Sun Microsystems T3 manual Configuring Data Block Size, Selecting a Data Block Size

Models: T3

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Configuring Data Block Size

The data block size is the amount of data written to each drive when striping data across drives. (The block size is also known as the stripe unit size.) The block size can be changed only when there are no volumes defined. The block size can be configured as 16 Kbytes, 32 Kbytes, or 64 Kbytes. The default block size is 64 Kbytes.

A cache segment is the amount of data being read into cache. A cache segment is 1/8 of a data block. Therefore, cache segments can be 2 Kbytes, 4 Kbytes, or

8 Kbytes. Because the default block size is 64 Kbytes, the default cache segment size is 8 Kbytes.

Note – The array data block size is independent of I/O block size. Alignment of the two is not required.

Selecting a Data Block Size

If the I/O initiated from the host is 4 Kbytes, a data block size of 64 Kbytes would force 8 Kbytes of internal disk I/O, wasting 4 Kbytes of the cache segment. Therefore, it would be best to configure 32-Kbyte block sizes, causing 4-Kbyte physical I/O from the disk. If sequential activity occurs, full block writes (32 Kbytes) will take place. For 8-Kbyte I/O or greater from the host, use 64-Kbyte blocks.

Applications benefit from the following data block or stripe unit sizes:

16-Kbyte data block size

Online Transaction Processing (OLTP)

Internet service provider (ISP)

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

32-Kbyte data block size

NFSfile system, version 2

Attribute-intensive NFS file system, version 3

64-Kbyte data block size

Data-intensive NFS file system, version 3

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

Data Warehouse (DW)

High Performance Computing (HPC)

Chapter 2 Configuring Global Parameters 15

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Sun Microsystems T3 manual Configuring Data Block Size, Selecting a Data Block Size

T3 specifications

Sun Microsystems T3 is a high-performance scalable server designed to meet the demanding requirements of enterprise-level computing. Introduced as part of the Sun Fire server lineup, the T3 was built to cater to organizations that needed both flexibility and reliability in their IT infrastructure.

One of the key features of the Sun T3 is its SPARC T3 processor, which integrates several cores on a single chip. This processor architecture allows for simultaneous multithreading, maximizing the utilization of resources and enhancing throughput. The SPARC T3 can support up to 16 cores, which means that it can handle a significant number of threads at once, making it an excellent choice for web applications, database processing, and other high-demand environments.

The T3's memory architecture also stands out. The system can support up to 1TB of memory with up to 128 DIMM slots, allowing for large data sets to be processed with ease. This large memory capacity provides ample room for memory-intensive applications and ensures smooth performance even under heavy loads.

Moreover, the Sun T3 is equipped with a unique virtualization technology known as Oracle VM Server for SPARC. This allows businesses to run multiple operating systems and applications on the same physical machine, reducing the need for additional hardware and simplifying management tasks. The virtualization capabilities contribute to cost savings while improving resource utilization.

In addition, the T3 features advanced I/O capabilities with multiple connectivity options, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and Serial Attached SCSI (SAS). This flexibility ensures that the system can be integrated into various network environments and supports a wide range of storage solutions.

Furthermore, the T3 is designed for enhanced energy efficiency. Sun Microsystems embedded their CoolThreads technology, which significantly reduces power consumption compared to traditional server architectures. This focus on energy efficiency not only helps in reducing operational costs but also supports corporate sustainability initiatives.

The T3 also incorporates robust security features, including hardware-based security mechanisms that protect data and facilitate secure operations. This is particularly important for businesses that handle sensitive information and are subject to regulatory compliance.

In summary, Sun Microsystems T3 is a formidable server that combines advanced processing power, scalability, virtualization capabilities, and energy efficiency. Its architecture and design make it suitable for a wide array of enterprise applications, positioning it as a reliable foundation for businesses looking to enhance their IT infrastructure.