IBM R5 manual Performance Guidelines, What Affects Application Responsiveness?, Network Topology

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Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide

June 18, 2001

 

 

Performance Guidelines

Disclaimer: Performance of applications can only be made in a general sense. Specific characteristics of application implementation on specific hardware will yield different performance characteristics. Performance tools for measurement and tuning exist in most instances and should be used.

The Domino Server Family has had success in the market due in part to the functionality it provides for messaging, groupware, and Web application development. Because these advanced and varied sets of capabilities are integrated into one platform, measuring the performance of the Domino Server and providing recommendations for specific customer environments always proves a challenge.

A. What Affects Application Responsiveness?

In today's distributed client/server environments, the elements that affect your customers’ experience of application responsiveness are highly variable. A sophisticated application deployment tool and messaging platform like Lotus Domino has many factors that can impact its performance:

ŸNumber of users

ŸUser tasks and workload mix

ŸAccess to back-end relational databases

ŸStatic versus dynamic Web pages

ŸRobust graphical displays based on Java and ActiveX

ŸClient type (simple browser, advanced unified clients like Active Desktop, Lotus Notes)

ŸUse of mail hubs

ŸRS/6000® configuration

ŸNetwork protocol and access methods

ŸServer deployment topology

Network Protocols and Topology

Your network protocols also have an impact on your network's performance. TCP/IP has historically proven to provide the best performance and most efficient use of network adapter hardware for Notes and Domino environments. We highly recommend that you use TCP/IP on your LAN if possible, especially when implementing a geographically dispersed network that utilizes WAN links. This is because most routers use TCP/IP to communicate over WAN links, so using it on the LAN reduces processing overhead.

The partitioning and clustering features of the Domino for AIX Enterprise Server do not support the IPX/SPX protocol. In addition, support for the maximum number of client sessions can only be accomplished with TCP/IP. SPX and SPX II protocol support is intended for migration from the IPX/SPX environment

Network Topology

Your Domino infrastructure's overall scalability depends in part on how much traffic your network can route and process efficiently. For example, if you initially deploy a few servers in a peer-to-peer topology, you may need to switch to a hub-and-spoke configuration as you add servers.

In an existing, large-scale deployment, make sure that your hub servers aren't overloaded. Check whether configuring servers-by-function for mail and replication would makes sense. Ultimately, you may be able to significantly boost mail throughput and application server bandwidth by upgrading just a few servers.

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Contents Revised June 18 Disclaimer PSeries Lotus Domino Server e-business Solution Overview Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Domino Release AIX Release Supported Software ReleasesComponent Recommended Level PTF MatrixNetwork Topology Performance GuidelinesWhat Affects Application Responsiveness? Network Protocols and TopologySteps to Maximum Domino Performance Know the ConfigurationOther Workload Factors Log Performance Metrics Consistently Distribute I/O Across Physical DisksOptimize for Domino R5 Make Use of NotesBench Data Know the Symptoms of Server Over-UtilizationLearn from Semaphores Lotus NotesBench Know When to Consolidate and When to DistributeConsider Clustering Consider Partitioning28,032 38,235 $23.91 $17.53 Sizing Guidelines Client Type R5 Scalability Increase Domino R5 on AIXDomino R5 on AIX Specifics RS/6000 Domino Server Sizing Tool Large Configuration Sample ConfigurationsSmall Configuration Medium ConfigurationCourse Name Course Cost Course Duration Course Number Pre-installation SupportPre-sales Technical Support EducationLotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Implementation Process Overview Select an Install TeamWorkstations Train Domino and Network AdministratorsNetwork ServersSetup a Pilot Project Create an Install Plan for the Network Infrastructure Create or Modify an Existing Disaster Recovery Plan Operating System HardwareServer Workstation Schedule and Perform the Installation of the Domino Servers Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Monitor Servers and Assist Users as Needed Document Experiences, Problems, and SolutionsLotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Completed? Checklist for ImplementationPreparing the AIX Environment Installation StepsLogin to AIX as the Root User Check your Default Path Environment VariableCreate AIX Groups Create a Volume GroupCreate AIX Users Create a Logical Volume for the Domino Binaries Create a Logical Volume for the Domino Data DirectoryCreate a File System for the Domino Data Directory Change Ownership of the New File Systems Check AIX Kernel ConfigurationCreate a File System for the Domino Binaries Mount the File SystemsWelcome Screen Installing the Lotus Domino ServerRun the Install Program From the CD Mounting the CdromFile Installation Complete Select the Type of Domino Server to InstallSetup for Partitioned Domino Servers Configuration ReviewServer Setup is Complete Start the Http Server Task For Server ConfigurationAdministration Settings Network and Communication SettingsDomino Product Support Post-installation SupportHardware Support AIX SupportService Description Contact Services AvailableURLs Additional Technical ResourcesRedbooks Publications Small Configuration Appendix A. Sample Configurator ConfigurationsCD-ROM Medium Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation GuideJune 18 CD-ROM Large Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation GuideJune 18 CD-ROM Appendix B. IBM Production Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide

R5 specifications

IBM R5, also known as IBM Notes R5, marked a significant evolution in the IBM Notes and Domino platform, offering users enhanced capabilities and features that improved productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Released in 1999, R5 introduced a more refined user interface, improved performance, and a range of new tools designed to facilitate communication and teamwork.

One of the standout features of IBM R5 was its comprehensive integration of email, calendaring, and tasks within a single interface. This centralized approach allowed users to manage their communications more efficiently, reducing the need to switch between multiple applications. The improved email functionality included enhanced filtering and sorting capabilities, enabling users to better organize their inboxes.

The R5 version also introduced significant advancements in the collaborative aspects of the platform. With new tools for team collaboration, such as enhanced discussion databases and a shared documents feature, R5 made it easier for teams to work together on projects irrespective of their physical locations. The introduction of instant messaging capabilities further bridged communication gaps, allowing users to connect in real time.

IBM R5 was built on a robust architecture that incorporated Domino server enhancements, which improved scalability and performance. The platform supported new technologies, including Java applets, allowing developers to build more dynamic and interactive applications. Additionally, the integration of the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) provided better directory services, making it simpler to manage user identities across the network.

Security features were also a focus in R5, with improvements in encryption and user authentication that helped safeguard sensitive data. The platform’s ability to integrate with other enterprise applications while maintaining robust security protocols made it a choice for organizations that prioritized data protection.

Moreover, IBM R5 incorporated a more modular and flexible architecture, enabling easier customization and management of applications and components. This adaptability catered to a wide range of business needs, thus positioning IBM Notes R5 as a versatile solution for organizations looking to enhance their workflow and communication processes.

Overall, IBM R5 served as a milestone in the evolution of enterprise collaboration solutions. Its innovative features, user-friendly interface, and robust security measures laid the foundation for future developments in the IBM Notes and Domino ecosystem, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective business practices.