RAM, ROM, and NVRAM

 RAM

Random Access Memory is typically used by an application to store temporary data. This is due to RAM being volatile and is best for data that is being used by an application. The volatile part is that it loses the data when the power is turned off. Random Access Memory can be a faster solution to ROM and NVRAM and is also used by data in use and by the Operating System to process data.

ROM

Read Only Memory is used by data at rest typically and is a slower type compared to RAM. ROM is non-volatile and is used by the computer to do a Power on Self-Test which boots the computer up and tests its functionality before the computer turns on. Because it retains information when the power is off ROM is used to store boot code as well as the firmware.

NVRAM

Non-volatile Random Access Memory is used to track configuration updates for things like routers and switches. As it is non-volatile NVRAM it is used by data that needs to persist like configuration files and security keys. NVRAM is somewhat faster than ROM and uses RAM to get updates to things like configuration files on network devices.

Another type of NVRAM that is used by network devices is called Flash. Flash is used by network devices like switches and routers to store IOS images and larger files that can’t be stored on NVRAM. Regular NVRAM in network devices is more for the configuration files. The switches and routers use Flash as more of a hard drive, as it stores IOS images and larger files.

RAM, ROM and NVRAM

These three types of memory are used in different ways to establish better configuration updates like NVRAM, faster processing like RAM and permanent storage like ROM. Random Access Memory is the fastest with NVRAM being the second fastest compared to the slowest which is ROM. The trade-off with ROM is that it is for things that need to persist like firmware.

Knowledge Byte

Complexity of Information is something that is a pain point in studying for certification exams. The best way to overcome this pain point is to be consistent in your studies and break down the information into bite-sized chunks. This will allow you to retain the information when you are ready for the certification exam.

Conclusion

RAM, ROM, and NVRAM are three types of memory that is an important topic in Information Technology. This concept is something that you can look into further and is a computer hardware component that will be helpful to understand if you are going for the CompTIA Tech+ or A+. Understanding the two types of NVRAM is also useful as you go more into your IT career as learning the difference between Flash and NVRAM will help you out with network devices.