Checking hardware configuration and settings

An optimal hardware configuration enables applications to get the greatest benefit from performance tuning. The hardware speed impacts all types of applications and is critical to overall performance.

 

Overview

These parameters include considerations for selecting and configuring the hardware on which the application servers run.

 

Steps for this task (dependent on configuration)

  • Optimize disk speed

    • Description: Disk speed and configuration have a dramatic effect on the performance of application servers running applications that are heavily dependent on the database support, using extensive messaging, or processing workflow. The disk input or output subsystems that are optimized for performance, for example Redundant Array of Independent (RAID) array, high-speed drives, and dedicated caches, are essential components for optimum application server performance in these environments.

      Application servers with fewer disk requirements can benefit from a mirrored disk drive configuration that improves reliability and has good performance.

    • Recommendation: Spread the disk processing across as many disks as possible to avoid contention issues that typically occur with 1- or 2-disk systems. Placing the database tables on disks that are separate from the disks that are used for the database log files reduces disk contention and improve throughput.

  • Increase processor speed and processor cache

    • Description: In the absence of other bottlenecks, increasing the processor speed often helps throughput and response times. A processor with a larger L2 or L3 cache yields higher throughput, even if the processor speed is the same as a CPU with a smaller L2 or L3 cache.

  • Increase system memory

    • Description: Increase memory to prevent the system from paging memory to the disk to improve performance. Allow a minimum of 256MB of memory for each processor and 512 MB per application server. Adjust the available memory when the system pages and the processor utilization is low because of the paging. The memory access speed might depend on the number and placement of the memory modules. Check the hardware manual to make sure that your configuration is optimal.

    • Recommendation: Use 256MB of memory for each processor and 512 MB per application server. Some applications might require more memory.

  • Run network cards and network switches at full duplex

    • Description: Run network cards and network switches at full duplex and use the highest supported speed. Full duplex is much faster than half duplex. Verify that the network speed of adapters, cables, switches, and other devices can accommodate the required throughput. Some Web sites might require multiple gigabit links.

    • Recommendation Verify the highest speed is in use on 10/100/1000 Ethernet networks.

 

Related Information


Tuning operating systems