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Couchbase

Scalable and Consistent NoSQL with Couchbase Architecture

Couchbase is a distributed NoSQL database that combines the flexibility of JSON document stores with the power of SQL-like querying and built-in caching. It’s designed for high availability, elastic scalability, and real-time performance in enterprise-grade applications. Couchbase supports multi-model access including key-value, document, and N1QL—a SQL-compatible query language.

How Couchbase Works

Couchbase is designed to deliver speed and flexibility through a multi-model approach. Its architecture combines in-memory performance with rich querying capabilities.

Multi-Model Access and N1QL Querying

Couchbase allows developers to interact with the same dataset using different access patterns: key-value lookups, JSON document queries, and full-text search. It supports N1QL, a query language that extends SQL for use with JSON. This enables familiar syntax for developers while working with flexible schemas.

Memory-First Architecture and Integrated Caching

Couchbase is built on a memory-first design with integrated caching. This architecture ensures sub-millisecond response times by serving hot data directly from RAM while maintaining durability via persistence to disk. This makes it particularly suitable for high-traffic web, mobile, and IoT applications.

Use Cases for Couchbase

Couchbase is ideal for applications that demand speed, flexibility, and always-on availability, such as:

  • Real-time personalization and user profiles
  • Session and token storage in web apps
  • Product catalogs and inventory systems
  • IoT platforms requiring edge-local querying
  • Mobile apps with offline-first functionality

It is frequently used in environments that require both structured and semi-structured data handling at scale.

facts of Couchbase

Couchbase vs Other NoSQL Databases

Couchbase is often compared with MongoDB, Redis, and Cassandra. It differentiates itself through integrated memory caching, SQL-like querying (N1QL), and built-in sync support for mobile platforms.

Comparison Table

FeatureCouchbaseMongoDBCassandra
Data ModelDocument, KVDocumentWide-column
Query LanguageN1QL (SQL for JSON)MongoDB Query LangCQL (Cassandra QL)
CachingBuilt-inExternal (Redis)External
Mobile SyncYes (Sync Gateway)NoNo
In-Memory SpeedYesPartialNo

Couchbase and Storage Infrastructure

Couchbase requires fast, consistent storage to support real-time workloads at scale. NVMe over TCP offers the performance and flexibility needed for high-throughput operations.

Optimizing Couchbase with NVMe over TCP

Couchbase’s performance depends on low-latency storage for persistence and high IOPS during indexing and query execution. NVMe over TCP enhances throughput and scalability using standard Ethernet infrastructure.

Deploying Couchbase on simplyblock’s™ NVMe-TCP storage platform provides:

Couchbase on Kubernetes and Hybrid Cloud

Couchbase runs natively in Kubernetes and offers an official operator. When deployed with simplyblock’s™ Kubernetes-native block storage, organizations benefit from:

For latency-sensitive apps requiring distributed data locality, Couchbase paired with NVMe/TCP offers ideal scalability and reliability.


Couchbase Kubernetes Operator

What is NVMe over TCP?

What is ScyllaDB?

What is Redis?

Our Technology

Kubernetes Storage Concepts

Couchbase Official Site

Wikipedia: Couchbase

N1QL Language Guide

Questions and Answers

What is Couchbase used for?

Couchbase is a distributed NoSQL database optimized for low-latency, high-throughput workloads. It supports key-value and document models and is widely used in real-time applications like mobile backends, personalized content delivery, and caching layers.

Is NVMe over TCP good for Couchbase performance?

Absolutely. NVMe over TCP significantly improves Couchbase performance by reducing latency and increasing throughput. It enhances write and replication speed, especially in clustered or cloud-native environments.

Can Couchbase run on Kubernetes with persistent NVMe storage?

Yes, Couchbase supports Kubernetes and runs efficiently with Simplyblock’s CSI storage. You can dynamically provision high-performance NVMe volumes with full encryption and snapshot support for persistent workloads.

How do I secure Couchbase data at rest?

While Couchbase offers encryption features, pairing it with data-at-rest encryption (DARE) ensures even stronger protection. Simplyblock provides volume-level encryption with per-volume keys for multi-tenant security and compliance.

Why is NVMe better than iSCSI for Couchbase storage?

Unlike iSCSI, NVMe storage is designed for flash, offering much lower latency and higher IOPS. For Couchbase’s real-time access patterns and replication needs, NVMe over TCP delivers more consistent and scalable performance.