AWS EC2 instance types

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Welcome to CloudAffaire and this is Debjeet

In the last blog post, we have discussed different key features of AWS EC2 service. You can go through it using below link

https://cloudaffaire.com/key-components-of-aws-ec2-service/

In this post, we are going to discuss different AWS EC2 instance types that are available in AWS EC2 service. An instance is the key component of EC2 service and AWS provides different types of instance based on resources, cost, availability, and tenure. In most of the cases, instance type can be changed post instance deployment. Below are different instance types based on different category

Based on CPU, memory and network optimization:

1. General Purpose Instances

General purpose instances provide a balance of compute, memory, and networking resources, and can be used for a variety of workloads. General purpose instances are of two type T2 and M series

A. T2

T2 instances provide baseline level CPU performance with an ability to a higher level when required. When you create a T2 instance, CPU credits are earned on per hour basis and this CPU credit can be redeemed for burst performance within 24 hours’ time frame. The T2 instance can be further divided into two segments T2 standard and T2 Unlimited.

T2 standard instances can only operate in burst level performance if you have sufficient credit balance.

On the other hand, for T2 unlimited can provide burst level performance even without sufficient CPU credit provided the average CPU utilization for 24 hours is below the baseline. If average CPU utilization is above baseline, then additional charges will apply

B. M series

M series instances give you an ideal cloud infrastructure, offering a balance of compute, memory, and networking resources for a broad range of applications that are deployed in the cloud. Unlike T2 there is no limit on performance and instance can utilize all the resources allocated. There are different types of M series instance based on the generation like M4, M5, and M5d with different amount of resources allocated to them.

2. Compute Optimized Instances

Compute optimized instances are ideal for compute-bound applications that benefit from high-performance processors. Compute optimized instances also varies based on the generation like C4, C5, and C5d

3. Memory Optimized Instances

Memory optimized instances are designed to deliver fast performance for workloads that process large data sets in memory. Memory optimized instances also vary based on the generation like R4, R5, and R5d

4. Storage Optimized Instances

Storage optimized instances are designed for workloads that require high, sequential read and write access to very large data sets on local storage. They are optimized to deliver tens of thousands of low latencies, random I/O operations per second (IOPS) to applications. Storage optimized instances also vary based on the configuration like D2, H1, and l3

5. Accelerated Computing Instances

If you require high processing capability, you’ll benefit from using accelerated computing instances,

which provide access to hardware-based compute accelerators such as Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Accelerated computing instances enable more parallelism

for higher throughput on compute-intensive workloads. Accelerated Computing instances also vary based on the configuration like p2, p3, g3, and f1

Based on the purchasing option:

Amazon EC2 provides the following purchasing options to enable you to optimize your costs based on your needs

A. On-Demand Instances

Pay, by the hour, for the instances that you launch. This is the default type for EC2 service.

B. Reserved Instances

Purchase, at a significant discount, instances that are always available, for a term from one to three years. Long-term commitment is required with varied payment options like no upfront, partial upfront and full upfront. Reserved instance has two classes namely convertible and standard

C. Scheduled Instances

Purchase instances that are always available on the specified recurring schedule, for a one-year term.

D. Spot Instances

Request unused EC2 instances, which can lower your Amazon EC2 costs significantly.

E. Dedicated Hosts

Pay for a physical host that is fully dedicated to running your instances, and bring your existing per-socket, per-core, or per-VM software licenses to reduce costs.

F. Dedicated Instances

Pay, by the hour, for instances that run on single-tenant hardware.

Each type of instances is further divided into different classes based on resource allocation like nano, micro, small, medium, large and extra-large.

Hope you have enjoyed this article. For more details on instance type, you can refer below documentation provided by AWS

https://aws.amazon.com/ec2/instance-types/

In the next blog post, we are going to discuss AWS EC2 Spot instance.