A server is a computer that serves a role, or the needs of the owner. For example, a network server will replace the router. They will then plug the LAN into the server, and then plug into the WAN (internet). With that said, all servers will have a number of requirements to be qualified for NSC requirements. KCI will be producing these servers to assure that there are systems that can be purchased by not only government, but companies that would require a quality server.
All servers will include a number of features that would be NSC requirements. These requirements will be as follows:
- 2Ghz Quad Core CPU, with 16GB of memory
- 2 NVME slots for OS/Apps (RAID-1), a minimum of 2×2.5″ drive bays
- USB-C for connections, and an SDXC card slot
- Standard Rack Mount U standard sizes
- 1 RJ45 – 10GBPS connection. Network Servers – 2 RJ45
- 1 PCIe X1 slot
A 2Ghz Quad Core CPU should be the minimum for servers. They have a lot of work to do, and need as much capabilities as possible. I heard of some people installing a telephony server on a RaspBerry Pi, but just don’t see that doing pretty good on a more demanding level. Obviously, KCI will have a variety of AMD server CPU options. While not required, AMD will be the standard CPU for KCI. 16GB of memory will be sufficient to handle the needs of the people using the server. You need at least 8GB for AI, so that would double that requirement.
NVME is memory options that plug directly into the motherboard, and uses the PCIe bus to read and write to. This means a much faster system and more responsive. By using 2 NVMEs in a RAID-1 configuration, if one NVME goes down, then the system will rely on the other NVME, and notify the owner of the NVME failure. NVME drives will be close together for easier locating. When standing the motherboard vertical with the CPU at top, the NVME drives will be in the bottom right next to the SATA connectors. The 2 drive bays will be to install data and information beyond the OS. For example, a network server might use that storage space for cache, and a telephony server will use that storage space for voicemails. It would all depend on the role and purpose of the machine. Obviously, a network server will require so much less in storage than a Media Server, or NAS.
Any system meeting NCS requirements may only have USB-C ports. This means your USB-A port will not be an option. USB-C will support all of the other port options including video connections to a monitor. However, since most servers will not need a monitor, mouse, or keyboard – it will not make much sense to have HDMI, or PS/2 ports for components that will not be used. This will be the reasoning for USB-C only. An SDXC card slot is a requirement for providing information. Even though servers are all connected to the LAN, and it might be faster to move the content to the server via LAN, it is still a requirement of the NSC. One good thing that an SDXC card slot could be used for is when installing a new OS to the NVME drives.
The Rack Mount U standard is globally recognized. Servers can go from 1U – 5U with 5U usually being NAS and media servers with a large number of drives to store the massive amount of content. This will mean NSC requirements will mean that they can’t simply grab a tower and call it a server.
RJ45-10GBPS is the minimum requirement. A network switch does not have to be 10GBPS, but it might not need that speed for some applications. In the case of the network server – 2 RJ45 jacks are required. This is to connect to the LAN, and connect to the WAN.
At least 1 PCIe card slot is required to provide for future upgradability. This could mean for more USB-C ports, or SATA ports. Since things like TV, and telephone moving to an IP standard, there will be no need for FXS/FXO cards, or TV capture cards. Therefore, the card slot might not ever be used. Still, it is a requirement.