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Efficiently Storing One Million 100GB Files on AWS S3: A Comprehensive Guide

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Handling large-scale data storage on cloud platforms like AWS S3 can be daunting, especially when dealing with massive file numbers and sizes. In this article, we will explore the best practices and tools for efficiently storing one million files, each of 100GB in size, on AWS S3. We will discuss the use of Snowball or SnowMobile, alternative storage options like Cloudflare R2, and other considerations to ensure seamless and cost-effective data migration.

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Introduction to AWS S3 and Data Storage

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AWS S3 (Simple Storage Service) is a highly scalable, secure, and reliable object storage service. It is designed to store any amount of data, at any scale, and is widely used for data archiving, content distribution, and application storage. When dealing with such a large volume of files, choosing the right approach is crucial to optimize performance and reduce costs.

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Options for Uploading Files to AWS S3

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1. Use Snowball or SnowMobile

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For local files or files located on a server with limited internet connectivity, AWS offers Snowball and SnowMobile. These are secure, physical devices used to transfer large amounts of data to and from AWS.

t ttSnowball: Best for transferring between 100GB and 5TB of data. It’s a self-contained device that you can ship to an AWS fulfillment center. The cost is $2.72 per TB. ttSnowMobile: Ideal for petabyte-scale data migrations. It’s a custom-built device that can hold up to 100PB of data. Cost is $0.005 per GB, with a minimum charge of $800,000. t t

2. Upload from the Internet

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For files located on the internet, consider setting up an AWS server where you can fetch the files and then upload them to S3. This method may be more straightforward but can be time-consuming and may not be as cost-effective for large quantities of files.

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3. Use Cloudflare R2

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If you're looking for an alternative to AWS S3, consider Cloudflare R2. It offers full compatibility with S3 APIs and is significantly cheaper for large, frequently accessed data. Additionally, it doesn’t charge for data egress, making it an attractive option for large-scale data storage and retrieval.

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Estimating Time and Costs

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The time and cost required to upload files to S3 depend on the method used and the internet connection speed.

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Estimating Time

t ttLocal Files: If your files are locally stored, the time can vary based on your internet connection and the number of files. For example, a 500 Mbps upstream connection would theoretically take around 27 minutes to upload a 100GB file. However, the overhead from multiple files would likely increase the actual time to around 2-3 hours. ttInternet Files: Using an AWS server to fetch and upload files from the internet can be faster and more reliable. However, the cost of setting up an AWS server and the time required for the transfer need to be factored in. ttUsing Snowball: With Snowball, the process is straightforward, but it can take days or weeks depending on the size of the data set. For 100GB files, it would take a full moon’s cycle to complete the transfer. t t

Estimating Costs

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For one million files of 100GB each, the cost using Snowball can be quite high. The storage and shipping cost would be approximately:

t ttTotal Storage Cost: 1,000,000 files * 100GB 100TB * $2.72 per TB $272,000 ttShipping Cost: For 100TB, you would need at least two Snowballs, resulting in a shipping cost of at least $800,000. ttTotal Cost: $272,000 $800,000 $1,072,000 per month t t

By contrast, moving to Cloudflare R2 could save nearly $4 million a month, given the cost difference and the lack of data egress fees.

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Conclusion and Recommendations

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For such a large-scale data migration, it's crucial to consider both time and cost. While Snowball or SnowMobile provide a straightforward method, they come with significant costs and time commitments. Cloudflare R2 offers a more cost-effective and efficient solution, particularly for frequently accessed data. If you need long-term storage with minimal costs, exploring alternative storage solutions like Cloudflare R2 is highly recommended.