Check hardware configuration and settings
Overview
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.
Sometimes transient errors can cause Ethernet adapters to shift down to a lower speed. Verify that the system has adequate memory and that the number and position of memory dual inline memory module (DIMM) are optimal. With some systems, there are some memory DIMM configurations that permit higher performance than other DIMM configurations. Verify that the hardware that is used is the hardware that is supposed to be used.
Optimize disk speed
Disk speed and configuration have a dramatic effect on the performance of appservers 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 RAID array, high-speed drives, and dedicated caches, are essential components for optimum appserver 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.
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
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
Increase memory to prevent the system from paging memory to the disk to improve performance. Allow a minimum of 256 MB of memory for each processor and 512 MB per appserver. 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 the configuration is optimal.Use 256 MB of memory for each processor and 512 MB per appserver. Some applications might require more memory.
Run network cards and network switches at full duplex
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.
Verify the highest speed is in use on 10/100/1000 Ethernet networks.
Tuning operating systems