Using SSD to boost performance on Infortrend NAS storage systems

Transcription

1 Using SSD to boost performance on Infortrend NAS storage systems Application notes Abstract: This document offers a quick and concise introduction of the ways SSD storage can boost the performance of Infortrend NAS systems. Flash memory-based SSD features much faster read and write speeds than mechanical drives and in general boasts higher reliability and longer storage life spans due to the lack of moving parts. As of this writing, SSD still carries a significant prime premium compared to mechanical hard drives, and so it is imperative customers make full use of its benefits to maximize return on investment. Infortrend NAS systems are designed compatible with SSD characteristics, and feature user friendly interfaces that allow customers to set up their system for optimized SSD performance. Copyright 2013 Infortrend Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Infortrend, ESVA, EonStor, EonNAS, and EonPath are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Content provided as is, without express or implied warranties of any kind

2 Contents Products covered in this document... 3 Preface... 4 About SSD... 4 Purpose of this document... 4 Configuring SSD to boost performance... 5 Prerequisite for SSD... 5 Configuring SSD as ZIL to boost write performance... 6 Configuring SSD as L2ARC to boost read performance... 7 Configuring SSD as ZIL and L2ARC... 8 Conclusion 8 Copyright 2013 Infortrend Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 2 / 8

3 Products covered in this document These application notes apply to the following models: EonNAS unified storage systems For more information on EonNAS configuration, please check the user manual included with your storage system, or visit the official Infortrend website: Copyright 2013 Infortrend Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 3 / 8

4 Preface About SSD SSD is the fastest storage option among commercially available storage medium technologies. As mentioned earlier, its key benefit is very obvious: fast performance. However, it does have the disadvantage of smaller capacity compared to mechanical drives. Therefore, the best method for leveraging SSD is to use it as auxiliary performance-enhancing storage. Purpose of this document This document quickly guides users on how to best use SSD to boost NAS performance. Copyright 2013 Infortrend Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 4 / 8

5 Configuring SSD to boost performance Prerequisites for SSD If you wish to use SSD to boost NAS performance, first check whether the specific SSD model being used is on the Infortrend Qualified Vendor List, or QVL. Only SSD products on our QVL can be applied to enhance performance as described in this document. After completing physical installation of SSD in your Infortrend NAS, verify that the new drive is shown under the Storage => SSD tab, as below. If it is shown, that means the SSD is on the Infortrend QVL. Copyright 2013 Infortrend Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 5 / 8

6 Configuring SSD as a ZIL to boost write performance Go to Storage => Pool, and then click Edit. You can select specific available disks, and configure SSD as a ZIL, or ZFS Intent Log, which can enhance write performance and also offer better tracking of SSD behavior. The write SSD cache is also called the log device, and is used by the ZIL. Leveraging SSD as a ZIL can be particularly useful in accelerating write performance on NAS systems. Copyright 2013 Infortrend Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 6 / 8

7 Configuring SSD as L2ARC to boost read performance The read SSD cache is called L2ARC, or Level 2 Adaptive Replacement Cache, and is similar to a level 2 CPU cache. Click Storage => Pool, and then the Edit button. The page for configuring a ZIL will be shown. Click Next to enter the L2ARC configuration page. Users can also specify disks by clicking in the checkbox, and proceed to configure SSD as L2ARC. Copyright 2013 Infortrend Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 7 / 8

8 Configuring SSD as a ZIL and L2ARC This type of configuration is only offered on EonNAS 3012/3016 systems. Users can configure a single SSD as both a ZIL and L2ARC at the same time. Simply make sure the same drive is selected when following all the steps shown above to complete this double application. Conclusion All processes described in this document take just a few minutes to complete, and offer tangible performance gains for NAS systems that use SSD. At this stage, choosing to skip these setup procedures means you are not maximizing NAS SSD performance. Additionally, the document highlights the importance of compatibility when purchasing valuable SSD storage. Please consult the Infortrend QVL before making any SSD purchases to ensure optimized compatibility. Copyright 2013 Infortrend Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 8 / 8