Attribute-Intensive Applications

In contrast, most attribute-intensive applications are easily handled with less expensive networks. However, attribute-intensive applications require many networks. Use lower-speed networking media, such as Ethernet or Token Ring.

To configure networking when the primary application of the server is attribute-intensive:

• Configure on Ethernet or Token Ring.

• Configure one Ethernet network for eight to ten fully active clients.

More than 20 to 25 clients per Ethernet results in severe degradation when many clients are active. As a check, an Ethernet can sustain about 250-300 NFS ops/second on the SPECnfs_097 (LADDIS) benchmark, albeit at high collision rates. It is unwise to exceed 200 NFS ops/second on a sustained basis.

• Configure one Token Ring network for each ten to fifteen active clients.

If necessary, 50 to 80 total clients per network are feasible on Token Ring networks, due to their superior degradation characteristics under heavy load (compared to Ethernet).