AWS Snowcone
AWS Snowcone - Deploy ultra-portable data transfer and edge computing devices with ease, even in challenging environments. The AWS Snowcone, designed by Amazon Web Services (AWS), is a compact, durable, and secure solution for edge computing, data storage, and data transfer on the go. Weighing only 4.5 pounds (2.1 kg), this highly portable device is the smallest member of the AWS Snow Family, ideal for remote or harsh locations with minimal connectivity.
Key definitions for AWS Snowcone:
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Maximum portability
The AWS Snowcone is a compact, rugged, and secure device for edge computing and data migration. Designed to OSHA standards for single-person lifting, it is also rack-mountable and suitable for airline check-in. Its small size fits in a standard mailbox and is lightweight enough for drone delivery. Data can be transferred to AWS either offline by shipping the device or online using the pre-installed AWS DataSync. Snowcone supports edge workloads with Amazon EC2 computing and local storage, making it perfect for harsh, disconnected environments like oil rigs, search and rescue vehicles, military sites, factory floors, remote offices, hospitals, and movie theaters
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Two types of devices
AWS Snowcone is available in two versions: one with a hard disk drive (HDD) offering 8 TB of usable storage and another with a solid state drive (SSD) providing 14 TB of usable storage. Both versions, known simply as Snowcone, are portable, rugged, and secure. They are small and lightweight enough to fit in a backpack and are designed to withstand harsh environments
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Small and light
The AWS Snowcone weighs around 4.5 lbs. (2.1 kg) and is comparable in size to a tissue box, with dimensions of approximately 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 3 inches tall (8.94” x 5.85” x 3.25” / 227 mm x 148.6 mm x 82.65 mm). In contrast, the AWS Snowball is significantly larger, weighing about 49.7 lbs. (22.3 kg) and measuring 28.3 inches long, 10.6 inches wide, and 15.5 inches tall
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Offline and online data migration
Like all AWS Snow Family devices, the AWS Snowcone allows efficient data transfer by physically shipping the device with your data to your specified AWS Region, where it will be uploaded to your designated Amazon S3 bucket. An offline data export feature from your S3 bucket to Snowcone is coming soon. Before ordering the device, you must set up the S3 buckets where data will be imported.
AWS Snowcone includes AWS DataSync pre-installed, providing a simple, fast, secure, and cost-effective method for online data import and export between Snowcone storage at edge locations and Amazon S3, Amazon EFS, Amazon FSx for Windows File Server, or Amazon FSx for Lustre file systems. DataSync automates the entire process, handling data transfer, scheduling migration jobs, monitoring, encryption, data verification, and network optimization
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File-based storage
The AWS Snowcone HDD provides 8 TB of usable storage, while the AWS Snowcone SSD offers 14 TB. Both devices can be used as an NFS v4 mount point, enabling applications to work with them seamlessly. Snowcone can be easily integrated with your existing on-premises servers and file-based applications to read and write data directly on the device
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Wired and wireless networking
AWS Snowcone can be connected to wired networks via its two ports, which automatically negotiate for 1 Gb or 10 Gb Ethernet connections
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Efficient USB-C standardized power
AWS Snowcone uses standard USB-C power, so you can use 60W+ (20V) USB-C power adapters compatible with your local outlets and meeting AWS specifications. AWS has tested and qualified several USB-C power adapters, available on Amazon.com.
USB-C power adapters:
- Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter
- Lenovo USB-C 65W Standard AC Adapter
- Dell 130-Watt Type-C AC Power Adapter
USB-C batteries
- Dell Power Bank Plus - USB C, 65Wh
- Omni 20c+ 100W USB-C
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Optional lightweight battery
For mobile applications where power outlets are inaccessible, AWS Snowcone can operate on specified battery power. With a light workload at 25% CPU usage, the device can run for around 6 hours on a 65W battery. You also have the option to order one or more battery packs that have been tested and approved for use with Snowcone
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End-to-end tracking
AWS Snowcone includes an innovative E-Ink shipping label that guarantees it is sent to the correct AWS facility and facilitates tracking. Once your data transfer or edge computing task is complete, you can monitor the device through Amazon SNS, text messages, and the AWS Console
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Secure erasure
After the data transfer job is processed and verified, AWS erases the AWS Snowcone device following the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for media sanitization
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Built-in logistics
All logistics and shipping are handled by Amazon. Once copying is complete and the device is ready to be returned, the E-Ink shipping label will automatically update with the return address, ensuring the Snowcone device is sent to the correct AWS facility. You can track the device's status via Amazon SNS, text messages, emails, or directly through the AWS Console after it ships
Service integrates with:
Usage use cases
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Accelerate fleet data collection and analysis.
Efficiently gather terabytes of data daily from large vehicle fleets with a compact, rugged design, multiple power options, and advanced security features
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Gather IoT data in extreme conditions.
Deploy an edge computing and storage solution designed for environments with limited space, bandwidth, and harsh environmental conditions such as factories, mines, and oil fields
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Improve patient outcomes.
Deliver superior care to patients in transit or in the field—and transmit crucial data in real time with built-in Wi-Fi and AWS DataSync
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Expedite content distribution.
Gather and process content, such as high-resolution images, to boost team performance in fast-paced, space-limited environments
FAQ for AWS Snowcone
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What is AWS Snowcone used for?
AWS Snowcone is a portable, durable, and secure device for edge computing and data transfer. It allows you to collect, process, and transfer data to the AWS Cloud, either by shipping the device to AWS for offline transfer or by utilizing AWS DataSync for online transfer -
What is the maximum capacity of AWS Snowcone?
AWS Snowcone offers 8 TB of usable storage capacity via the NFS protocol, while the Snowcone SSD provides 14 TB of usable storage -
What are the types of Snowcone devices?
AWS Snowcone is available in both hard disk drive (HDD) and solid state drive (SSD) device types -
How to connect to Snowcone?
Connect the device to a power outlet and your local network. Turn it on by pressing the power button above the LCD display. After a few minutes, the Ready screen will appear. To find the device's IP address, refer to the CONNECTION tab on the LCD display -
How do you unlock Snowcone?
At the top of the Remote devices tab, select the region of the Snow device you want to unlock remotely. In the Remote devices tab, choose your device to view its details, such as its state and network interfaces. Then, select Unlock to unlock the device