | NAS Network Storage | USB 3.2 External Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | High: PCIe Gen4 x4 (64Gbps), low latency | Medium: limited by network speed (1GbE/2.5GbE/10GbE) | Medium: up to 20Gbps |
| RAID Flexibility | High: supports various RAID modes, upgradeable | Medium: depends on NAS brand/model | none |
| Modular Scalability | High: supports external GPUs, AI modules, video cards | Low: depends on NAS brand and firmware | Low: typically single-drive or basic RAID 0/1 |
| Ease of Maintenance | Medium: requires hardware setup and driver configuration | Low: GUI-based, user-friendly | Low: plug-and-play, minimal setup |
| Data Security | High: local control, supports enterprise-grade RAID cards | High: supports encryption and permissions, but network risk exists | Medium: basic encryption, limited protection layers |
| Target Users | Technical teams, embedded systems, AI/video applications | Small offices, studios, general users | Individuals, temporary storage, file exchange |
| Recommended Use Cases | High-performance RAID + GPU/AI integration | General office backup, remote collaboration | Quick access, lightweight storage |
6. Product Selection Recommendation
Choose according to your performance needs, deployment environment, and expansion flexibility.
7. Conclusion: The Future of High-Performance Storage Architecture
This white paper demonstrates how SUNIX OCuLink-PCIe expansion architecture addresses the bottlenecks of traditional NAS systems in embedded AI training servers through modular, high-bandwidth, and low-latency design.
- Build high-IOPS storage platforms for AI training and video processing
- Flexibly expand GPUs, AI modules, and capture cards for unified compute-storage systems
- Reduce deployment cost, extend hardware lifespan, and enhance maintenance efficiency
Across AI, industrial, medical, and smart factory fields, the OCuLink RAID architecture is not only a performance upgrade but a breakthrough in system integration and deployment strategy — a future-ready storage solution for teams pursuing both efficiency and scalability.
External Storage System Application High-Performance Architecture Based on SUNIX OCuLink Expansion Card
1. Challenges in Storage Architecture Selection
With the growing demand for high-bandwidth, high-reliability, and high-capacity storage, traditional built-in storage architectures face the following challenges:
- Limited motherboard PCIe/M.2/SATA slots restrict the expansion of multiple SSDs/HDDs or RAID cards
- Interfaces like USB or Thunderbolt have insufficient bandwidth and higher latency
- Compact PCs lack physical space for integrating large storage modules
- Data centers require modular deployment and quick maintenance capability
In scenarios such as AI training, video editing, embedded systems, and smart factories, the performance and flexibility of the storage system are crucial. While traditional NAS solutions are easy to manage, they face bottlenecks in bandwidth, latency, and modular scalability. The OCuLink expansion card offers a high-performance, low-latency, and modular alternative.
2. Solution Architecture
Through SUNIX OCuLink expansion cards (OCUE4221 + OCUD4241), a modular and scalable external SAS/SATA RAID storage system can be built:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| OCUE4221 | PCIe Gen4 x4 expansion card that converts the host PCIe bus to an OCuLink port |
| OCUD4241 | External device board providing PCIe x16 slot (x4 lane active) for RAID/HBA card installation |
| RAID/HBA Controller | Supports SAS/SATA devices, offering RAID 0/1/5/10 functionality |
| External Drive Enclosure | Holds multiple 2.5"/3.5" SAS/SATA drives, supports hot-swap and redundant power |
3. Technical Advantages
1. High Bandwidth, Low Latency
- Utilizes PCIe Gen4 x4 lanes, delivering up to 16Gbps per lane (64Gbps total)
- Offers more direct data transfer and lower latency compared to USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4
- Ideal for high-IOPS RAID arrays and video processing workloads
2. Modular Deployment
- RAID cards and drive enclosures can be installed independently on OCUD4241 for easy maintenance and upgrades
- Suitable for embedded systems, industrial PCs, and Mini-ITX motherboards with space constraints
- Supports flexible deployment of GPUs, NVMe SSDs, or other PCIe devices for storage or compute expansion
3. High Compatibility and Flexibility
Smaller and more space-efficient than traditional cabling, allowing for more freedom in system design. SUNIX provides a complete OCuLink product lineup supporting mixed SAS/SATA deployments.
4. Typical Application: Video Production
Deployment Architecture:
- Install OCUE4221 expansion card on the host motherboard
- Connect to OCUD4241 external device board via OCuLink cable
- Insert RAID controller (supporting RAID 10)
- Attach eight 3.5" SATA drives to form a RAID 10 array
Benefits:
- Up to 5× faster data transfer performance
- Rendering time reduced by up to 40%
- Modular system for simplified upgrades and maintenance
5. Storage Architecture Comparison
| Item | OCuLink External RAID System | NAS Network Storage | USB 3.2 External Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | High: PCIe Gen4 x4 (64Gbps), low latency | Medium: limited by network speed (1GbE/2.5GbE/10GbE) | Medium: up to 20Gbps |
| RAID Flexibility | High: supports various RAID modes, upgradeable | Medium: depends on NAS brand/model | none |
| Modular Scalability | High: supports external GPUs, AI modules, video cards | Low: depends on NAS brand and firmware | Low: typically single-drive or basic RAID 0/1 |
| Ease of Maintenance | Medium: requires hardware setup and driver configuration | Low: GUI-based, user-friendly | Low: plug-and-play, minimal setup |
| Data Security | High: local control, supports enterprise-grade RAID cards | High: supports encryption and permissions, but network risk exists | Medium: basic encryption, limited protection layers |
| Target Users | Technical teams, embedded systems, AI/video applications | Small offices, studios, general users | Individuals, temporary storage, file exchange |
| Recommended Use Cases | High-performance RAID + GPU/AI integration | General office backup, remote collaboration | Quick access, lightweight storage |
6. Product Selection Recommendation
Choose according to your performance needs, deployment environment, and expansion flexibility.
7. Conclusion: The Future of High-Performance Storage Architecture
This white paper demonstrates how SUNIX OCuLink-PCIe expansion architecture addresses the bottlenecks of traditional NAS systems in embedded AI training servers through modular, high-bandwidth, and low-latency design.
- Build high-IOPS storage platforms for AI training and video processing
- Flexibly expand GPUs, AI modules, and capture cards for unified compute-storage systems
- Reduce deployment cost, extend hardware lifespan, and enhance maintenance efficiency
Across AI, industrial, medical, and smart factory fields, the OCuLink RAID architecture is not only a performance upgrade but a breakthrough in system integration and deployment strategy — a future-ready storage solution for teams pursuing both efficiency and scalability.
External Storage System Application High-Performance Architecture Based on SUNIX OCuLink Expansion Card
1. Challenges in Storage Architecture Selection
With the growing demand for high-bandwidth, high-reliability, and high-capacity storage, traditional built-in storage architectures face the following challenges:
- Limited motherboard PCIe/M.2/SATA slots restrict the expansion of multiple SSDs/HDDs or RAID cards
- Interfaces like USB or Thunderbolt have insufficient bandwidth and higher latency
- Compact PCs lack physical space for integrating large storage modules
- Data centers require modular deployment and quick maintenance capability
In scenarios such as AI training, video editing, embedded systems, and smart factories, the performance and flexibility of the storage system are crucial. While traditional NAS solutions are easy to manage, they face bottlenecks in bandwidth, latency, and modular scalability. The OCuLink expansion card offers a high-performance, low-latency, and modular alternative.
2. Solution Architecture
Through SUNIX OCuLink expansion cards (OCUE4221 + OCUD4241), a modular and scalable external SAS/SATA RAID storage system can be built:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| OCUE4221 | PCIe Gen4 x4 expansion card that converts the host PCIe bus to an OCuLink port |
| OCUD4241 | External device board providing PCIe x16 slot (x4 lane active) for RAID/HBA card installation |
| RAID/HBA Controller | Supports SAS/SATA devices, offering RAID 0/1/5/10 functionality |
| External Drive Enclosure | Holds multiple 2.5"/3.5" SAS/SATA drives, supports hot-swap and redundant power |
3. Technical Advantages
1. High Bandwidth, Low Latency
- Utilizes PCIe Gen4 x4 lanes, delivering up to 16Gbps per lane (64Gbps total)
- Offers more direct data transfer and lower latency compared to USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4
- Ideal for high-IOPS RAID arrays and video processing workloads
2. Modular Deployment
- RAID cards and drive enclosures can be installed independently on OCUD4241 for easy maintenance and upgrades
- Suitable for embedded systems, industrial PCs, and Mini-ITX motherboards with space constraints
- Supports flexible deployment of GPUs, NVMe SSDs, or other PCIe devices for storage or compute expansion
3. High Compatibility and Flexibility
Smaller and more space-efficient than traditional cabling, allowing for more freedom in system design. SUNIX provides a complete OCuLink product lineup supporting mixed SAS/SATA deployments.
4. Typical Application: Video Production
Deployment Architecture:
- Install OCUE4221 expansion card on the host motherboard
- Connect to OCUD4241 external device board via OCuLink cable
- Insert RAID controller (supporting RAID 10)
- Attach eight 3.5" SATA drives to form a RAID 10 array
Benefits:
- Up to 5× faster data transfer performance
- Rendering time reduced by up to 40%
- Modular system for simplified upgrades and maintenance
5. Storage Architecture Comparison
| Item | OCuLink External RAID System | NAS Network Storage | USB 3.2 External Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | High: PCIe Gen4 x4 (64Gbps), low latency | Medium: limited by network speed (1GbE/2.5GbE/10GbE) | Medium: up to 20Gbps |
| RAID Flexibility | High: supports various RAID modes, upgradeable | Medium: depends on NAS brand/model | none |
| Modular Scalability | High: supports external GPUs, AI modules, video cards | Low: depends on NAS brand and firmware | Low: typically single-drive or basic RAID 0/1 |
| Ease of Maintenance | Medium: requires hardware setup and driver configuration | Low: GUI-based, user-friendly | Low: plug-and-play, minimal setup |
| Data Security | High: local control, supports enterprise-grade RAID cards | High: supports encryption and permissions, but network risk exists | Medium: basic encryption, limited protection layers |
| Target Users | Technical teams, embedded systems, AI/video applications | Small offices, studios, general users | Individuals, temporary storage, file exchange |
| Recommended Use Cases | High-performance RAID + GPU/AI integration | General office backup, remote collaboration | Quick access, lightweight storage |
6. Product Selection Recommendation
Choose according to your performance needs, deployment environment, and expansion flexibility.
7. Conclusion: The Future of High-Performance Storage Architecture
This white paper demonstrates how SUNIX OCuLink-PCIe expansion architecture addresses the bottlenecks of traditional NAS systems in embedded AI training servers through modular, high-bandwidth, and low-latency design.
- Build high-IOPS storage platforms for AI training and video processing
- Flexibly expand GPUs, AI modules, and capture cards for unified compute-storage systems
- Reduce deployment cost, extend hardware lifespan, and enhance maintenance efficiency
Across AI, industrial, medical, and smart factory fields, the OCuLink RAID architecture is not only a performance upgrade but a breakthrough in system integration and deployment strategy — a future-ready storage solution for teams pursuing both efficiency and scalability.
