Data Centers Rely on Microsoft, HP and Emulex for High Performance NAS Solution

Transcription

1 Whitepaper Data Centers Rely on Microsoft, HP and Emulex for High Performance NAS Solution Single Windows-powered HP NAS storage solution supports over 26 thousand users with high performance disk throughput of 681MB/s

2 Summary Data centers today rely on a variety of storage solutions to support different networks, applications and users. Flexibility and scalability are key to meeting these various and often changing requirements. HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 and X3800 G2 Network Storage Systems meet the requirements of any size data center. For example, the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway, a network-attached storage (NAS) appliance, with Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 and Emulex connectivity, provides large data centers the performance, flexibility and scalability they need to support tens of thousands of users, while the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System supports over 5,000 users. This white paper provides benchmark testing results for the following: n HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway: This is an optimized reference architecture for large data centers that is built with a single Windows-based HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 NAS storage solution, including Emulex connectivity components for Fibre Channel and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE). n HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System: This is an out-of-the box reference architecture for small data centers planning for growth and midsize data centers, built with Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 and connectivity components across 1GbE. Contents Introduction Microsoft HP Emulex...3 Major Components Used in the Testing HP ProLiant DL380 G6 Server HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 MSA Array System HP StorageWorks D2700 Disk Enclosure...4 HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System HP 82E 8Gb Dual-port PCIe Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter HP NC550SFP Adapter 10GbE Server Adapter HP ProCurve Switch 2500 Series...6 Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 R File Server Capacity Tool...6 FSCT Performance Testing with HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 and HP StorageWorks X1800 G Objective Reference Architecture Configurations...8 HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Configuration...9 HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Configuration...10 Methodology FSCT Performance Test Results FSCT Results for HP StorageWorks X3800 G FSCT Results for HP StorageWorks X1800 G Analysis HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway...11 HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System...12 Conclusion...13 For more information

3 Introduction Rapid file storage growth, driven by rich media, documents, backup files and , impacts businesses more now than ever before. Consolidating file data with a dedicated NAS solution can help address any data center s file serving needs, while reducing the cost of ownership by enabling simplified management, better resource utilization, centralized growth and data protection. NAS is file-level computer data storage connected to a computer network providing data access to heterogeneous clients. As of 2010, NAS devices continued to gain popularity, offering a convenient method of sharing files between multiple computers. NAS appliances are offered by a number of vendors, yet few publish benchmark results until now. HP, working closely with Microsoft and Emulex, decided to take their appliance into their benchmark lab. The end result is a proven solutions-based, reference architecture for large data centers requiring a scalable storage solution that can support over 26 thousand users. This white paper provides the following benchmark testing results, using File Server Capacity Tool (FSCT): n HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway with Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition and Emulex connectivity components across Fibre Channel and 10GbE n HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System with Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 and connectivity components across 1GbE The test results provided in this white paper were generated by Hewlett Packard using the Microsoft File Server Capacity Tool. Test results generated with this tool may not be accurate or appropriate for your needs and should not be relied upon as your sole reference. Microsoft makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied, about this tool, or any information or materials provided with this tool, including any results generated by this tool. Hewlett Packard makes no warranties or guarantees that the customer will have the same performance results in their own environments. The data presented below was run in a highly optimized configuration in a highly controlled environment. Other factors, such as network traffic, switch failover, switch throttling and switch transfer/receive speeds, are not taken into account in these tests. Microsoft Knowing that file server capacity planning and performance troubleshooting are critical aspects of high-level network administration, Microsoft created FSCT. FCST is geared at IT professionals and storage solution providers and can help project the number of users that hardware can support under a specific workload. This can be valuable in choosing new hardware for purchase, identifying the capacity of existing hardware, locating existing bottlenecks and planning for resource expansion. FSCT was used to do performance testing with the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway and the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System, with the results provided in this white paper. HP HP delivers an award-winning NAS solution geared at large data centers that require support for tens of thousands of users. HP StorageWorks X3000 G2 Network Storage Systems are based completely on industry-standard world-class components and deliver up to 20% better performance than standard Windows Server. They also include exclusive features like Single-Instance Storage (SIS), file de-duplication and Volume Shadow Copy Service Snapshots. In mixed environments, you get the flexibility of heterogeneous support for NAS-based protocols (CIFS and NFS), plus additional protocols like HTTP, FTP and WebDAV. X3000 G2 Network Storage Systems also support HP ProLiant features like Integrated Lights-Out3 (ilo3) remote management and HP System Insight Manager (SIM) integration. The HP X1000 G2 Network Storage Systems target small to midsize data centers. Emulex Emulex has been at the core of storage connectivity for over 20 years. Delivering host bus adapters (HBAs) when Storage Area Network (SAN) technology was in its infancy, they now provide universal converged network adapters (UCNAs) for the emerging converged network environment. Coupled with Emulex adapters, HP and Microsoft deliver optimized storage connectivity to ensure data is stored properly, available when needed and retrieved quickly. Read on to learn more about how your data center can benefit from an HP storage solution supported by Microsoft and Emulex components. 3

4 Major Components Used in the Testing The major hardware and software components used in the testing include: n HP ProLiant DL380 G6 Server n HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 MSA Array System n HP StorageWorks D2700 Disk Enclosure n HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway n HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System n HP 82E 8Gb Dual-port PCIe Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (using Emulex technology) n HP NC550SFP Adapter 10GbE Server Adapter (using Emulex technology) n HP ProCurve Switch 2500 Series n Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Details on these components are provided in the following sections. HP ProLiant DL380 G6 Server The HP ProLiant DL380 G6 Server delivers enterprise-class uptime, HP Insight Control manageability, and dual-socket Intel Xeon performance. Insight Control delivers essential infrastructure management that speeds server deployment, proactively manages health, optimizes power management and offers control from anywhere (standard on Performance models). The Intel Xeon processors offer superior performance, power efficiency and adaptability with Intel QuickPath, Integrated Memory Controller, Turbo Boost and Intelligent Power Technologies. HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 MSA Array System HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 MSA Array Systems deliver low cost, consolidated storage array technology to meet departmental and small to medium business requirements with 8Gb Fibre Channel, Combo FC/iSCSI or 6Gb SAS. All P2000 G3 MSA arrays ship standard with 64 Snapshots and Volume Copy enabled for increased data protection. The Fibre Channel or Combo Fibre Channel/iSCSI controllers allow replication with optional Remote Snap software. The arrays can scale up to 149 drives and reduce the risk of IT failure with dual active/active controllers, dual-ported drives and redundant hardware components. HP StorageWorks D2700 Disk Enclosure The HP StorageWorks D2700 Disk Enclosure helps small and midrange businesses manage their growing storage needs by deploying the next generation 6Gb SAS external storage enclosures with up to 192TB SATA or 50TB SAS Midline (MDL) drives. A low-cost, flexible, tiered external storage system, HP D2700 Disk Enclosures are ideal for application environments in small and medium businesses, remote offices and departmental locations. The new 6Gb SAS enclosures offer modular solutions that allow you to buy what is needed today and purchase additional capacity as data storage needs grow. HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway The HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway boosts the value of your array or SAN by adding Windowspowered IP-based gateway services. You ll spend less time and effort on maintenance and deliver a better return-oninvestment for your array/san when you consolidate to a single, unified storage pool that can serve files to your clients and blocks to your servers via multiple protocols (FC/iSCSI or SAS/iSCSI). Industry standards protect your investment by providing compatibility with your network and applications, and a Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS) license is included to provide high availability and reduce downtime. The HP X3800 G2 is built on a HP ProLiant DL380 G7 server. 4

5 HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage Systems deliver enterprise-class performance, expandability and flexibility. Up to two quad-core processors, five open PCIe slots for additional options and built-in external SAS connections for additional disk enclosures make it the shared storage solution of choice for medium business or datacenter class IT environments. The HP X1800 G2 is built on a HP ProLiant DL380 G7 server. HP 82E 8Gb Dual-port PCIe Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter Streamlined installation and management, unrivaled scalability and industry-leading virtualization support make the dualchannel HP 82E Fibre Channel HBA, based on the Emulex LightPulse 8Gb/s Fibre Channel HBA, an ideal solution for enterprise, mixed-os and virtual server environments. With powerful management capabilities and broad platform support, it delivers maximum performance in the broadest range of applications and environments. Emulex LightPulse HBAs support advanced error-checking and a firmware-based architecture that enables feature and performance upgrades without costly hardware changes. HP NC550SFP Adapter 10GbE Server Adapter The HP NC550SFP 10GbE Server Adapter is a low profile PCIe 10GbE adapter for HP ProLiant G6 and G7 rack servers that delivers high throughput with low latency for virtualized environments and for any ProLiant server where data traffic is particularly heavy. The HP NC550SFP Adapter is based on the Emulex OneConnect architecture which offers enhanced functionality and flexibility over competitive 10GbE network interface cards (NICs), including: n Industry-leading throughput, as measured with Ixia IxChariot performance tests. Near 10GbE line rates with more message sizes than the competition. n Full support for TCP hardware offloads, including TCP Offload Engine (TOE) or TCP Chimney Offload. n A unified 10GbE adapter platform that enables simplified version management and testing based on common NIC drivers, common firmware and boot code, consistent NIC teaming and consistent TCP offload support. HP NC550SFP adapters also leverage the new features of Intel Xeon processors beginning with the 5500 series, including MSI-X, QPI, PCI-Express 2.0, HTT and VT-d which all enable more I/O per CPU with the NC550SFP protocol hardware offload technology. HP FlexFabric and Converged Infrastructure The HP NC550SFP adapter is complementary to HP s FlexFabric strategy. HP FlexFabric is a next-generation, highly scalable data center fabric architecture and a technology layer in the HP Converged Infrastructure architecture. The HP Converged Infrastructure provides a blueprint for the data center of the future that eliminates costly and rigid IT silos so you can spend much more of your IT budget on business innovation. Modular and open, the HP Converged Infrastructure is built on a nextgeneration IT architecture based on standards that combines virtualized compute, storage and networks with facilities into a single shared-services environment optimized for any workload. The result is a unique approach that helps your business accelerate application delivery in a predictable, repeatable way that makes the most efficient use of IT, facility and staff resources to drive business innovation. HP FlexFabric embraces a common, wired-once, virtual I/O network that can: n Dynamically scale capacity n Orchestrate connections in response to demand n Consolidate network equipment n Deliver predictable performance 5

6 Within FlexFabric, Virtual Connect Flex-10 allows each 10GbE adapter port to be divided into up to four individual FlexNICs with bandwidth allocation in 100Mb/s increments to the maximum 10Gb/s per adapter port. A FlexNIC is an abstraction of a portion of a Virtual Connect 10GbE connection which is presented to the operating system as a standard NIC. Each FlexNIC has a unique MAC address and supports key benefits of integrated switching, including port aggregation, failover and virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging. HP ProCurve Switch 2500 Series The HP ProCurve Switch 2500 Series consists of Layer 2 managed 12- and 24-port switches. The switches have two Gigabit transceiver slots for copper or fiber connectivity, including 100Base-FX. The 2512 and 2524 switches have a proven track record of reliability and feature an industry-leading warranty and next-day advance replacement. Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 is the version of Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 that is optimized for file and print services. It contains new and improved features, including: n Server Message Block version 2.1 (SMB2.1): Handles file transfer operations faster and more efficiently than previous versions. The number of communications between clients and servers are significantly reduced, optimizing network bandwidth. Even post- and pre-transport operations are improved, providing improved flexibility and more compatibility with today s file service technologies. n Optimized File Services: Registry level file and print optimization entries have been configured by Microsoft experts to make Windows Storage Server a more effective file server. This reduces (or removes) several other services, creating less administrative overhead because fewer updates/patches are required. n SIS improvements: SIS adds cluster support, as well as performance gains. SIS searches for files that are identical on the NTFS file system volume, and then reports those files to the SIS filter driver. Most of the work is done when the operating system is not busy (in background mode), so that file serving performance impact is reduced. n Support for Microsoft Bitlocker Drive Encryption: Provides enhanced protection against data theft and exposure of server hardware if lost or stolen, and it provides more secure data deletion. The Enterprise edition of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 (installed on all HP StorageWorks X3000 Network Storage System models) also includes a MSCS license. File Server Capacity Tool File Server Capacity Tool 1.0 (FSCT 1.0) helps estimate the maximum number of users that server hardware can support under a specific workload, and it can help you understand when and where bottlenecks occur. To download this tool, see File Server Capacity Tool in the Microsoft Download Center. A step-by-step guide is available in the download package, which provides detailed instructions about installing, running, and reviewing FSCT test results. FSCT was created by Microsoft after analyzing the workload of production file servers used to store user s home folders. The tool simulates a typical file server s workload in a lab environment. Figure 1 shows the components of FSCT. It is a tool for CIFS/SMB/SMB2 file servers focused on capacity planning and is also useful for identifying bottlenecks. FSCT can simulate multiple TCP connections and sessions, with each client test machine simulating multiple users. It can also exercise certain sequences of file operations to simulate real application behavior. 6

7 Figure 1 FSCT components. FSCT measures the throughput capacity of a file server either as the maximum number of operations per second or as a maximum number of users supported by the configuration. These values are influenced by several factors, some of which include processor speed, available memory, disk speed, network throughput and latency and the speed with which SMB requests are processed. FSCT Performance Testing with HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway and HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System Objective The objective for the performance testing was to: n Determine the number of users the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System and HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway can support in an as shipped configuration. n Determine the number of users the systems can support with minor operating system customizations. n Determine the number of users the systems can support with minor hardware upgrades (i.e., increase memory). 7

8 To meet these testing objectives, a set of workload tests was conducted as described below. Reference Architecture Configurations The test configuration consisted of an HP server and NAS appliance, as well as peripheral components to connect the configuration to a network. Each test server had three different testing scenarios: n As-shipped configuration (no hardware changes, no operating system customizations) n Operating system customizations (no hardware changes, operating system customizations implemented) n Minor hardware customizations (hardware changes to memory, operating system customizations implemented) The HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 testing server used Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition, while the X3800 G2 testing server used Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition. Each server ran the FSCT tool for preparation and configuration of the benchmark test files/folders. HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Configuration This reference architecture connects to a 10GbE network with 8Gb/s Fibre Channel for storage (see Figure 2). Figure 2 HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 benchmark configuration. 8

9 HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Testing Server The HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway server was configured with two Intel Xeon six-core X5650 series processors and 72GB memory. The HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 server used the Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition operating system. The testing server also ran the FSCT software for preparation of the testing files and folders. The testing server was connected to the SAN with the HP-branded Emulex 8Gb/s Fibre Channel HBA and to the clients with the HP-branded Emulex 10GbE UCNA. Storage Subsystem The HP P2000 G3 MSA Array was configured as the SAN storage array and both ports from two storage processors SPA and SPB were connected to the host via an 8Gb/s Fibre Channel switch. A total of ninety-six (96) 72GB 15K Fibre Channel drives were configured into 8 RAID 10 LUN groups of 12 drives. The HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 was configured with MPIO enabled to allow for multiple connections to the P2000 G3 storage arrays. Along with enabling MPIO for the multiple data paths, Microsoft best practices were enabled to help enhance the performance and provide consistent and re-certifiable results. Adapters The HP-branded Emulex 8Gb/s Fibre Channel HBA model used in the configuration was the dual-channel LPe12002 (HP part number AJ763A). Both ports of the four adapters were attached to the SAN and all 8 LUNs were presented to both ports. The HP-branded Emulex 10GbE UCNA model used in the configuration was the OneConnect OCe10102-F (HP part number NC550SFP). The card was set to a static IP address through the 10Gb/s switch and all clients were configured to use the static IP of the server for the tests. HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Configuration This reference architecture connects to a 1GbE network (see Figure 3). Figure 3 HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 benchmark configuration. 9

10 HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Testing Server The HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System server was configured with one Intel Xeon X5640 series processor and 6GB memory. The HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 server used the Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 operating system. The testing server also ran the FSCT software for preparation of the testing files and folders. Methodology For the tests, FSCT was set to calculate the maximum user count that could be provided by each system in the three different testing scenarios. Each system was run with a similar command argument to produce similar output as described below. Preparation Client: fsct prepare client /controller PerfController /server <HP X1000 G2 Server Name> /password <password> Server: fsct prepare server /clients <perfclient1, perfclient2 perfclient N> /password <password> /users 1000 /volumes <volume on server : > /workload HomeFolders /verbose verbose Execution Client: fsct run client /controller PerfController /server <name of server> /password <password> /domain <domain> Controller: fsct run controller /server <name of server> /password <password> /volumes <volume on server : > /clients <perfclient1, perfclient2 perfclient N> /min_users 1000 /max_users 8000 /step 200 /duration 720 /workload HomeFolders FSCT Performance Test Results The benchmark test results for the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway and the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System are provided below. The main benchmark shows the scenario throughput, defined as follows: Scenario throughput The number of scenarios executed per second. Scenario throughput is the number of file handling operations per second possible in a given client/server configuration. FSCT 1.0 includes a single workload folder (HomeFolders) which simulates a standard user s workload based on Microsoft Office, Windows Explorer and command-line usage when the user s home directory is located on the file server. FSCT Results for HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 The FSCT test results for the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway are summarized below in Figure 4. Figure 4 FSCT test results for HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 reference architecture. The test results show that the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 delivers consistent and fast performance for approximately 26,500-27,000 users. This is with a single Windows-based solution. 10

11 FSCT Results for HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 The FSCT test results for the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System (RAID 1+0) are summarized below in Figure 5. For these test results, an As Shipped scenario throughput result is compared with an OS Customizations result. The main difference between these two configurations is that the As Shipped configuration is a straight out-of-the-box, plug and play deployment, while the other reflects changes made to optimize performance. The changes made to the system are outlined in the Microsoft Performance Tuning Guidelines for Windows Server 2008, linked to below: Figure 5 FSCT test results for HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 reference architecture. The test results show that the As Shipped configuration can support up to 4,000 users, while with OS customizations, the configuration can support up to 5,200 users. Analysis The following sections provide an analysis of the FSCT testing on the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 and X1800 G2 systems. HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway The following test results shown in Table 1 compare the HP StorageWorks X3800 G1 with P2000 G2 with the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 with P2000 G3. The main difference between the two configurations is that the HP StorageWorks X3800 G1 Network Storage Gateway is based off of the ProLiant DL380 G6 hardware platform, while the HP X3800 G2 is based off of the ProLiant DL380 G7 hardware platform. The differences between the P2000 G2 and the P2000 G3 is the P2000 G2 is based off of the MSA 2000 G2 hardware platform and is capable of 6Gb/s SAS and Fibre Channel connections, while the P2000 G3 is capable of both 6Gb/s SAS and 8Gb/s Fibre Channel connections. 11

12 Table 1 HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 FSCT test results. FSCT Test Results X3800 G1 with P2000 G2 X3800 G2 with P2000 G3 Max users supported 23,000 26,500 27,000 CPU Utilization 63.10% % Memory Utilization 23% % Disk Utilization 601 MBytes/sec 681 MBytes/sec Network Utilization 5.20 Gbits/sec 5.45 Gbits/sec Hardware Configuration Platform White Box White Box Operating System Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition (WSS08R2) Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition (WSS08R2) Processor (2) Intel X5560 (3.00GHz) (2) Intel X5650 (2.66GHz) Memory 72 GB 96 GB Disks (198) 146GB SAS 15K rpm (192 usable RAID 1+0) (198) 146GB SAS 15K rpm (192 usable RAID 1+0) MSA (2) P2000 G2 + (6) MSA70 (2) P2000 G3 + (6) D2700 FC HBA (4) QLogic 6Gb/s FC HBA (4) EMULEX 8Gb/s FC HBA NICs (1) NC550SFP+ 10GbE NIC (1) NC550SFP+ 10GbE NIC The data shows the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway configuration delivers a high performance NAS solution for large data centers. A single Windows-based HP NAS solution built with the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway can support over 26 thousand users. HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System For the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 test results, an As Shipped result is compared with an Operating System Customizations result. As stated previously, the main difference between these two configurations is that the As Shipped configuration is a straight out-of-the-box, plug and play deployment, while the other reflects changes made to the configuration to optimize performance. Table 2 provides the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 FSCT performance test results for RAID 1+0. Table 2 HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 FSCT test results. FSCT Test Results As Shipped Operating System Customizations Max users supported CPU Utilization 14.6% 17.3% Memory Utilization 88.57% 76.84% Disk Utilization MBytes/sec MBytes/sec Network Utilization Mbits/sec Mbits/sec Hardware Configuration Platform Black Box White Box Operating System Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 (WSS08R2) Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 (WSS08R2) Processor (1) Intel X5640 (2.66GHz) (1) Intel X5640 (2.66GHz) Memory 6 GB 6 GB Disks (16) 300GB SAS 10K rpm (16) 300GB SAS 10K rpm MSA N/A N/A FC HBA N/A N/A NICs (4) NC382i 1GbE (4) NC382i 1GbE 12

13 The testing shows the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System can support the needs of small data centers who are planning for growth and those of midsize data centers. With minor OS modifications, the performance improves with this scalable solution. Note that with additional disks, it is likely that higher performance and scalability can be achieved, but Table 2 provides the results of actual tests completed. Test Guidelines As you complete your analysis, the following are guidelines that can be used to determine if a server can support your needs: 4000 users maximum per 1Gb NIC A 1Gb NIC is required for every 4000 user increment. Adding more 1Gb NICs or adding a 10Gb NIC can alleviate this issue. >110,000,000 bytes/sec (Disk Read + Disk Write) = 1Gb NIC bottleneck If running tests and memory is not an issue, you may experience a NIC bottleneck where the number of disk writes plus disk reads is greater than 110,000,000 bytes/sec. Adding more NICs can alleviate this issue. >60% CPU utilization can affect performance If the CPU utilization is greater than 60%, upgrading to a faster CPU or adding a secondary CPU can improve performance. Conclusion The tested configuration of the HP StorageWorks X3800 G2 Network Storage Gateway running Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 using HP-branded Emulex LightPulse LPe Gb/s Fibre Channel HBAs and OneConnect OCe10102 UCNAs provides a robust, scalable, high performance storage solution for large data centers. FSCT benchmark testing shows that this combination delivers a complete storage solution for Fibre Channel-connected hosts with a 10GbE backbone. With over 26 thousand users supported, this is a solution that is flexible and will scale as the company s data center needs grow. Similarly, the HP StorageWorks X1800 G2 Network Storage System is robust and scalable, meeting the needs of small data centers planning for growth and midsize data centers. Look to HP, Microsoft and Emulex to continue to partner and deliver data center solutions that are aimed at data centers requiring high performance storage solutions. 13

14 For more information Emulex HP HP X1000 G2/X3000 G2 Product Home Pages Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 Home Page Windows Storage Server 2008 Blog Performance Tuning Guidelines for Windows Server File Server Capacity Tool (FSCT) 64-bit download 32-bit download File Server Capacity Tool Forum Emulex, Inc. All rights reserved. This document refers to various companies and products by their trade names. In most, if not all cases, their respective companies claim these designations as trademarks or registered trademarks. This information is provided for reference only. Although this information is believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publication, Emulex assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Emulex reserves the right to make changes or corrections without notice. This report is the property of Emulex and may not be duplicated without permission from the Company. Hewlett Packard makes no warranties or guarantees that the customer will have the same performance results in their own environments. The data presented below was run in a highly optimized configuration in a highly controlled environment. Other factors such as network traffic, switch failover, switch throttling, switches transfer/receive speeds is not taken into account in these tests. Copyright 2011 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. These test results were generated by HP using the Microsoft File Server Capacity Tool. Test results generated with this tool may not be accurate or appropriate for your needs and should not be relied upon as your sole reference. Microsoft makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied, about this tool, or any information or materials provided with this tool, including any results generated by this tool. 14

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